I am blessed.
I don’t say that enough. I have a tendency to focus on the negative things in my life and try to fix them or when I cannot, dwell on them endlessly. I turn most things in my life into a competitive bloodsport that, when I cannot win, I choose to see as a failing on my part. I do it with self talk about my kids, about the things I do wrong in my relationships, my physical shortcomings, and even about my failures as a writer. It is really self-destructive. When I get into this kind of cycle (which is weekly if not daily) I find that it impacts my mood and energy level in a way that detracts from being good at any of the things I mentioned above. In fact, it is easier to negatively spiral than it is to put in the work to fix any of those problems which generally tend to start out as small things.
Fixing the problems might not even be possible. It is important to recognize that as well. It is equally important to accept these things you cannot change. I cannot fix the fact that my kids choose to stay with their mom when they come back home. I can, however, accept it and make sure the time that I do get to spend with them is worthwhile and that there is always space available here for them when they want to show up.
I am learning to think about the writing in the same way: opportunities vs errors. Growth mindset, some say. I could definitely use it.
Some Thoughts:
- I think I am going to finally get around to writing and putting out that book on writing based on years of this blog. I am going to call it The Ten Minute Rule. There will be some kind of subtitle as well, but I haven’t gotten that far. I think it should also have a 365 calendar (with adjustments for leap year?) that gives prompts if you’re struggling that day. Yes. This feels right.
- PFF missed my kid’s PBU. Go over the tape again, folks! Get his numbers right! Better not miss next week on his stats against Iowa…