You see, while I've spent the last 15 years of my life in major cities, I was raised a country girl, and I'm just starting to realize that it's in my blood.
And that got me thinking. There are some things in life that we know are just right for us, that are in our blood, that have wriggled their way into our hearts and will never let go. There are some things we tolerate, some we push through hoping they'll change for the better, others we hate right from the start. But some things, the best things, just...click. It's how I feel about living here, in a city I now hope I never leave. And it's how I feel about my writing.
My writing is what I love. And it's what I want to do for the rest of my life. No matter what happens, whether I end up published or not, whether I publish multiple books or only one, I simply can't see a day where I give my writing up. And it brings a smile to my face just thinking about it.
How about you: Do you love what you do? What things in your life make you smile, make you think that you'll never give them up?
40 comments:
My kids and family are the first things to bring a smile to my face. A big stupid grin that tells the world I'm totally and helplessly in love with each and every one of them.
But my family isn't what I "do." What I do is write and I can honestly say it brings a smile to my face. Writing is what I was made to do - the only thing I want to do. And I can't foresee a time that I won't write. I may never be famous. I may never make a dime doing it. But I’ll never stop. It gives me joy, and we all need something to bring a little joy in our lives.
Great post!
Michelle
Author of Concilium, available July 2012
Concilium: The Departure, November 2012
www.Michelle-Pickett.com
www.Conciliumbooks.com
My reading. It's such a pleasant escape from the dreary realities of every day life and playing silly buggers trying to get a smile or a giggle out of my daughter. I will never get tired of her smiles.
I do love what I do - both my writing and my day job. I'd love to have lots more time to devote to developing the story ideas I begin and abandon; but I know someday all things will be right for the dream of a writing day job.
Those are lovely pictures Rachel.
.......dhole
What lovely pictures! There was a drought when I was in Australia - everything was a general shade of dust. It's lovely seeing all that blue!
I love - travelling, writing, reading, my daughters, my grandchildren.
I tried to think of something I'd change - to make my life even better. Found I was scratching my head - no, I can't think of anything. I am, indeed, a fortunate woman.
I agree with everything you said about writing, Rach. I too can't see a time when I would ever stop doing it, even if it never earns me a penny (which it hasn't to date - unless you count three months in local journalism). It's knowing you've created something all your own which didn't exist before.
I also couldn't give up reading, music (listening to it - I gave up trying to be a musician long ago!) and my wife and kids. They are all brilliantly creative and I love listening to stories the kids have made up, watching them dance, sing and play music. I have a lot to be thankful for!
Those pictures are beautiful. I was in Canberra briefly while travelling and agree that it's very sprawling and lovely. And you can't get lost in the centre - isn't it just a big grid?
Writing for sure but I bet you knew I'd say that. but I think it goes deeper - I think it's not just about the writing but the creativity and exploring emotional truths - that's at the heart of what I love about writing.
Lovely post and wonderful photos. Oh how I need to visit Oz!!
Rach, I started writing this year and I feel like I have come home!
Beautiful post and photos! I feel the same way about writing too :)
Those pictures are beautiful!
I love writing too. And I'm with you, even if I don't get published I have to do it.
Though I figure as long as I keep writing something will have to bite :)
So glad the new move has worked out. I too can't envision myself not writing, regardless of how successful I end up.
Don't get eaten by a salt water crocodile.
It's beautiful! I want to visit Australia BAD.
Such wonderful pictures. I can certainly see why you wouldn't want to leave :-)
My daughter brings a smile to my face. She's my chipmunk, my joy and she she laughs, I get all happy inside. After her, then it's my writing.
I'm a ways away form publishing, whether self-pub or traditional. But I know I'd want to write whatever may happen. It's just a part of who and what I am.
Rach,
Beautiful post and photos! I would love to live in such beauty!
I was a journalist and did PR for 40 yrs. It was exciting, but I can't say I loved what I did. I began to reinvent myself as a writer 18 mos ago and decided to do what I always wanted to do -- write for children. I am not making money, but I am happier than I have ever been in my life. I love what I'm doing!
Glad you are where you want to be!
My job involves computers and web design and I actually enjoy it. Writing was a bonus. I think if anything is really in my blood, it's music. (I've played an instrument for most of my life.)
Oh, and movie watching. Not much of a career in that unless I want to be a critic, and that's definitely not in my blood!
I feel the same way Rach :)
What a beautiful view you get to see. Australia is on my places to go list. More pictures please!
These photos are beautiful! Such a gorgeous area - you're lucky to live there.
I was raised in the city as well but I love the country living.
I gave up my professional carrier a few years ago to raise my two children but I feel that writing is what I do the best. And what brings me most satisfaction and joy.
What a beautiful realization. I feel the same way! Writing is part of me and I will always do it because I love it.
Thanks for this lovely post, Rach. I agree entirely about writing. And it's nice to hear someone say such positive things about Canberra. It gets bad press sometimes. :-)
What an uplifting post! And beautiful pictures. Nothing's clicking for me right now, but I hope the new year will change things.
I'm really enjoying your posts!
Heather
Your post hit a chord with me. i agree that when you are doing what is right for you you feel relaxed and contented.
Some life choices however seem to get thrust upon us and we must do our best with what we have.
Glad you are enjoying life and writing.
Wow, you are so lucky to live there. So right about writing too, love it!
Some people tell me "I don't like writing; I like having written."
I'm not like that. I love the act of writing, of expressing myself, of telling stories. I love the process of creating a plot and putting recognizable characters into it.
And like you, I love the country. But I think I prefer living in the city. Fortunately, from the city I live in, Ottawa, the countryside is very accessible.
Beautiful photos!
Hmmm... the things that "click" with me... writing stories, playing music, being in the mountains, when I have ALL my family around me :-)
Lovely photos, Rachael! I personally am not a huge country fan, as in I need to have a big city within reach to feel "okay". I also need the ocean. That's one thing I know for sure.
Lovely sentiment! I love the idea that certain things are in our blood. I think I'm like you--I'm more of a country than a city girl. :)
This is wonderful, and just how I feel about writing too. I discovered it later in life, so it feels extra precious to me. :)
I love your photos.
I too love where I live and what I do. (Although today it's raining, and will probably rain for the next six months!)
Beautiful photos, Rach. Thanks for sharing them.
My family - they are the first ones to make me happy. I'm thankful I can now write in my spare time and yes this is what I've always loved to do. Like you, I will be doing it for the rest of my life, published or not.
Wow looking at that scenery I can see why you love living there!
@Michelle, I so know what you mean. Ever since I’ve rediscovered writing from my childhood dream, it’s the thing that most makes me happy. And we definitely do need that joy, as much of it as we can get :)
@sunflowerrising - I so know what you mean, S. Ever since I’ve rediscovered writing from my childhood dream, it’s the thing that most makes me happy. And we definitely do need that joy, as much of it as we can get :) And nothing beats the smiles of our daughters either (I have 2 girls as well :) ).
@Donna - Thanks so much Donna. That’s so great you love both things (and one day the stars will align for you) :) Keep putting that pen to paper *grins*
@JO - Thanks so much. It is gorgeous, isn’t it. And the rain makes things so much greener and clearer :) Those are some awesome things to love, and you’re so lucky not to have anything you want to change – very fortunate indeed :)
@Nick Wilford - Thanks so much Nick, it is that joy of creating something out of nothing, isn’t it!
Reading definitely. And family, it’s so great to see you take such joy from them :)
Thanks, they are, aren’t they. Ooh, that’s awesome you’ve visited. LOL, definitely a big grid – I think it’s the most planned city in Australia. And there’s the big circle in the centre around Parliament house, too :)
@Kelley - Thanks so much Kelley. I know, right! And definitely, it’s inevitable *grins*
@Michael Offutt - *grins* Will do my best :) (though they don’t live this far south ;) )
@Angela Brown - Thanks so much Angela :) That’s so beautiful, and I love how you call her your chipmunk – so cute :)
Definitely. It’s so wonderful to have found something that both defines us and gives us so much joy :)
@Alex - Thanks so much :) That’s awesome you like your job, it makes it so much easier. Really, what type? LOL, that would be pretty cool to be paid to watch movies (and not be a critic) :D
@Kerri Cuev - *grins* Hope you can come to visit one day :)
@Angela Orlowski-Peart - Thanks so much Angela. It is awesome, isn’t it. I’m so glad I’ve had a chance to bring my kids up here after all. *nods* It’s so great when we can find the thing we love to do the most :)
@Cally Jackson - You’re very welcome Cally. Yeah, that’s true. I guess I’m a quieter-pace kind of person, so I don’t need the bright lights of Sydney (been there done that anyway *grins*)
@Buried in Books - Thanks so much for your lovely words :) I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you – hopefully that lightning will strike very soon.
@Madeline - I'm so glad my post resonated with you. Relaxed and contented, definitely! :)
@Catherine - thanks so much :)
@Written Words - I heard that quote once, ages ago, and I'd have to say I definitely agree with you. It's good you have access to the countryside whenever you want it :)
@Rachel Morgan - Thanks so much :) The mountains, yep would have to agree with you there :)
@Trisha - Thanks Trisha. Ooh, the beach. Some of them are so beautiful, aren't they!
@Carol, thanks girl :) Yeah, I think they burrow their way in until they're a part of us forever.
@Susan Kaye Quinn - Thanks so much Susan. I'm so glad you've discovered writing. It does feel extra precious then, doesn't it :)
@Annalisa Crawford - *grins*. That's so awesome. Ugh, rain. Not my favorite thing, I must admit :)
@Len Lambert - Thanks so much Len. Family is so special, isn't it. I'm so glad you love what you do :)
@Patsy - thanks so much :) Yep, it is beautiful, maybe one day you can come out to see it :)
So much makes me happy because there's so much good in this world! I love Denver, and I love South Carolina (where I'm originally from... will always be home to me). Writing. My dogs. Music. Exercise. My family. This is a great post that's serving as a great reminder to me. Thanks!
I really don't have a lot to complain about in my life. I have a day job I love, a husband and fur kids who delight me daily, and I have enough time in my schedule to write, which also makes my heart happy. I wouldn't give up any of it.
PS, I grew up in the city and we recently moved out to the country. I love it here. I can't understand why I didn't move out here sooner.
Hi Rachel, I totally get where you are coming from. I was born in England, moved to South Africa and lived there for 30 years...but my heart was in England, and now I'm living my dream, I'm back in the country of my roots...and although it's not all moonshine and roses all the time, it gives me a deepseated satisfaction to think after all these years I'm back where I want to be....
Thankyou for a lovely post, but you do know there is beautiful NZ further down...lol. I find writing has helped me open up and the people whom I have connected with have helped me grow personally and as a writer... its a wonderful feeling.
Banned complain !! Complaining only causes life and mind become more severe. Enjoy the rhythm of the problems faced. No matter ga life, not a problem not learn, so enjoy it :)
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