October 24, 2012

I Wish to Say No: ROW80 Update

Victoria Musgrave had a beautiful post today based on the following Jamie Ridler Wishcasting Wednesday prompt: What do you wish to say yes to?

My mind started racing, but I quickly realized something. I say Yes easily, it's the No I need to really think about. Or, rather, I am saying Yes to saying No.

So, I wish to say...

Source
... No to the things that distract me from my purpose. Take note social media, especially during NaNo.

... No to people who don't appreciate the hard work and dedication I give to any project I say Yes to.

... No to those who wish to have me do their work for them. Exception: my children and husband. To them I say, help me, those clothes don't fly their way to the hamper.

... No to taking on any new November projects. NaNo is my focus. And I would like to hang out with my family that month some, too.  

... No to overpacking my day to the point McDonald's is my only dinner option.

... No to ignoring my personal needs to make sure I meet everyone else's.

I am going to focus on saying yes to my writing and my family. For one month, I want to find focus. Yes, I still understand Life will play its games. But I am going in with my eye on what matters most.

Wish me luck.

What do you need to say No to?

*****

A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) Update

NaNo is a mere week away. I think that's why I'm so focused on saying No to things. But I'm saying yes to...

... Filling out note cards with plot points for Chasing Memories.

... Getting ahead on editing, although not as quickly as I'd like. November 1st is staring me down.

... Accepting what I can't finish by November 1. I'm falling short on prewriting any blog posts. Guess I'll have to wing it. Worst case, I'll make apologies in December for lacking November posts.

6 comments:

Kim Switzer said...

I love this post! I love the power behind your decision to give yourself the time and space you need to focus on what's really important to you. This is fantastic!

Anonymous said...

I am much better now about saying NO to putting everyone else's needs ahead of my own. Yes, I do still take care of my family. But no, I'm not going to give them dessert while I'm still trying to eat my own dinner. I think it's important for my daughters to see a woman who not only takes care of her family, but herself.

I'm gearing up for NaNoWriMo!

Anonymous said...

This is such a difficult thing to learn. The power of No! Good luck with NaNoWriMo and with keeping the things you said 'no' to under control.

Anonymous said...

Saying "no" is a tough lesson to learn. We like to make sure everyone is happy and we all like to think we can do it all but the sad truth is, we can't. Kudos for vowing to say "no" on the stuff that matters. Go get that NaNo!

Jo Michaels said...

Just remember, blog posts don't have to be huge or super special. Just something to remind your readers you're out there and will be back. :) WRITE ON!

Tia Bach said...

Thanks, Kim. Now I'm saying no to Frankenstorm taking my power away. Hope it works!

Amy Beth, I so get you with the kids. :-) Hope you'll buddy me on NaNo. I'm TiaBach.

Ann, Thanks. I'll need the luck. Saying No is not one of my gifts.

Ryan, Thanks. I plan on tackling NaNo with everything I have and seeing what happens.

Jo, Such a great reminder! Thanks.