After writing every day for more than 30 days, I realize that it took fewer than 30 days to build a habit. Somewhere around day 20, writing no longer felt like something weighing down my to-do list, but rather something I couldn't wait to sit down and do each evening. With each day, my writing flowed more smoothly, I questioned my subject matter less, and I greedily awaited the comments on my blog.
Today, as I was getting into my car, I realized it had been two days since I've written anything. Uh oh...20 days to build a habit, but I bet it takes much fewer to break one. A good habit that is. It must be harder to break than bad ones. (I know this because I'm still trying to get my fourth graders to capitalize the first words in all their sentences.) The saying goes, "Old habits die hard," but new habits are delicate. They are young and still need some nurturing if we want them to continue to grow.
So, I'm writing today. It's a little sad to see my blog go from many hits a day, down to none. I miss my challenge friends who check in on me and leave helpful comments. In some ways it was easier to find motivation for writing when I was writing for a purpose and an audience. I'm not really sure where I want my writing to take me. Do I need some sort of goal or challenge? Do I need to just keep writing Slices of Life, being open to other writing opportunities as they may present themselves? Do I need to research other writing possibilities? I'm interested in poetry and non-fiction for kids. From time to time I feel the urge to write an essay-ish piece, but right now I have no audience or avenue for that type of work.
I guess more than anything, I just need to continue practicing my writing in the hopes that something will spring to life and I will find some vision for my writing future.
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