One Day at a Time

My mother has lupus and related illnesses. Until it was diagnosed, she was in constant pain, even agony. She dealt with frustrations of misdiagnosis and, in my opinion, malpractice. Her emotions were all over the place, and she had a high amount of stress. She started attending self-help programs such as Living in Process and Emotions Anonymous (where they use the 12 Step Program).

Through all of her healing and self discovery, I picked up on a lot of what she learned. I can't say I practice all of it, but I'm at least aware of many of the lessons.

On important lesson is that when things get difficult, take one day at a time. If that doesn't work, then try one hour at a time. If that still doesn't work, try a minute at a time. For addicts, it would mean try to go one day without the vice. If that is too painful to imagine, try to go one hour. etc. Is it too painful to go one second without the vice? I realize this is easier said than done, but it doesn't apply just to addictions like in AA. It can apply to the fear we might have when it comes to a blank sheet of paper.

If I consider how intimidating a blank page is, I become paralyzed. I can't even put down a single word. When I cease thinking about how I have to write a novel and focus on writing something small like a blog, I feel better. I can write a few paragraphs. Once I get started, the words keep flowing. It's hard to shut it off. Also, a blog is digital, so there's no risk of "killing a tree" if my writing sucks.

I have another trick. But I will tell you tomorrow!