Give Yourself a Pat on the Back and Then Get Moving Again
At the beginning of the year, I started writing my book again after taking over a 2-year beak. I truly have a desire to finish this book for myself. I feel like I have a good story to tell, and I owe it to myself to give writing a try. In my blog in late January “Phew! 2020 is Behind Us!”, I shared my goals for writing. The goal was to complete 60,000 words averaging 334 words per day by my birthday, March 25th. So, how did I do you might be wondering?
I completed 48,408 words averaging 323 words per day.
I figure I have two choices here:
1. I can Judge myself for not meeting my goal. Start with a bunch of negative self-talk about how I can’t do it right. Or I am not good enough, blah, blah, blah. But how will that serve me?
2. Or I can look at the glass half full and see how close I came to actually meeting my goal and take a moment to give myself a pat on the back.
Honestly, I have never written this many words before. So, I actually feel really good about myself. I barely missed my goal. So, by embracing option 2 above, I feel even more inspired to move forward with completing the book. To keep me focused and accountable, I am going to share my new goals as of March 26, 2021:
Complete 80,000 words (or complete the book) averaging approx. 350 words per day by June 25, 2021
Part of achieving a goal requires actually writing it down; Moving it from a thought into reality through spoken or written words.
I finished Charlie’s story earlier this month and have spent a lot of time doing research for John’s story. Here is an excerpt from John’s story:
CHAPTER 4
Rather than getting into the carriage, Father Michael joined John in the Drivers cab. The rain was relentless. By the time Father Michael got situated, he was wet from head to toe. Going back for dry clothes was not an option at this point. John was obviously very distressed and was in need of his friend. For the first 10 minutes of the ride, Father Michael did not say a word. He did not even ask any questions. He just silently prayed the rosary. He was not even sure why he was praying. But his gut feel was that something terrible had happened and praying the rosary had always brought him comfort since he was a small boy. Soon the familiar comfort of praying the rosary washed over him. Feeling strong and focused, he finally asked the question he knew needed to be asked. “John, why do you have blood all over your clothes? Has something terrible happened? Has someone been hurt?” In his thoughts he had hoped it was a tragedy with one of the animals from John’s estate, but deep down he knew John would not be so distressed if this was all it was.
John did not answer Father Michael’s question. All John could do was briefly look over at Father Michael before he hung his head down low. That brief moment of eye contact said it all for Father Michael. He had known John since they were young boys. John was a very strong and proud man. Hanging his head in shame just wasn’t part of his character. And the fear he saw in John’s eyes, was not a familiar sight for Father Michael either. Suddenly Father Michael felt a very sick feeling in his stomach. He decided he would ask John a simpler question. “John, where is your driver?” Again, there was no response.
I sure hope you are enjoying these snip-its from the book! Until next time.
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