15 Memorable Life Lessons I’ve Learned From Writing

15 Memorable Life Lessons I’ve Learned From Writing

Getting on my knees, I  added up how many things on my shelves have some variation of the word “writer” or “writing” on the spine. Promises and advice on what makes a writing life successful. Profitable even.

There are 53, that specifically sing one of my favorite words from their pages.

Writer.

You know, after pursuing this writing thing, this dream, this passion, for almost 15 years I’ve learned some things.

Maybe 15 would interest you. Whether you are into writing or some other marvelous pursuit! I’ll add a little suspense for you and lead up from the bottom.  Drum roll…

Biggest lessons I’ve learned

15. Comparison is a waste of time. We each have our own thing to offer and spending any amount of time wishing we were like that successful person, is truly the biggest waste of mental ability. Trust me, if you get to know so and so? They are just regular people who compare themselves to someone else. Success doesn’t equal security. So don’t go there

14. It is never too late to learn new things. The internet and the library make knowledge available to all. Age and financial status should never stop anyone from exploring their capacities. Did you know Laura Ingalls Wilder didn’t start writing children’s books until her 60’s? What if she had said, “I’m too old. I can’t learn now. And who cares about my stories of growing up in the Big Woods?”  Never, ever be afraid to ask questions and increase knowledge. Most people are thrilled to share their expertise

13. Don’t waste your money buying volumes of books that offer techniques. I know, risky for a writer to say. I do love to purchase books. Ridiculous amounts and they bring me joy. Here is my point… don’t buy them unless you will use them. We love to collect without action. Pick a book, DO what you are trying to learn, and THEN buy another. I think my dusty shelves can tell you how I learned this one. I was too intent on learning more, without mastering anything. I’ll be working hard to change that

12. Create a space that encourages artistic vision. Once, my husband made me a creative nook out of our coat closet. We had a tiny house and tiny children and an even tinier budget. But he painted it lavender, installed a light, and fashioned a desk. During naptime, I could open that door and create. I hope I’ve honored his investment. It is worth the effort. Artistic ideas come with more difficulty in a pile of crap

11. We run through this life trying so hard to fit it all in. There is a time and season for everything the Bible tells us. Too often we skip the rest part. Ignoring the idea of Sabbath. May I suggest Sabbath: finding rest, renewal, and delight in our busy lives by Wayne Muller as an interesting read?

10. Life will sometimes hit you with the hardest of blows. It’ll try and knock you down. Well, when that happens? Refuse to stay down. Expect life to ebb and flow. Get up and keep walking. Things always get better. Living a life of gratitude is the best combatant to those punches. This year brought the hardest moments of my life, but I choose to eclipse those with the joy of the millions that surrounded them

9. Be interested in the world around you. One thing that makes my photo scout trips turn up interesting perspectives, is the willingness to explore the unknown road. To get on your knees to see what is under something. To learn and be fascinated with everything until you can narrow down your passions. I always tell my kids, “Interested people are interesting people”. Be interested, you’ll never regret it

8. Rejection is part of life. It is not a reflection on you if your work doesn’t get accepted. It just might mean that a need is not equal to the offering…at that moment. Keep trying

7. Read a wide variety. Great writers absorb words and ideas outside their comfort zone

6. Create things just for the sake of sharing. Giving something away without the expectation of reciprocity is fun. Try to always give more than you receive

5. Go to a conference. Even if it is a financial sacrifice (most are, right?). You’ll meet the best people and be overwhelmed with how enriching it can be. It is professional development. You are worth it. Oh, but when you go? If you happen to be in the elevator with the keynote speaker chatting about her pretty hairstyle, not realizing who she is until your friend clears her throat loudly to reintroduce you…if that happens…don’t flub your words and tell her you are stalking her. Just don’t. It’s awkward. Um, a friend told me that

4. Following the hottest “experts” and their proven plans do NOT always produce the same results. Dang, that was a painful lesson to learn after countless hours and months and years of effort. But, that doesn’t mean I didn’t learn the unexpected. Who knows? That might be more valuable in the big picture anyway. Learn from others, but don’t put your confidence in achieving their results. Chase your own

3. Be bold about putting your family above your professional goals. There are many time-sucks out there. Family is the great treasure of our days. If blessed to have one, embrace and appreciate them. Don’t put aspirations first and mix up what will really matter when looking back upon life

2. It is ok to set hours even when the world thinks you are probably free since you are home. It sometimes hurts feelings, and that is really, really hard for people-pleasers like me. But, if God has given you a direction? Don’t be afraid to set boundaries to protect and pursue it. Just try to use thoughtful words when setting those new perimeters

1. Having goals is great, but without actionable steps they won’t be accomplished. I learned the SMART acronym this year and will be practicing applying it. I am a major BIG dreamer but a cruddy grasper of “steps” to get there. I plan on being more realistic about my time and priorities

Being yourself is the best gift of a writing life

Determining to follow God is the best use of time I’ll ever spend.

Grief and Fear and Worry are cruel taskmasters. God is where the Peace is.

I look for God in every lesson learned. (please read here for a thank message for YOU)

P.s. I love to think of things to add to my thoughts after I am sure they are all out. Two more really important things I want you to know.

It is ok to make mistakes, and being yourself is the best gift you can offer.

 Let Him establish the work of my hands.

P.S. Want to find more about moving forward with a writing life? (You’ll find a gift guide for writers too here!)

Writing life resources I like

• The Writing Life
• Bird by Bird
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