Each time we experience setbacks, and, let’s be honest, we all do, and they happen frequently, we’re given the choice. The choice of letting it define us, and of defining ourselves – so that the setback doesn’t.
It’s a long journey, and sometimes we make mistakes. But, if we can lean more towards our goal than away from it, then we’re doing something right.
When you’re creating, the important thing is output. Yes, it may not be the finished project. Or, even close.
But, as novelist Jane Smiley is noted as stating: “Every first draft is perfect because all the first draft has to do is exist. It’s perfect in its existence. The only way it could be imperfect would be to not exist.”
Well, no. Because I’ve haven’t read anything. Not really.
It’s been a slim year. I listened to an audiobook series, He Who Fights With Monsters. I didn’t want to like it, but, nine volumes later, I have to say that I found everything so far thoroughly enjoyable. The audio performance by Heath Miller is especially delightful.
But otherwise, nary a book in my hand. Feeling a little guilty about it.
New Year is right around the corner, so maybe I’ll set an ambitious reading goal for 2024. Probably not 52 books, like I set in 2020 (which I completed, mostly because of a Pandemic shutdown and a lot of down time). But, something fairly reasonable. Two a month, maybe.
New York City, often referred to as the “city that never sleeps,” is about as bustling a metropolis as you can get. With a rich and diverse history, a pulsating cultural scene, and a constant evolution, New York has become a symbol of the American Dream and a global hub for artistic expression.
It’s the city that, growing up, I had envisioned I would live in. I haven’t made it there to live yet. I’ve done well with my other hopefuls (however, I’d prefer Talkeetna, AK to Ketchikan, AK, but I have some time for that one as well).
New York City, originally named New Amsterdam, was founded by the Dutch in 1624. It was originally a small colony of farmers and traders, but soon became a thriving port city. The city’s strategic location along the Hudson River and its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean made it an important trading hub.
During the Revolutionary War, New York played a crucial role. It was the site of several key battles, including the Battle of Brooklyn and the Battle of Harlem Heights. After the war, New York became the capital of the United States, and the city’s skyline was forever changed with the construction of iconic skyscrapers.
Obviously the capital moved, but fortunately, New York City is not just known for its skyscrapers and urban charm; it also has a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene. From Broadway shows to museums to street performances, there is no shortage of cultural events to experience. Additionally, Central Park, an 843-acre park in the heart of the city, and remains a symbol of urban serenity and serves as an oasis amidst the bustling city.
Over the years, New York City has undergone significant changes. The city’s population has grown exponentially, and it has become a global melting pot of cultures. The skyline has transformed, with new buildings being constructed and old ones being demolished.
It’s a city of art, tourism, fashion, food, and immigration. The culture of New York has evolved, and the city has become a hub for entrepreneurs, attracting people from all backgrounds with its promise of opportunity and self-expression.
It is certainly one of the great cities of the world.
Why can’t every day be Friday? We look forward to Fridays. Mondays, not so much.
But if every day was Friday, we wouldn’t look forward to it, would we? We wouldn’t be excited when it arrived, and disappointed when it was time to move on to another day.
So, we need Mondays, and every other day, to enjoy what Friday really is.
Have you ever wanted to go back? To some moment in time, some past point in your life?
I think about it, and pretty often. I think about the investments I could have made. Mistakes I could have avoided. Traumas I’d undo.
But we can’t go back. We’re here, now. And while hindsight is 20/20, if you’re thinking that you’d do something that you didn’t do then, because you haven’t done it yet, then you might as well start now.
Who cares how long it takes. Just start, and see where it takes you.
In life, we often find ourselves facing difficult decisions that challenge our comfort zones and require us to give up something significant. These choices, while difficult, are often necessary for personal growth and the pursuit of our dreams.
Making hard choices is inevitable.
It involves sacrifices, opportunities, and embracing the risk of the unknown. By stepping outside of our comfort zones, we gain personal growth, experience new opportunities, and broaden our horizons.
It’s important to plan for the future. Whether it’s making long-term financial choices, setting career goals, or preparing for retirement, having a clear vision for the future can help guide us towards success.
It can play a vital role in our personal and professional lives. It offers us a sense of direction, helps us prioritize our time and resources, and ensures that we have the necessary resources in place to meet our goals. By taking the time to plan, we increase our chances of achieving our goals and minimizing the risk of unforeseen circumstances derailing our plans.
It seems that in modern society, practice is often undervalued and overlooked. People tend to assume that innate talent or intelligence is enough to succeed.
Practice is the basis of mastering any skill or achieving success in any field. Sure, it takes time. But anything worth doing requires commitment.
Whether it is sports, music, art, academics, or any other area, practice is the key to unlocking your full potential.
The inner critic is a formidable opponent in a writer’s journey. It is the voice inside our heads that constantly reminds us of our shortcomings, mistakes, and failures.
When staring at the empty page, our inner critic becomes even more vocal, reminding us of all the reasons why we are not capable of writing anything worthwhile.
This constant inner dialogue only adds to the anxiety and hinders our ability to tap into our creativity.
Steven Pressfield called this The Resistance. And, it can be overcome.
Michael's Musings 