epilogue: a grand adventure!

What a grand adventure!

Writing is dirty and gritty and tough. The Write31Days challenge has been a fantastic growing experience for me, and also the most difficult thing I've ever done as a writer. I spent a lot of time outside my comfort zone. I learned about myself along the way.

I had to get over my perfectionism in a hurry. Before participating in this challenge, I wrote for the public eye very sporadically. Sometimes once a week, but more often, I posted once or twice a month. This gave me plenty of time to not only write “better”, but to also proofread, rewrite, and allow my wonderful team of dedicated “pre-readers” take a look at my work.

For the challenge, I had to post content every day, regardless of whether or not I was 100% happy with it. There are several typos and errors I've caught after publishing my words. But I've learned to move on, and go to the next project. I've learned its okay to not be perfect.

I've learned to not be so hard on myself. I have a tendency to be over-critical and extremely judgmental of my own work. During this project, there was simply no time to dwell on the typos or misspellings. I've had to move on to the next project. I suppose we need to live life like that – moving forward always

I signed up at the very last minute, with just barely an idea forming in my head. Since then, most of these posts have (thankfully) popped into my head in just the nick of time. Most mornings, I would wake up, and have absolutely no idea what to write.

I realized I've not read nearly as many classics as I thought I had. A friend sent me a link of “best books ever written” to help jolt my memory for books to write about. As I perused the list of 1500 books (no, I never reached the end) I saw so many I’d heard of which I’d never read. I intend to read more “classics.”

This month also challenged me to balance my life better. To prioritize. I need to pay attention to what I need as an individual. I have to learn to say no. There have been several outside stressors in my life, in addition to writing the daily posts. Although it’s not easy, I discovered I can handle setting aside more time to write.

I need to write more. I don’t write enough. I call myself a writer, but I need to write daily, so I can stretch my mind and get more proficient. So, one day I can publish something really worth reading.

Oftentimes, I fall into the trap of comparing myself to my writer friends; they are extremely talented. I need to only compare and compete against who I was yesterday.

What matters is me improving myself, and my craft. If I waste time on comparing, I’m unhappy, and while stuck the comparison trap, I won’t grown as a person, or progress as a writer.

The comments, the conversations, and the page views were all a wonderful bonus; but I did this challenge for myself most of all. I wanted to prove to myself I could do it.

To my many dedicated readers, old and new, for not only reading, but encouraging me to continue writing, thank you for believing me in me: Joanne, Becky, Abby, and Judy. I truly appreciate you.

I've been encouraged and helped immensely by others who were also participated in this challenge: Amy thank you for encouraging me to get over my need for perfectionism. Corie thank you for being such a kind and patient teacher. Chris thank you for encouraging me to share my words, and for reminding me to call myself a writer. David thank you for being a fantastic cheerleader, and adding my links to your posts.

Thank you Jay for getting me lunch on the days I was too busy writing to stop and eat.

Everyone, THANK YOU!

>> If you'd like to read all of my 31 posts: click here.

Photo Credit: Wesley Jobes, August 1, 2010

This post is part of the 31 Days of Bibliophilia series.