Sometimes life can feel unfair, as though we've fallen behind, or as if we're running out of time ...
But what if it is also quietly on our side?
I was talking to another writer this weekend when I realised something: every time I talk about my current novel, I feel behind.
I feel ashamed that I've been writing for 27 years and still don't have a published novel (my dream goal) to show for it. I feel frustrated at the mental health struggles, the people and the events over the years that slowed my progress.
But then I reminded myself of something important: I cannot change those things or their outcome. It's too late for that; they've already happened.
All I can do now is focus on today, tomorrow, and moving forward.
Once, I did that - stopped spiralling and took a slow, steady breath - I looked at my story again. Really looked at it.
And I saw just how far its come.
If I had published this novel when I first finised editing it (back when it was submitted as my dissertation at university) it never would have grown into the nuanced and layered story it is today.
I needed time to grow - as a person and as a writer. I needed the years I spent learning how to edit novels. I needed to meet the writers I now call close friends, to find a community, and tobecome an editor myself.
And that realisation - that acceptance - has propelled me into this next round of edits more than anything else ever has.
What's a moment of clarity that really helped an aspect of your life? Let me know below - I'd love to hear all about it 🙂
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