This site at the Chicago Botanic Gardens made me think: are there are times as a writer when you might feel like you’re just barely hanging on? When the obstacles of the writing life seem overwhelming and almost – almost – more than you can bear? You’re at the edge of despair, but not willing to let yourself drop down?
Here are some tips for those Just Hangin’ On times:
1. Don’t fight yourself and your feelings. Be gentle with yourself. Talk to yourself about what’s making you feel this way. Be as matter-of-fact as possible, rather than using judgmental language. If you have a hard time doing this, imagine someone else real or imaginary, someone who cares for you dearly, talking to you about why you’re just barely hanging on right now. Listen to her/his/it’s voice, and try to accept the compassion for where you’re at.
2. Plan for the (near) future (watch for next week’s planning post for positive, success-oriented planning).
3. Reach out for help. A phone call, an email, a visit with a trusted person can work wonders.
Above all remember that it is virtually always true that when you accept how you are feeling, rather than judging it, the intensity relaxes. You still may feel down, but if you remind yourself that feelings are not “bad”, and that they are transient…they may be.
