Muscle and the Muse

I need to start working out again.

It’s not just my weight, it’s my confidence.  I’m a nervous nilly when it comes to writing these days.  I throw up roadblocks before I’ve even sat down at my keyboard.  I don’t have time to write.  I’m too busy to write.  I’ve too many blogs/essays/interviews to do and when I’m done with all that writing I don’t have energy left for my manuscript. 

It’s pathetic.  I’m feeling pathetic and beating myself up doesn’t accomplish a lot but I’m close to hitting rock bottom here and must take action.

I need to write.

I need to exercise.

I need to cut back on sugar and carbs.

Yes, ice cream is lovely and See’s chocolates are divine, but popping yummy little morsels into my mouth isn’t helping hips, waist or confidence.  Must think like a warrior again.  Must think tough.

Starting today I’m getting serious about the right things, and putting my writing and work out plan at the top of my priority list.  Okay, kids and spiritual well-being are above writing and exercise, but I think there’s room for all four in my life.  I certainly don’t think God is calling me to the freezer and that carton of full-fat Dreyer’s Cookie Dough Ice Cream.  Or the box of See’s candies stashed way back on the top of my fridge.

So goodbye ice cream.  Goodbye chocolates.  Goodbye generous portions.  I’m over being soft and lazy.  I’m hungry for the lean, mean me.  Heck, I’m hungry just to fit in to my favorite jeans again.

I’m hungry to feel like a writer again.

So this is it.  My let’s-get-my-act together and be the professional I know  can be.  Which means writing well, and writing long.   I must start producing more words, must start getting the pages done and the chapters lined up so that my readers will have another book from me.  As glorious as my blog is, I somehow don’t think readers will accept that in lieu of a new novel.  (Or will you?  Because if you enjoy my blog as much, if not more, than I think we have a winner….but no, wait, I’m not paid to blog, am I?)

But I can’t do it alone.  I need your help.  I need to know others are out there sacrificing their sweet tooth and spending hours at the keyboard.  So if you’re on a diet, a fitness routine, or working on a book, please let me know you’re sweating and swearing, too.  Wait, no, that’s not right.  I must be more positive.  Let me know you’re focused and energized and excited about your priorities, too.

So here’s to the rest of my new life! 

Well, to the rest of my May!  Here’s to building muscle and focusing the muse. 

And dropping a pant size. 

Oh yeah.  And finishing that $%!@ book.