(Thank you to K at Walking After Midnight for the prompt.)
Thinking about writing and actually writing are not the same thing. I’ve been thinking about writing for several weeks, but I haven’t blogged for several months. And the longer I wait to write, the harder it is to write. After this long of a delay, do I even have anything to say that anyone would want to read?
I have a friend (https://theapplesinmyorchard.wordpress.com) who started blogging in the past several months, and she is doing a fantastic job of writing every day, something I long for but haven’t figured out how to do. She is a prolific writer, and I urge you to check out her blog – she’s got all kinds of fascinating topics, from education to home life and everything in between!
Can I write about things that don’t tie to my tagline? “I am not my depression.” Even though I have lots of subject ideas on living with depression, what it was like going through depressive episodes, the impact of depression on family life and work. How to-s on living with it, living after it, etc. I have a whole file folder of topics I could address. I still think I want this to be my focus.
Then there’s just stuff from my day-to-day life. Granted, my days are pretty quiet. But as I’m learning to be content and appreciative of what is around me, I could write about those things. My backyard birds, the spotted fawns by the brook, the recent hikes I’ve taken. The peaceful days. The joy of sleeping in. Daily-ness.
I can write about special people in my life. My daughter who just graduated from college, and our fantastic weekend of family celebrating her. My adventurous son who took off for Europe for 14 days, then promptly moved west for his summer internship – where did he get such courage to take on these adventures?! My amazing husband could be part of lots of my stories – he’s in the center of my days. My relationship with Jesus, and how our connection ebbs and flows with my effort. He is faithful – I tend to vary; so I could write about my journey with the Lord. Or searching for a church home. Finding friends. Settling into my job.
All topics of interest to… me. Anybody else?
Then again, why do I write? The question that every author must answer. Who is my audience? Do I write for myself, for clarification and release, or do I write to be heard or to start a dialogue? Maybe the answer is all of the above – something for everyone, anyone, or someone.
In which case, someone may read and identify with what I write. So I’ll write again. And I’ll start right now. Thanks for reading.
Sunny with a Chance of Clouds 
You write so well and it doesn’t need a “purpose” – follow your heart and write what you feel like writing. You don’t need to constrain yourself to writing about depression – as another commenter said, everything you write on another subject proves that you are not your depression. You need no one’s approval so enjoy!
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Thanks, Andi. I appreciate your encouragement!
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Greetings,
In a sense, anything you write about, besides your depression, proves that “you are not your depression”. Plus, I like to hear about the important people in your life and especially about JESUS!
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Hi Mary!
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Hi Peg! Thanks for the shoutout/link. You know, I think you can and should write about anything you want. Granted, I have learned/been told that one should stick to their topic at hand, but everyone needs a break from what ever drum they are beating. You know? I absolutely want to reach those who need support and/or guidance in the world of TAG education, educational reform, and educational choices but even I get tired of hearing myself write about the same topics. So, yes! I am throwing in some daily life topics, my silent sunday posts (just photos), and other things that interest me. In a recent post I wrote that I write to connect and that is the case. It has been cathartic for me as well, but the true reason I have been writing regularly is that I find I want to and CAN connect with people on a variety of topics. Recently, someone wrote me privately about what I had written in my blog post about the reasons I ended garden club – clearly, I hit a nerve with that person. My readership ebbs and flows depending on the topic, of course, but we are all people and in that sense, you can connect about any topic you choose – even if it is not part of your tag line. I miss you, my friend! I so hope you start writing more!
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Thanks, Carol, for your insights. I plan to write more, and am comfortable with topics outside of my depression experience. After all, “I am not my depression.” So I’ll keep myself open to writing about the topics that interest me, and see if I hit a nerve anytime, too.
I miss you, too. Wish we could chat over a Panera table!
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I really just wanted to support your writing. Personally, I think you are good at it and it might be good for you, too. I don’t have all the answers, Peg, but I know that just writing about TAG stuff wasn’t right for me – even though it sounds like what my blog “should” be about. I am sure there are many that would disagree, but I’m okay with what I’m doing with my blog and you should feel comfortable to write whatever you want – you are not your depression, is right – anything can fit under that!
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Great post… miss you!
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Funny. I’m kinda there myself. I’ve been thinking about writing for like the last week or so. I’ve written a little in my journal, but I’ve not been too in the mood to share anything. Or, for that matter, what do I even want to write about that would attract another reader? So, I’m with you.
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So I just wrote. Try it! You’re ahead of me in the journaling department. I have tried writing in mine, hoping it would inspire me. But that was weeks ago.
So today, I just opened WordPress and started typing. Now to keep it up!
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