One of the things that I've learned from my lifetime of dealing with mental illness is that in recovery, you can usually find a solution. Sometimes finding the solution is the hardest part. And sometimes, given who I am, making the decision to use the solution is the hardest part. I would seriously like to make my blog a book. I'm hoping to expand my audience that way and use it as a tool for advocacy. But the question is....how do I go about doing it? Here is the problem: I write a blog that is based on what I'm experiencing at the moment. Whatever the topic is, you can be sure that I was taught or reminded by what is occurring in my life or that of someone I know. And sometimes, current events contribute. But the thought of sitting down and writing a cohesive book that makes sense can make me so anxious that I avoid taking the steps to do it. I'm good at that. I do that regularly in real life. If I'm anxious, I don't take action. Maybe some of you can relate?
Anyway, I'm intimidated by the thought of taking articles and putting them into a format and then expanding what I've written to create a book. There are a couple of really awesome solutions. Loving friends have given me those solutions. One is to hire an editor. I have one picked out. She is a very sweet woman who understands my project, my goals, and is as committed as I am. But to hire her is VERY expensive. At least for me. I really think that with what she offers, it is a bargain. I would have to do crowdfunding to get that accomplished. And for whatever reason, I'm not so ready to do that. The other option is a software that helps people organize and write books. That is much less expensive. And I would have much of the work done before working with my editor. That is what I've chosen to do. This option is actually affordable for me right at this moment.
However, I've known about this option for months. And I've done nothing to move forward. I just put the whole thing out of my mind and consoled myself with the thought that just writing is enough for accomplishing my goals. It isn't. For whatever reason, this book has to be written. I can't even tell you why. It just does. I know that Maxine spent most of her life struggling with her mental illness. She had NO insight. She had NO treatment. And she was miserable. I feel a real need to honor that struggle. So....I've downloaded the software. And I'm moving forward. I'm committing myself to that. Even if I'm a bit terrorized by it. I know at the bottom of it that even if I fail, I will have succeeded. The only true failure is not trying.
Can you see how this is kind of a metaphor for recovery? Dealing with mental illness is an overwhelming and terrifying experience sometimes. I know that is the case from my life experiences. I also know it from talking with you....my friends and readers. I believe that we can accomplish miracles if we just try. And I'm relying on the strength that you have shown me to do this. Let's make it mutual. I'm here if you need to talk. I honor your struggle. And I send all my love.....
Anyway, I'm intimidated by the thought of taking articles and putting them into a format and then expanding what I've written to create a book. There are a couple of really awesome solutions. Loving friends have given me those solutions. One is to hire an editor. I have one picked out. She is a very sweet woman who understands my project, my goals, and is as committed as I am. But to hire her is VERY expensive. At least for me. I really think that with what she offers, it is a bargain. I would have to do crowdfunding to get that accomplished. And for whatever reason, I'm not so ready to do that. The other option is a software that helps people organize and write books. That is much less expensive. And I would have much of the work done before working with my editor. That is what I've chosen to do. This option is actually affordable for me right at this moment.
However, I've known about this option for months. And I've done nothing to move forward. I just put the whole thing out of my mind and consoled myself with the thought that just writing is enough for accomplishing my goals. It isn't. For whatever reason, this book has to be written. I can't even tell you why. It just does. I know that Maxine spent most of her life struggling with her mental illness. She had NO insight. She had NO treatment. And she was miserable. I feel a real need to honor that struggle. So....I've downloaded the software. And I'm moving forward. I'm committing myself to that. Even if I'm a bit terrorized by it. I know at the bottom of it that even if I fail, I will have succeeded. The only true failure is not trying.
Can you see how this is kind of a metaphor for recovery? Dealing with mental illness is an overwhelming and terrifying experience sometimes. I know that is the case from my life experiences. I also know it from talking with you....my friends and readers. I believe that we can accomplish miracles if we just try. And I'm relying on the strength that you have shown me to do this. Let's make it mutual. I'm here if you need to talk. I honor your struggle. And I send all my love.....
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