I’ve noticed a few comments recently on Substack about taking a writing hiatus for the Holidays. Some writers assert that posting this time of year is pointless because “no one will read what you have bothered to write anyway.” People are just too busy.
When I first heard about Substack last July, I wondered the same thing. Will anyone be interested in what I have to say? Will I get lost in the crowd of already popular writers? Am I just wasting my time?
I decided then that I would do it for myself even if no one ever read my writing. A relative or stranger might stumble upon my posts online or find pages in a box after I have left this world, and they will be happy I wrote. Maybe. It could happen.
Nevertheless, I’m a writer. It’s who I am, even if I am the only one who thinks so.
My words are my legacy to leave and my way of documenting my thoughts and experiences.
After turning sixty-five this year, I am very clear that I have more time behind me than in front of me. If I want to do something, I need to do it now.
No more “someday” thinking.
I promised myself that I would post online at least every week. If I stopped over the Holidays, I’d break that commitment to myself.
It’s a slippery slope.
I know myself well enough that stopping, even for one week, would open the door to not following through more often on writing and other projects.
On those days and weeks, when I think:
- I can’t come up with anything to write about
- I’m not feeling well
- It’s been a tough week; I’m already overwhelmed
- No one cares anyway
- If I can’t write something good, why write at all?
- I’ll start again next week.
It would be so easy for one week to lead to another, and I would soon no longer have any routine or discipline. If I can’t make this one writing habit stick (one that I genuinely enjoy 90% of the time), how do I accomplish any of the more challenging things that I don’t necessarily “like” to do?
If I never posted another word, no one would notice but me.
Yet, I would have let myself down. Big time. My “someday” is now, and writing really is essential to me, even if it is never read.
By continuing to write every week:
- I feel like I am fulfilling my purpose
- I’ve accomplished something creative
- My writing continues to improve
- My awareness and vocabulary continue to expand
- I’m becoming a better editor
- I am building a community that “gets me.”
- I continue to find and use my voice
- My confidence improves
- I feel more empowered to accomplish other non-related goals.
That’s not too bad of an outcome for a couple of hours of work every week.
I can’t promise that the writing will be sensational or even thought-provoking, but it will be online, posted every Friday or Saturday, every single week. Even if it is a Holiday and I’m “not feeling it.” I will promise to show up and continue to do my best.
It is crucial to keep my word and my commitments to myself. You are always young enough to improve and learn and become even more self-reliant and resilient along the way.
I encourage you, dear reader, to continue to pursue your passions at least weekly or to start again to “do the thing” that you love to do. Schedule time and keep that promise to yourself. You are worth it.
I wish you all the very best in the New Year!
Keep reading!
Keep smiling!
xx
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