Giving Up On Your Dreams? Nope, Just Resetting

I’m not longer participating in NaNoWriMo, National Novel Writing Month. The point of NaNoWriMo is to write a novel of 50,000 words during the month of November.

You’d think this would be perfect for me. I write every day. I’ve written books. I actually have a novel that I’m working on. And I started well.

So, why quit? It’s only November 9. There’s still three weeks to go. Sure, I’m behind the pace, but theres time to pick it up, right? I could still do this.

But, I won’t. I’m not saying I can’t. I’m saying I won’t. I’m choosing to withdraw.

Did I give up on writing a book?

Nope?

Is it that I will stop writing?

No. Not that either.

I know if I just work hard enough, I could still do it.

My son came home from Korea last Sunday. He went over to visit with his sister for three months. She’s there commanding a Veterinarian clinic for the US Army. It’s not been an easy trip for him and in fact, he came back early because he was struggling.

I went to pick him up on Sunday at the airport. It was time I was planning to use writing. Of course, I put getting him over a few thousand words. And I realized that I COULD spend the hours writing in the remaining days in November needed to meet the 50,000 word goal. But, it would come at a price.

And this month that price is too high. With a son to help get healthy and the other family needs that showed up this month, I decided they needed priority. And unlike previous situations where I’d just “attempt to do more,” I decide this year, I’m giving myself permission to change plans.

Not every goal set in the rebirth of Spring maintains it’s importance in the Summer of toil and the Fall of family commitments.

To my friends participating in NaNoWriMo, I wish you best of luck. I look forward to reading your stories. And next November, you’ll find me hunched over my keyboard joining you.

That is, if something with a higher priority doesn’t take precedence.

Stay safe

Rodney M Bliss is an author, columnist and IT Consultant. His blog updates every weekday. He lives in Pleasant Grove, UT with his lovely wife, thirteen children and grandchildren.

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