My June Promise

june_promiseYou will see one new post from me everyday for the month of June.

For the last two years, founding and running a tech startup consumed my life. With tremendous expectation and no boundary between work and personal life, I lost evenings and weekends. My friendships faded from lack of attention. My slender body became something of a memory as a softer form took its place, better suited for greater base stability to support endless hours at a keyboard. I gave up a high-paying career path and trained myself not to hyperventilate every time boot season came around and I had to abstain from adding to my coveted collection. My company gobbled up all my best hours, save for the few scraps of time and focus I managed to salvage for my daughter, my love life, and small bits actual paying work.

The joy of running my own company, getting funding, and helping other writers publish and promote their books made all these hardships more than bearable. The challenge sparked a great adventure.

However, one sacrifice hit my soul like the business end of long-haul semi. My writing.

My friday morning writing group often functioned as the only time I would have to write within a week. When I had to skip a month's worth of sessions in a row, I knew my life was seriously out of balance.

As both the bible and John Lennon will tell, there is a season to everything. These last two years were my season for push, for stretch, for sprint, for learn. Now a new season approaches. A season of reflection, of words, of quiet and space.

Why make a promise?

External expectations trump personal desires. If I am the only one waiting for my writing, I am the only one that knows when I let something else step ahead. If you are expecting my words, than how much easier it is for me to say no to other greedy time chompers and give my writing the priority my peace of mind requires.

I'm not a masochist. Nor do I plan to set myself up for failure. You may see a post here or there that I typed in days past, published in some other place. Those little life saver cheats will aid in the preservation of my sanity while meeting a daily post requirement. I'll keep them to a minimum.

Let's see how this goes. Any writers out there want to play along on your own blog?

Leave a comment



barbarianwriter

10 years ago

As I would relish the ability to post everyday, I will have to pass. Were I to accept this challenge, I know I would not successfully complete it; therefor setting myself up for failure. I am trying to learn not to do that as much.
I will, however, agree to, say, 3 times a month? That is improvement on my current track record, and could get me in a position to, sometime in the future, go for a challenge like this.
Thanks, Kelsye, for posting! WRITE ON!

Kelsye

10 years ago

Three times a months is better than no times a month. WRITE ON, John!

barbarianwriter

10 years ago

That is kind of my thought as well! Thanks, Kelsye!

A.J Sendall

10 years ago

Looking forward to a daily read. More power to your fingers Kelsye...

Declan Parker

10 years ago

I'm game! I'm just starting with my blog, but whether starting or starting over, I think it's important to have goals. Mine is to go for three posts per week to start

Kelsye

10 years ago

Hooray! I'm glad you're up for a challenge.