Well, my New Year’s high didn’t last long. So much for my resolution to get shiz done. It’s only Thursday and I’m procrastinating again. Mostly I can’t stand looking at a blank page, so I resort to other distractions. Like trolling Facebook or eating a cinnamon swirl muffin. Mmm.
One of my favorite writers Katie Crouch said once in an interview, “Writing is a crazy business. I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone. It’s too bad I’m not very good at anything else.” At first this comment kinda pissed me off. I mean, she’s published several books and has won awards. Isn’t that worth the craziness? But as I sit here in front of my computer (which is glaring back at me), I think this applies to the process as well as publishing. I mean, writers work in a vacuum. We toss around big concepts like story ideas and structure in our heads, and then sit down to bring the individual words together that make up this huge thing. It’s insane – looking at something as both a whole and all the minute parts that go into it at the same time. I get overwhelmed sometimes, and I don’t think I’m alone. I’d like to think this is how Katie feels every time she sits down to write something new.
Speaking of work, I was listening to NPR about this work/life balance study that was just released, and how the U.S. came in at the bottom of the heap of countries. We don’t know how to balance work and life at all. What a depressing thought—even the Germans do it better. What constitutes a balance between work and life? According to what I read, “The OECD settled on three chief variables: (1) The share of the labor force that works extreme hours; (2) leisure time; and (3) employment rates for women who have children. The United States, which leads most of the world in share of mothers who are working, lagged in leisure time and share of overworked employees.” Yee-haw!
I’m not trying to make excuses. (Or maybe I am.) I guess my point is – we’re all still trying to figure out what it means to be successful in life, in a career. We’re also all trying to make a living. These don’t necessarily go hand in hand.
I don’t think success in life means the same thing to everyone. For some, the most important part of life is relationships – and for others, a hefty bank account. And some just want to find their purpose. I guess I fall into this last category. I want my work to mean something. That would contribute to my overall well-being, I’m sure. Regardless of work-life balance. If you’re doing something that’s meaningful to you, isn’t that worth the work?
I’d rather be writing than anything else – even on my frustrating days. So I’ll remind myself of this fact, suck it up, and put some words on paper. Even if they suck, at least I’m trying.
About Kelly Seal
Kelly is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles, CA. She blogs about dating, relationships, personal growth and what "healthy living" means to her. You can follow her on Google+, Twitter @kellyseal or through her website www.kellyseal.com.
I’m procrastinating too! I should be writing…but then I thought, I’ll just see if Kelly S has updated her blog…
Ha! Funny you should mention procrastinating…
xoxo