Write your way to a better life!
I live on planes and recently find myself sitting next to writers. At first I thought it was a coincidence and then began to wonder if anything is really a coincidence or are the gods sending me a message. In fact, sitting next to two writers in the last five days, one a humorous fiction writer and the other a professor working on a book on genomics has me wondering if serendipity is one of those ways the universe supports our life’s most meaningful ventures.
I recently closed a book deal with the Touchstone division of Simon and Schuster for my book on Practical Genius and have been writing like a mad woman since. As I quickly settle into this new leg of my life’s journey, I’ve realized that as I’ve reorganized my prioritizes around what really is the most important undertaking of my career, everything in my life has shifted into a multi-sensory, almost 3-D life experience.
I don’t know if it’s the writing zone, the ridiculous amounts of Matcha tea I’m drinking or just a coincidence, but this writing mode I am in is rendering a surprising enhancement of my everyday experiences. My food tastes better, the sun seems brighter, my son’s skin seems softer, and my days even seem longer.
So the question is, is it the writing or the fact that I’ve been forced to slow down and by doing so am actually experiencing my everyday environment from a concentrated level of consciousness? It’s probably both and I share this to inspire you to invest meaningful time in your own writing quest. And don’t lie to yourself, you know you have one.
Do you have an idea for a short story and just haven’t gotten around to it, or the beginnings of a fabulous op-ed article and just haven’t finished it? Whether you’re writing a book, a article or a memo to your boss remember your piece of genius whether 20,000 words or 140 characters is truly your gift to the world and it’s worth you taking the time to reorganize your day around your writing to do so. I promise the benefits will be priceless.
Writing is painful for lots of us but if you just start writing, one word at a time, one sentence at a time, one thought and idea at a time, you will quickly realize writing is a gifting process and you are writing for yourself but also as a gift of knowledge and recognition and connection to your audience. Once you make this realization, the writing becomes less painful and more enjoyable and meaningful. Ultimately, writing will give you the excuse to slow down, quiet yourself, and allow space within your mind and heart to ponder your ideas and experiences.
As I go through this publishing experience I will try to share some of the surprising and gratifying parts of my experience, in hopes of inspiring you in your own writing. My first book, Practical Genius, will be released in October 2011.
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