or, How to Let Go of Guilt’s Negative Feedback Loop - Even famous writers like Virginia Woolf feel guilt when not writing. Why? And how do we overcome it?
I don't know how you knew I needed this post (hidden camera perhaps) as I binged BritBox and opened my laptop every day only to ignore it!
Giving myself permission to NOT write is as liberating and almost as exhilerating as completing an article or chapter!! You've read my mind on more than one occasion. Many thanks!
Glad to hear giving yourself permission is taking some of the stress off. And yes, BritBox looks to be amazing -- if we didn't have so many streaming services already, I probably would have dove in.
I find personal assignments are sometimes the hardest: fewer deadlines and nobody is giving you direction on the style or content. There can be more room for guilt, too, the longer it sits on the backburner.
Attack it when you have the chance, and sit back guilt-free when you don't. It wil come when it's ready.
I don't know how you knew I needed this post (hidden camera perhaps) as I binged BritBox and opened my laptop every day only to ignore it!
Giving myself permission to NOT write is as liberating and almost as exhilerating as completing an article or chapter!! You've read my mind on more than one occasion. Many thanks!
Ha - I promise you, no spying involved!
Glad to hear giving yourself permission is taking some of the stress off. And yes, BritBox looks to be amazing -- if we didn't have so many streaming services already, I probably would have dove in.
Enjoy!
I've been stuck trying to write on a personal assignment for the past 20 days. This post was much needed. Thank you!
Glad to hear it was helpful!
I find personal assignments are sometimes the hardest: fewer deadlines and nobody is giving you direction on the style or content. There can be more room for guilt, too, the longer it sits on the backburner.
Attack it when you have the chance, and sit back guilt-free when you don't. It wil come when it's ready.
This one comes with a deadline though, only 12 days to go! Gotta hustle.
Ah, well then! Deadlines can be motivating. Hustle, hustle, hustle then!
Another thoughtful take on one of the age-old challenges writers confront. Well-put, Graham.
Thanks, Terry! It is a toughie... lol
lol - this is a safe space -- no getting mad at all!
But if you ever do feel the urge to write, I have a few good posts that may help to get you started including one on journalling (https://www.towritewithwildabandon.com/p/should-you-be-journalling) and one on how to just start writing about any old thing (https://www.towritewithwildabandon.com/p/how-to-write-bad-words).
Thanks for reading and commenting either way!