Are you focused on your ultimate writing dream? I hope so. Keeping your eye on the prize you want to snag is a good and commendable thing. However, there could be a problem. With eyes trained on the future you could be missing the benefits of the of the day-to-day joys and struggles to get there.
Have you heard the saying about missing the forest for the trees? I think many writers; particularly aspiring writers are often guilty of missing the trees for the forest.
As you keep your eyes on the forest - your writing dream – notice the following trees and make use of what they offer.
- Tried and true and innovative steps you need to take to keep moving forward and achieving one goal at a time.
- Writing rules that ensure good writing and professional dealings with editors and other writers.
- A writing process that not only feeds off your inspiration but inspires you.
- Writing and life practices that encourage and promote efficient and productivity.
- Advice and information from other writers.
Each symbolic tree that makes up the forest of your dream is a vital part of the writing journey.
Have you been staring at the glory of being the writer you have always wanted to be? Good. That’s your forest. A more important question is, are you taking notice of the trees on your way there? Are you making use of their offerings?
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8 comments:
Great forest going on over here, Cheryl. I've got a few trees to add, if you'd like to include them in your forest: The tree with a hammock beneath it, to rest and refect. The tree with a treehouse in its branches, to hang out with friends and talk writing; and the tree filled with singing birds celebrating each published succes along the way through the forest.
Whoa. Wait up. Wait up. Let me put those trees in my forest. Shucks! I have them already but I often forget to mosey on up and enjoy them.
Thanks Joanne.
Great analogy! All those branches and leaves will really help me become a better writer!
Hi Terri,
Climb, explore, learn and write.
Check out the trees Joanne (Whole Latte Life) added.
I love your fresh perspective here, Cheryl. Very wise and insightful. The metaphor of trees is so rich. Perhaps that is why I love them so and find them to be a constant source of inspiration (and writing!) for me. My challenge is always to keep the forest in mind and keep heading toward it, while enjoying every little nuance along the way. :-)
Jan,
They anchor themselves in God's earth and reach for the sky. As creatures ourselves, we ought to do likewise.
- anchor ourselves in God's teachings.
- lift up eyes to see His Hand at work.
- lift our voices to praise and thank Him.
- lift our hands to be lead on the path that will serve Him and help others.
I suppose we can look at ourselves as trees in the forest of life. Each of us unique and blessed with gifts to enhance our lives and the lives of others.
Excellent advice, Cheryl!
Usually my problem is just the opposite. Being as detail-oriented as I am, I tend to focus on the trees and often overlook the forest.
As you've expressed so beautifully in this post, though, the writer really needs both. So, balance just may be the order of the day.
Thanks for another excellent post!
Jeanne
Thank YOU Jeanne.
You've got it. That's the key - balance. Now if only we can remember it.
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