On Writing
It’s been a while since I published a piece on this Pause blog. That surprises me.
I’ve written my entire life. Publishing a weekly message was part of my business for 25 years. That practice served me and the business, and I like to think my clients and followers, well.
When I stopped penning the weekly Pause ezine and blog at the start of 2021, I thought the writing would still continue as organically as it had in my early days when I could not not write! Not so, as it turns out.
Take away the commitment to and expectation of publishing a weekly message, and apparently, I’m no longer as devoted to putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard. Who knew that’s how it would be? Not me.
Oh, I’m still noticing in much the same way I have all my life – things, experiences, ideas, and more. And I’m still writing – but mainly in my head – as in ‘here’s what I think or what I’d say about that’.
Mostly that form of ‘talking to myself’ feels like a sufficient expression. The second step of getting the ideas down on paper seems somehow less essential.
When I do write these days, it tends to be in the form of personal reflections in my journal, or messages of care and encouragement to friends and family. Both of which are rewarding in themselves.
Since art has usurped speaking as a major focus in my life, I also find myself noticing in different ways. I’m more likely to notice lines, shapes, and colors – visual expressions of what I’m seeing in the world.
I’m drawn to expressing myself in pen and paint on watercolor paper or canvas. That feels most engaging and rewarding to me now.
Still, today, I felt the need to capture and share with you my thoughts on this shift in focus and practice. Who knows…maybe that pressing urge to write and share more regularly will resurface again…or maybe it won’t. Time will tell.
In the meantime, know that I’m thinking of you and wondering what shifts are taking place in your world. If YOU feel like writing, drop me a line!
Tags: appreciation, attitude, commitment, communication, focus, noticing, Pat Katz, Patricia Katz, pause, perspective, writing
Hi Pat
It’s funny how the wax and wane of life creeps up. A year ago I was diagnosed with cancer. It has been a year of so many changes I can hardly keep up. Retiring from my job that I had loved and enjoyed for 38 years at age 71. Missing so many people that you worked with day in and day out, through marriages, divorce, births, deaths and just the daily trials of balancing work and family life. How I loved it. For the past year with COVID jI have found my strength in my own family and siblings. A new additional family including nurses, surgeons, oncologist, chemo unit nurses, doctor’s secretaries, X-ray technicians, blood test group and others too many to mention but all such an important part of your care! Life has changed dramatically! You see sunsets, clouds, trees everything differently. Sitting in the chemo unit yesterday and seeing folks from young to old with such a desire to get well and enjoy more of what life and God has to offer makes you grateful for every moment. I will continue kicking myself in the behind each and every day to appreciate it all and to enjoy the best husband ever, four kids and spouses, eight grandkids who give me strength and purpose each day as God gives me strength and hope each and every day! Have a wonderful day! Ps. I have enjoyed your Pause session for many years. Hope your desire to blog returns in the wax and wane of life.
Pauline. My apologies for this belated reply to your comment. I’m so sorry to hear that you are facing these health difficulties. I hope these several months later that you are finding yourself on a more even keel. I know from your comments that you will be appreciating all the blessings that surround you in the midst of this challenge. Wishing you health and happiness in the days ahead. Warmly, Pat
I read this just the other day…Helen Wells Art
https://helenwellsartist.com/blog/seasons-and-cycles-in-art-making
Thanks for sharing this Jill. Such a good commentary on the seasons and cycles of creativity and life. Wishing you all the best, Pat