Isn’t January the time to take stock?
To put your cards on the table and look at the hand you’ve been dealt?
If you want to change something in your life, don’t wait until this January or the next one.
The Dalai Lama’s life lessons came across my desk. They’ve been around for a few years but there they were again — stating the obvious.
The lessons made me think about my own writing process. I have adapted some here from the original – and applied them to my writing to support me in finishing the final subject in my Masters.
Here’s a few gems I’ve stolen from the Dalai Lama.
#1 When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.
Such an important one this one, this one. Recently I found out, none of my short stories were selected for the UTS Anthology after submitting three. I was too cocky and was certain at least one would be chosen. It was a good lesson in expectations and trying harder. If I become complacent as a writer I won’t improve. Write better, learn more.
#2 Spend some time alone every day.
I love time alone but find it hard with a five-day -week job and living in a house of four, sometimes five people. My alone time is in the garden, with the chooks and on the ferry. I grab it where I can and always find it creative.
#3 Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
I’m still working on this one. I’m still learning the rules. Still learning how to break them.
#4 Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
Yes, tell me this one again . . . and again . . . and again. In writing, silence is about – NOT overstating a point or an expression. Let the reader fill in the gaps.
#5 Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
So many stories I could write about the twists and turns of life and how not getting what I wanted or expected was exactly what I needed. One example: having my first rejection from a publisher and throwing out 40,000 words (mainly backstory) of my manuscript. The story is all the better for it.
Whatever works for you, just do it. If it doesn’t, discard it and try something else. And keep writing.
