There comes a time when the HVAC is down, the repair guy has to fix a flat before he can get to the service call, your finance person is “behind”, the deadlines are imminent (or a little past… (or both)), your partner “isn’t quite getting it”, and the in-laws feel the need to have a two-day visit to ‘chat’ about tacos, your sister-in-law’s kids, and neighbors you might have met once or twice 20 years ago. It happens, even to me. But you have to pick your battles, remember your values, and make the choices that lead to lasting value.
Writing is something we choose to do… But it’s also a compulsive behavior (if we’re being honest). If we’re going to turn it into a way of life, there’s a lot of work involved. There’s also a lot of work involved in just living. And there are relationships to be maintained as well.
Sometimes choices have to be made. The secret is, to avoid blinding ourselves with anger and doubt, look at what’s really going on, and make the choices that best support the things we value (even if they aren’t the choices we want to make).
We call it the writing life (in part) because, as teachers and storytellers, writing is our life. Yes, there will be interruptions and irritations. But we will find a way through. That’s part of who we are.
We aren’t meant to be alone. Human beings (even those introverts known as writers) are by nature social creatures, no matter how we may choose to interact. Sometimes we have to put down the pen and silence the keyboard for at least a little while, because the human element is called for.
Sometimes life happens and there will be interruptions. We’ll get past them. It’s what we do. The false belief we can’t get past our obstacles is one of the biggest obstacles we face. Dismiss it. Ignore it. Do whatever you need to do. Then, work your way past (or through) the obstacles in your way and get back to what you love. That’s the way.
It takes work, but it’s possible, dear reader. I wish you well with your challenges. And, I’ll see you next post.
Forever Mountain Publishing 
I love the part where you mention interruptions in the writer’s life. Part of writing—and life—is not doing it only when things are going well, but also when crap hits the fan, because it’s during those problem-solving moments that we find our true selves. Anyway, thanks for this post!
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