I curbed my enthusiasm to dive right in. Instead I mulled, I wrote more words in my current WIP, and I didn't stress too much about it all. The time I spent "playing" was actually just what my brain needed to get ready.
When I returned from Canada, I had to get ready for a visit with more friends who were traveling to see my family. On Friday I took time away from the task to meet with a writing friend who walked me through how to approach my next big task. I learned a lot, I was ready to roll, but I had to curb enthusiasm again. I've spent three wonderful days with my friends, read a lot, made tons of notes when inspired, and continued to mull.
I've learned something about myself this week.
I tend to be a "dive in and do it" kind of gal. This time I was forced by circumstances to sit at the edge of the pool and dip my toes into the water. I had to swirl it quietly. I had to watch how other people were swimming and handling the deep end. I had to think about how I would go into the water. I had to consider the strokes I would use to cut through the deep end and reach the other side. I had to review my earlier efforts at learning how to swim.
Oh, I wanted to dive in. The urge was still there. The desire to get the job done was pulling at me. But I'm so glad I had my visits with my friends. They helped me generate new ideas and thoughts about how to approach the next heat of my race.
When I dive into the water this week, I'll be ready. I know I will be fast. I know I will work hard to get to the other side of the pool. And I know I have lots of people who believe I can do it well.
How do you wait when you want to go forward and can't get started?
