Rituals

I got carried away reading that I allowed some of my goals to fall by the wayside. However, it was a productive read. Stephen King says that reading is paramount to learning how to write well and that writers should do it often to learn. At first, I thought reading would detract from my writing, but if anything, it inspires me. Plus, I did learn along the way, as he said I would. Most of the time, I was too caught up in the story to pay attention to style and technique, but on those rare times I did remember, I found it to be an excellent training method. Now that I know how the story ends, I will take the time to re-read the novel, paying particular attention to style, technique and method.

My diet has mostly been raw-food based, but I’ve developed an affinity for salty foods. I think it’s because of all the sweet fruits I eat, I’m not sure. If I incorporate more salads to my very narrow menu, it may deter the taste for the salty ... I'll soon see. I can tell that I’m getting toxic. My skin shows it, plus I’m more congested than usual. I need to re-introduce daily dry body brushing into my routine and at a minimum, do a full-day cleanse.

Sunday, I spent an hour doing rehab moves. Last night, I was a couch potato, stuffing my face with banana balls while I finished reading The Devil Inside. It’s an urban fantasy, which is not my preferred genre, but aside from giving me nightmares (literally), it was pretty good.

I knew I should’ve been writing the last couple of days, and it bothered me that I didn’t. Come to think of it, it was more painful not to write than to write ... But I just couldn’t make myself sit there and begin. Maybe if I devised a way to force me to write, like handcuffs that only come off once I produce a full page of coherent sentences. Coherent sentences — that seems a fair and do-able goal. Each book I read on writing says every writer needs a "place" to write and to write there everyday at the same time, and eventually it becomes ritualistic; writing becomes easier. I will add this to my expanding list of goals.

I’m going to choose to say very little about the book I’ve agreed to co-author, as I don’t want to take away from it, and I think by mentioning it here, I might.

As for my novel, well the protagonist, Aurora, is developing ever so slowly. Can’t wait to see how she grows up. :) I got a eureka moment this morning. Naturally, it was while I was driving. Morning drives bring out my muse. Anyway, the eureka I got gave an interesting twist to the plot :)

I’m trying not to feel overwhelmed by all my projects. I’m going to adopt the mentality that I’m lucky to have as many projects as I do – it just means I’m alive and on my path. I’m staying away from the loser mentality of "I can’t." As with everything, it begins with a plan. A structured plan ... and of course discipline.

I need to ritualistically set up a times to:

• write
• meditate
• exercise
• expand photography knowledge
• clean (yes, clean. Perhaps I’m being too hard on myself with this one :)
• dry brush

I was checking out other people’s flickr accounts from some of the nature/butterfly flickr groups I’ve joined. Some of those pictures are jaw dropping. My amazement for what exists in nature, and for what is possible to capture on camera will never cease.

This is from today's Daily Motivator and it especially spoke to me today:

Tuesday, January 22, 2008 -- Get a purpose

If you're not clear about your purpose on this day, random events, distractions and circumstances beyond your control will impose a purpose upon you. You'll end up spending your precious time in the service of things that won't bring any value or fulfillment.

In contrast, when you're solidly connected to a personally meaningful purpose, you're able to focus on making real progress. Though the same problems, frustrations and distractions will come, they will not have the power to overwhelm or consume you.

The more fully you understand why you wish to do something, the more clearly you'll see how to do it. Strong, solid, meaningful reasons will ignite the energy to create worthwhile and lasting achievements.

It is well worth the time and effort necessary to understand why you seek what you seek. When you know why, anything is within your reach.

To get maximum results from your efforts, look beyond the outer concerns of what you're doing. Look at why you've chosen to do it.

Give this day a real, honest purpose that truly means something to you. And you'll build value that continues long after the day is over.

-- Ralph Marston