Sandy Supposes....

Blogging Is My Sparring

Motivational Monday! The late comedian Don Rickles, born on this day back in 1926, once said, " You throw your best punch, otherwise, don't do it." How do you get through writing something on the days when your best punches aren't working for you?

         Left hook, right hook, jab, upper cut, TKO... what's with the boxing analogies? Is writing comparable to fighting? Is it a painful struggle? Am I flexing overworked muscles? Am I pounding terrible ideas into the dust? Am I weaving and dancing on my feet, dodging disappointment?

         Maybe I'm stringing a series of words together into a tough, elastic barrier that encircles my stories and bounces/sling shots them back into the fray of creation. Self-doubt could use a knockout. When the bell rings to summon another round of word play, I'm not always fresh and eager.

         Instead of throwing futile punches, I often procrastinate. I give myself permission to play hookey, and I avoid creative writing. Any activity will suffice. I enjoy getting lost in a good book. Yes, there are words to decipher , but they are not my own. Sometimes, I will sit contentedly for hours solving word puzzles. Perhaps I'll compose a letter to someone. At times, I will consult my journals, and refresh my memories. All of these serve to re-introduce the magic of words, the fun of words, and the allure of words. A word used in a certain context, or a series of rhymes, or a set of homonyms, or a turn of phrase will jumpstart my thinking.

         Walking away from the ring and seeking a change of venue, a different scenery, is often invigorating. Immersing myself in outside stimuli awakens my creativity. I engage in conversations. I listen. I stop and just observe. My senses are free to experience.

         Occasionally, I re-read something that I've already composed. This reminds me that writing is not impossible. Possibly, I reconsider verb tenses I used, or the descriptions, or the setting, or the character, or whatever. Perhaps a sequel could be added.

         Finally, I don't sweat my lack of connecting punches. Constant swinging, and feinting is exhausting. Blogging is my sparring.