Write with Abandon

Every year I set new goals.

I prefer “goals” to “New Year’s resolutions” because most folks don’t follow through with resolutions.

Resolutions sound great and our intentions are noble, but they’re somewhat self-defeating. Especially if we’re caught up in the holiday hype of seeing this as a must-do. Then our promises ring hollow because the outcome rarely matches our expectation.

So why set the stage for disillusionment and failure? Why not change the approach?

Yes, some folks may argue that it’s just a semantics game, but I say let ’em.

Realistic pursuits are more likely achieved. Naming those things we’re unlikely to change—or those things beyond our control to change—only adds fuel to the fire.

And you’d probably agree, a burnout isn’t fun. Why do it intentionally?

As I look toward 2015 one clear goal is this—write with abandon.

That’s right. I’m going back to those newbie days. Those days I wrote for hours and hours without a care in the world. Those days where I didn’t worry about craft and mechanics and who might be reading.

Those days of fearless writing, creating, and unfettered constraint.

Those days of total fearlessness.

Don’t misunderstand—I’ve learned a lot since then so I won’t ditch knowledge for sloppy writing, but I refuse to keep up with the Joneses. I won’t measure my productivity by someone else’s ruler. You shouldn’t either.

Here’s what I mean.

Over the weekend I read some of my old blog posts. Some earlier manuscripts.

I noticed a difference. The difference was subtle, but there.

Many years ago I was in a far different place. Because our son was still recovering from a catastrophic illness, I wrote out of raw emotion. I didn’t worry about what others thought.

What drove me to write was more about the need and less about the industry. In other words, what I lacked in know-how, I accomplished with story.

I wrote from the gut.

It showed.

Fast forward several years.

My craft improved.

I wrote better.

I wrote more.

While there’s been a seamless blend of heart and emotion fused with craft, recently I’ve held back. I’ve kept that secret spot held in reserve.

Not intentionally, but as I’ve grown as a writer I’ve lost the edge—that carefree, uninhibited Pollyanna me—I used to have.

I’ve tamped down the vulnerability. Maybe out of fear. Maybe out of exhaustion.

I’ve decided to change that and go for broke again.

In the next year you’ll see a new blogging schedule and some new themes emerge as I revisit the basics.

I’ll write with abandon like I did when no one was watching.

I hope you’ll do the same.

***

What are your goals for 2015?

Additional posts you may enjoy:

Goals to Set NOW and the Encouragement You Need

Hope: 20 Reasons to Throw Open Your Windows

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As writers, sometimes it’s necessary we revisit the basics. This is why.

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Pressing on with you!

Blessings Always,