You know those days, though? Where you're splashing in the water and look up ten minutes later to realize the current has dragged you a quarter mile from where you thought you were? And all your stuff is way down the beach? And you have to swim so hard to get back? You paddle and paddle and paddle, but when you look up you're still so. far. away. And you're out of breath and getting irritated and your muscles are so tired and you know you're being melodramatic, but you feel like you're never gonna get there?
I've had a lot of conversations recently with writers who are having days like those. I have them sometimes, too. With writing. With life. I mean, who doesn't hit that drag-you-down riptide every once in a while? When--in that moment--it feels like it's always going to be against-the-current battle? And we get exhausted. Because, seriously, when are we going to get there?
But then . . . Look around.
Dude, we're in the ocean. We get to play in the water. Yes, sometimes people ride a wave in and walk back along the sand. It's faster. It's easier. But I don't want to do that. Because, dang, look at my swimming muscles. Those things are getting JACKED. I'm getting stronger, my endurance is building. And next time it will be a little less of a challenge. And? Splashing and twisting and flipping in the ocean is fun. As long as you don't swallow too much and choke on the saltwater, yanno? So enjoy the waves and breathe out through your nose.
Because you wouldn't be in the ocean if you didn't love it.
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Excellent post. :)
ReplyDeleteOf course, you forgot to mention the sharks... *grin*
I love that! Love riding a wave in and find myself 100 yards down the beach. Though when it's that extreme, sometimes it's wise to get out and walk back up to your starting point. Sometimes you can't fight the tide but have to learn to work with such a powerful force of nature. And I have no clue if I'm talking about writing or actually swimming in the ocean anymore.
ReplyDeleteSo true. I've been feeling like this a lot lately. I need to remind myself to just keep swimming. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sara!
So lovely. So true.
ReplyDeleteA brilliant analogy. Well said, Sara.
And when you got out of the water, may there always be a Malibu and Pineapple waiting for you.
*sigh* Beautifully said! I've been living inside this analogy lately. Great posy, Sara. :)
ReplyDeleteLive in and enjoy the moment!
ReplyDeleteI don't swim in our ocean though. Too many sharks.
I wouldn't have it any other way. And there is no such thing as overly metaphorical, not in my book.
ReplyDeleteAWESOME post! Why I live at the beach. WHY I WRITE!!!
ReplyDeleteI so needed this today! Thanks!
This is a perfect metaphor for the writing journey! I definitely need to look around sometimes and remember that I'm doing this because I love it. Thanks, Sara!
ReplyDeleteAwesome post. I really needed this today... well, ok, every day right now. What if you're getting so tired, you're afraid your muscles are about to give out and you're going to drown?
ReplyDeleteI LOVE THIS. So true.
ReplyDeleteLove this analogy! Love the pic too. I'm right there today just trying to stay afloat.
ReplyDeleteGreat analogy, Sara. I love the ocean, too. The sand, not so much :)
ReplyDeleteLove this, Sara! Much needed inspiration, plus, it makes me want to visit the beach. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is my first time here. I found you on the blue boards. This post is perfect! I'm so glad I stopped by. I love the analogy because I think the ocean is beautiful but scary, so your message really makes sense to me.
ReplyDeleteGREAT analogy, Sara. I'm loving the water right now, but there's a big freaking tide coming my way and it's called "revisions." Siiiiiiighhhh.
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