I'm wrapping up today (because I know I won't have a chance to write tomorrow) and here are my thoughts.
1. Writing every day has forced me too look/ see the world as full of stories. Even the littlest things have caught my attention. I have been a better observer and a deeper thinker as I seek to articulate my feelings each day. It has also brought me much joy- and most days I have sat down excited to have a hobby and a moment all to me.
2. I used to blog about my family every couple weeks and just barely review with broad brush strokes. But, when I sit down every day, I can capture details while they are fresh; and feelings while they are raw.
3. Even though I strive for non-busy-ness, some days were full and by the time all the kids were in bed and the wine was poured, I had to learn to press on even when I was exhausted. If I truly want to write novels, there will be more days where it feels like "work".
4. One of my big goals was to not over-edit. As I re-read what I've written, I've thought, "Ooooooh, why did I say that?" It has made me want to take an extra day to edit in the future. But, I also appreciate the real-ness it produced.
5. That I hate talking about myself. As much as I like to be authentic, I think I'd be more apt to write a biography-- maybe on some modern day heroes. I liked asking my kids about their opinions and I like listening to other people's stories. Plus, being that authentic is scary. I may have had a little meltdown on the night I 'put it all out there'.
7. So, I don't really want to blog forever, but I learned that I feel like I'm missing a step between here and there. How do I get from learning to write in detail about what I see and know, to actually writing a book of some sort? How do I know the steps of getting published. I think I need to join a writing club. And, go to a conference. And, meet someone who will walk me through the process and keep me accountable in the future about consistency and pressing on in this endeavor.
8. That I can't not write about God. If I am going to be true to myself, this is the biggest part of me. I was bending over backwards to not say so much, but that is what gives me hope.
9. The hardest thing for me is that I feel like everything has been said before. There is nothing new under the sun. Why would I be able to write anything worthwhile, when Ann Voskamp and Anne Lamott seem to say it better?
10. My message is starting to emerge. I want to believe in myself, trust my voice and take one day at a time, one word at a time.