Monday, September 6, 2010

Don't be afraid of change


Sometimes we're forced to change direction. Sometimes we have to alter our course to reach our goal. I like to think that everything can be compared to writing, (kind of like running) so here is what I think.

We have dreams, goals, like writing and/or finishing this perfect story. Nothing matters but making it happen, just like we envision. We work toward that end.

Some of you know that I hurt my back. I can't run anymore. I'm devastated, but I figured I'd stay in shape by walking, lifting weights and doing yoga, then be back to running by spring. I soon learned that even walking aggravated my sacrum/hip injury. I could feel myself losing muscle and stamina . . . and happiness.

While talking to my chiropractor, he suggested getting an Air Walker or Air Glider. This was NOT what I wanted, but he knows his business, so I looked for one. That very day I found one. (the ONLY listing for one in all of Utah) and get this . . . it was for sale only twenty minutes from my house for twenty bucks! Now that may not sound huge, but I live way out in BFE, so it IS!

We went, picked it up, and came home. It was practically brand new. Another miracle for ya.

I've used it almost every day. It took ALL pressure off that terribly hurting joint. It's not the same as running, and I miss the pounding of the pavement, but it worked and made me sweat. My calves are not as defined, but dang! My behind is getting tight and high! Woo hoo! Who woulda thunk it?

In my mind, the plan was to run. I LOVE running. I love the feel, I love the burn and how fast your lose weight. But I can't do that right now. Right now, I have to change my plan.

This happens as we write. Your story may not work the way you envisioned it would. You may have to cut scenes you really like. You may have to revamp a character, or even cut that character completely, but guess what? You still get there. You still make it to the end and sometimes, surprise-surprise . . . the story is even better!

Be open to change. Be open to going a different way, a different route. Don't be afraid to branch off in new, undiscovered territory. You may be pleasantly surprised at what you find.

7 comments:

Avenues of Awareness said...

I am so glad that you have found something that is satisfying to you. That is wonderful.

I liked the analogy as well. Good advice for us all.

Nicole said...

The ability to re-write is a wonderful thing. Discovering you can do it really lifts your spirits :) And i love running too but I have to do it as 'interval training' as otherwise I get constant injuries ;p so it's jog/run 4 lamp posts then walk two. I throw a big hill in to add to it *grin* Glad you've found a way to exercise, it sucks not being able to.

http://damselinadirtydress.blogspot.com

N. R. Williams said...

22 years ago I was in a car accident and my hip injury went undiagnosed. 4 years ago I couldn't walk at all. Now I have two stainless steal hips, and I can stand and walk for about twenty minutes. It's getting better. I think your analogy of the writing process fits this very well. Our struggles seem never ending especially during editing. But with perseverance, we come to some incredible discoveries about ourselves and our abilities.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author

Old Kitty said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your back and am so glad that this Air Walker/Glider is there to help you. I might have to google that to see what it is exactly as it sounds amazing - I'm tempted cos I do have a weak back.

Anyway - I am finding that I need to be very open to change with my current WIP - I need to be flexible too and to be able to adapt and let the narrative lead me to goodness knows where - but perhaps this is part of the excitement of creating a story!

Take care
x

JB said...

Beautiful blog. We suffer only when we refuse to change or go with the flow, or let life lead us where it may. Way to be open to new adventures and willing to change! This is a very true message I try to remember in all that I do. My best to you, Janelle

You can call me Ant. said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog too :) I hear you when it comes to that air glider. I think sometimes I'm resistant to change, but whenever I give it a chance, it always makes for a nice surprise. Good luck with that plot!

Tamara Hart Heiner said...

I think I just had deja vu... ;)