So. We’ve made it to the future. We’ve arrived in 2024. I’ve checked it and rechecked it and the calendar is defiant. This is definitely the year we’re now inhabiting. Big milestones like New Year’s Day always have me looking backwards. And this year, I’m looking backwards six years to January 1st 2018, a day I remember quite clearly. It was five days after my chronic illness first reared its ugly head and I woke up telling myself that I was definitely getting over the worst of it. Maybe I should go for a run. Maybe I could still make the New Year’s lunch I’d planned with a couple of friends. But what I did instead was to sit down and write a story. My main resolution for that year was to take my writing more seriously and I was determined that I wouldn’t let my “temporary” illness get in the way of that.
Thank you for all of this, Matt! Every prompt is so compelling...I am eager to try them all. The collective words of wisdom are just what I needed for this New Year's Day. A special note of appreciation to you for reminding me that there are many reasons to write, and that when I am not comparing myself to the efforts and aspirations of others, I am feeling quite content and fulfilled with my creative output. Particularly my letter-writing practice...which has been an act of love and devotion since childhood. Wishing you all the very best for a healthy and inspired new year!
Thank you for all of this, Matt! Every prompt is so compelling...I am eager to try them all. The collective words of wisdom are just what I needed for this New Year's Day. A special note of appreciation to you for reminding me that there are many reasons to write, and that when I am not comparing myself to the efforts and aspirations of others, I am feeling quite content and fulfilled with my creative output. Particularly my letter-writing practice...which has been an act of love and devotion since childhood. Wishing you all the very best for a healthy and inspired new year!
GREAT post @Matt, SO informative! What a lot of work you clearly put into this - amazeballs!