Sometimes we make changes in our lives and sometimes changes
come about because…well…life happens. Between 2001 and 2010, my writing was
going great. New opportunities arose
which I jumped into head first. Many of my articles and short stories were published.
I also wrote a regular column, was on a panel of judges for two writing
contests, was the editor of a newsletter for a library group, and had several speaking
engagements. Life was exciting. But
then…
The company for which my husband worked enticed hundreds of
employees to take early retirement. He
took the bait and we moved back to our home town to be with our family. That year, 2010 was an upturning point for my
husband. He found work as an instructor
at a college. His long-time teaching dream
finally came true. Oh, happy bliss - for
him.
I, on the other hand, have been sitting rotting at the
keyboard since our move. No one wants to
hire a sixty-something year old woman even with a college diploma and a
university degree, and my creative thoughts have dried up. Even writing this
simple blog is painful. Every door that
I’ve opened has revealed a brick wall. Will new leaves ever sprout?
Excuse me now – I must fumigate this room. I smell something rotting.
Perhaps its time to try a different approach. Have you ever tried your hand at the 'Word Challenges'?
ReplyDeleteThanks. Yes, I've tried the "Word Challenges" and even won. I've just lost my focus and drive. Don't know how to get it back. In 5 weeks I'll be 64 and can't see a future. Sad, isn't it?
DeleteShirley, you've described a fear I occasionally see looming in my future, and it frightens me. I'm on the + side of 60 as well. What will happen when I no longer work? What will I do with myself?
ReplyDeleteSo tell us, as you fumigate, what are you going to replace the smell with? What's your plan?
I'm still fumigating. Don't know what to replace the smell with - no plans. I'm like a frog, hopping from one Lilly pad to the next and each one sinks.
DeleteI've been and am even now still in a similar place. But not just with my writing. It's been an all around thing. But doors are opening up after a very long wait to new things.
ReplyDeleteI'll keep you in my prayers.
I didn't have a response for you when I read this, but you have been on my mind this past week. When I think of you, I pray, Shirley. When I don't know exactly what to pray, I think of the benediction (or good word) that we often hear a minister or a priest say at the end of a Christian service. It can also be said by one person of faith to another who is in need of blessing. (Of course, aren't we all in need of blessing.) "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."
ReplyDelete