January is underway, and I’m diving into my new projects with enthusiasm. Of course, we’re only a couple of weeks in, so the energy that surrounds something new is still at play. I’ve learned to take advantage of this feeling and capitalize on what I call ‘the shiny new object’ effect. I can get a lot accomplished at this time of year.
Of course, this is also the time I’m tempted to say yes to everything that comes my way. Then, I’m often sorry when March rolls around and I’m overcommitted. I don’t want to dull the shine of my own enthusiasm, or lose the momentum of the moment, but I also need to stay focused and committed to the projects I’ve signed on for. So, what’s the key to balancing the tension between these two gestures?
For me, one trick is to look for places to pause.
As a writer, pacing is an important part of storytelling. If I overwhelm my readers with one action scene after another, or too many intense emotional scenes without a break, they’ll be exhausted. Conversely, if I don’t create enough dramatic tension and excitement, the story sags and readers will flip the pages in boredom. Finding timely pauses in the action or emotion gives readers a much-needed breather. It gives them a moment to process what’s happened. A timely pause makes for effective storytelling. If you’re a writer, here’s more on pacing your story, including the use of pauses: Pacing Pitfalls and Tips to Tackle Them.
This idea of appreciating the pause translates well into a life practice. When I find moments to stop and breathe, I have more clarity, more energy, and better discernment going forward. I’ve made it a habit now to pause before I say yes to something new. I let the idea sit and percolate for a night or three, and then, if I still feel excited, I am confident in my yes.
A pause allows inspiration to take root. Last week, I was asked to speak at a rather large meeting with only a day’s notice. I wrote down a few ideas on how to tackle the topic, and then I paused, slept on it, and let my brain do its thing. When I woke up, I knew exactly how I wanted to approach the conversation. A pause may seem passive, but really, it is a space which allows for creativity, inspiration, and clarity to flourish.
“In many a piece of music, it's the pause or the rest that gives the piece its beauty and its shape. And I know I, as a writer, will often try to include a lot of empty space on the page so that the reader can complete my thoughts and sentences and so that her imagination has room to breathe.” - Pico Iyer
IN OTHER NEWS…
My short story, LADY IN BLUE, is live on the Tales to Terrify podcast this month! They do an amazing job with audio productions. Patience Pitman was born with the gift, like her late mother before her. As she oversees the reconstruction of her childhood home, burned to the ground in a fire years ago, she finally pieces together the mystery of the Blue Lady, a vengeful apparition who haunted her youth. 'Lady in Blue' is classic ghost story set in turn of the century New England. Have a free listen to LADY IN BLUE! The story starts at approximately 15:30.
Recently, I spent an hour with my good friend, Monica Rodgers, on The Revelation Project podcast. We talked about everything from relationships, to mountain climbing, to kids. If you want to get to know me a little better, you can have a listen. Writing Yourself Open - The Revelation Project Podcast.
Our new kitten is here! You may know that we recently lost a kitten to sepsis only a few days after he arrived. This baby is our little lost kitten’s half-sister, and she is just the sweetest! Welcome baby Cirilla!
