We're almost at the halfway mark of NaNoWriMo, and since today is World Kindness Day, I thought it an appropriate time to remind you (and me) to...be kind. To everyone else around you, yes, but also to yourself.
Look, writing isn't easy, and working to deadline—any deadline—can be stressful. I realized yesterday, as I was stretching for those last 20 words to meet my word count goals, that my palms started to sweat. My heart was beating faster (and it wasn't even a scary part) and no matter how fast I typed the words just wouldn't come...
I realized, I wasn't being kind to myself.
So I took a deep breath, stepped away from the computer, and gave myself a pep talk. I reminded myself that if I don't meet my word count for the day, the week, or even the challenge, I am not a failure. I've already written more this year than in the last two NaNoWriMo challenges before. And if my words aren't perfect, that's okay. They're not meant to be.
After reading a couple of pages of my new Superman comic—my reward for hitting the 2,000 word mark—I was able to settle back into routine. Twenty words might not sound like much, but when you're not being kind to yourself, it was daunting. Most things are if you're putting too much pressure on yourself.
So today, and everyday, be kind...not just to those around you. But to yourself.
Gotta jet! May the words be with you.
~ Chase Superman Duffy
Word Count: 2,222
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