“The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance; the wise grows it under his feet.” James Oppenheim
While it’s been sunny outside, the past two weeks have been dark and overcast in my head. — By Pat Bean
I have a Case
I have always been a high-energy kind of person, one who thrives on ending a day with a feeling of accomplishment. A good day for me has always been one in which I have completed a project or activity and learned something new.
But perhaps the sun came out today. — By Pat Bean
Of course I’ve had days that have been eaten up by computer games, non-stop reading or television (more the first two than the latter), but they have mostly been singular in nature with better days in between. And I don’t begrudge the reading days because I count them as learning days.
This blah episode, however, has stretched into two weeks, which accounts for the absence of recent blogs.
I’ve been sitting here this morning, curled up in a blanket in my recliner with my morning coffee and my laptop, searching for answers to the dilemma — because accomplishing nothing for days on end does not make me a happy person.
First I gave myself credit for things I did accomplish just before this case of the blahs set in. I finished my fourth rewrite of Travels with Maggie, submitted a flash fiction piece to a contest and took on a new doggie baby-sitting client. The latter means I now have three dogs to walk every day. While that uses up an extra bit of time and energy it’s not that much. And besides, the extra walking is good for me. So scratch that excuse.
Perhaps I’m dawdling because I’m anxious about taking the next step on my travel book? That actually sounds possible.
And then, there’s the unrelated fact that today is St. Patrick’s Day – the time of year when my mother died. She actually died on a Friday the 13th, with her memorial service on St. Patrick’s Day. I still miss her, but I don’t think she’s the cause of my blahs. I mean I didn’t realize it was this time of year until today.
Perhaps I just needed some time off — and perhaps writing this blog means I’m ready to get back to being myself. I certainly hope so.
Blog pick of the Day. Check it out.
Bean Pat: My Beautiful Things http://tinyurl.com/jvf5h8e Relax and take a walk through the woods to the beach from your armchair.
Pat Bean's blog 
Blah periods happen. What matters is how you handle them. You are handling this by blogging–along with a few other things. =) You are breaking through inertia. WTG!
Writer Advice Managing Editor, http://www.writeradvice.com
Author of YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT? Journaling for Caregivers & Author of TALENT
blynngoodwin.com
Thanks Lynn. I think I’m beginning to handle them so as not to totally breakdown. Blogging helps because I like to do it so much. I’m wondering if that’s the ego in me.
Your words, along with the quotes and illustrations really tie this piece together. Sometimes I get into blah periods for months, even years,when it comes to writing. Then I begin to doubt my desire to write. Currently on the upswing so we shall see where that goes. Keep on writing.
You, too Marjorie. Keep on writing.
Oh, Marjorie, I’m sooo glad to discover that I’m not the only one! I’m at the point where I fear I’ll never come back from this place so I’m glad to see you write that there’s an “upswing.” I only hope I’ll find my own one of these days. The blahs are the pits, especially when they feel never-ending.
Thank you for the Bean Pat, much appreciated. With regard to blah days, we do all get them and sometimes they can be almost overwhelming but, like you, I get busy and get through them and my other half is invaluable in helping me through.
Again, like you, writing the blog is one strategy which helps. Good luck with your travel writing too. 🙂
You’re welcome and thanks for the kind words.
Maybe you’re in a creative pause. I learned that phrase a couple of days ago and like it. It means there’s a point to curling up in a recliner. Not to the blahs, though.
I sure so Kathy, because my recliner sees a lot of me. Thanks for commenting.
Everyone’s process is different and evolving. Yours may be simply going through a change at the moment. Or not. This, too, shall pass. Part of the fun is seeing what happens next.
That’s a good way to think of it. I like it. Thanks for commenting Wordsmith.