Writing and Finding Joy in this Uncertain Time

I’m writing my way through this uncertain time. Writing helps me feel alive and brings me much needed joy during this quarantine.

This is a crazy, scary time. An uncertain time. A time like we’ve never experienced in our lifetime. We are all new to this and we need to survive in any way that feels right to us. To you.

For you that might mean cleaning, organizing, or finishing projects around your home. It might mean sewing, or painting, or gardening. Yoga, jogging, walking the dog. Or, for you, it might mean just sitting.

However, you choose to pass this time, know that it is okay. There is no one right answer. There is only your answer.

So, what is your answer?

Fill in the blank-

I’m going to ________ my way through this uncertain time.

My answer? Write.

I am going to write my way through.

For me, it is writing. And querying and learning. And lots of reading. My days normally are spent at home doing these things because I want to be published. I want to find an agent and get a book deal and I am taking advantage of having to be at home.

Writers call this “butt in chair” time.

Spending this time writing and querying my picture books brings me closer to my dream of being a published children’s book author.

Normally, I stay home a lot. I enjoy it–I am a homebody. But I leave a lot, too. The grocery store, Target, other errands, family, and friends all pull me away from time to time, but that’s a good thing. Now, forced to be here, I am using this time to write.

Writing makes me happy. It makes me feel alive and in control.

I am listing other things that help me and might help you feel sane during this uncertain time we find ourselves in. Doing these things bring peace and joy.

And, we need all of that we can get right now!

Rest is good.

For most of us, we are so busy going and going and planning our life away. Rest doesn’t come easy, and it is not always high on our list. Let it be high on your list now.

Be still.

Use this time to rest. Give in, and relax. Meditate, listen to music, get caught up on Netflix. Rest.

 

Pray

I also will pray my way through this uncertain time. I learned a long time ago for me to find peace, I need to pray. Pray it away. It works every time. Praying calms me. Relaxes and soothes me.

Praying for others helps me. Pray for the world, country, your state, and city. Pray for all the health care workers! Pray for those who have lost loved ones. And pray for the sick.

When you take the focus off of you, it will actually relax you and serve others.

Nature calls

Another way I am getting through this uncertain time is to be outside as much as possible. Nature is calming and inspiring. When outside, I’m more calm and grounded.

Springtime in Texas means nice weather, and nice weather in Texas is rare.

Lately, it’s been so pleasant out, so lovely with what I consider perfect temperatures. I’m spending a lot of time outside.

I sit.

I listen.

I read.

I write outside.

I am opening up all the senses and taking it all in.

And, when I am outside, I’m not watching the news.

While outside, I enjoy nature blooming and coming alive around me. I witness the flitter-flutter happing in my backyard. The birds and squirrels don’t seem aware of the hell we are all going through. Life goes on for them and they seem as twitter-pated as always.

Just sitting and listening to the birds chirping and singing relaxes me and I find myself smiling.

Smiling is good.

And, speaking of spring and writing, I entered another writing contest. Writing contests help me stay creative and concentrate on word count. This contest has a word count of 150. That is hard. Fun, but hard. Most picture books are around 500 words, and that is limiting, so imagine 150 words!

Last year, I was one of the 18 winners. That was fun and boosted my confidence. Wish me luck this year!

The Spring Fling Kidlit 2020

Here is my entry:

 

Squiggly, Wiggly Worms

By Dedra Davis

Word count-150

 

 

Robin, Robin, why spend your days

Yanking, toiling, heaving

Slimy, slippery, squiggly, wiggly worms?

 

On spring mornings, I watch you in my yard,

Lugging, hauling, and straining,

Earthy, dirty, muddy worms.

 

Popping and bobbing,

Looking,
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Seeking,

And pulling

Squirmy, wormy worms!

 

Your beak is

Tugging, dragging, jerking

Dirty, flirty, flippy-floppy worms.

 

Why are you

Foraging the ground, all around

For greenish, brownish, pinky, stinky worms?

 

Why do you devour oodles of

Squiggly, wiggly worms?

 

Munch on birdseed?

Lunch on nuts and corn!

Crunch on anything, but

Squiggly, wiggly worms!

 

Robin, your beak is stuffed full of

Squiggly, wiggly worms.

Are you finished worming today?

 

“No, I swoop and flutter to the nest 100 times daily,

Carrying,

Bringing,

Feeding

Juicy, yummy, slummy worms!”

 

Why, Robin, why?

 

Oh, Robin! You’re a momma!

Look at your baby chicks

Gobbling skinny, slithery, sneaky worms.

 

Happy Spring, Robin!

Hope your babies enjoy

Squiggly, wiggly worms!

 

 

Wish me luck! And go to the link and read the other entries!

I’m going to write my way through this uncertain time. Writing helps me feel alive during this quarantine.Click To Tweet

We will survive, we will be strong, and we will be better.

So, in this uncertain time, do whatever it takes to find your joy and peace. Stay home. Stay well and Be Still!

I hope for you peace, joy, rest, and squiggly wiggly worms!

 

love and blessings~dd

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