First For Me

         I have learned that anything can be a distraction. I have also learned that not all distractions are bad. But the most important thing I have learned is to maintain my focus. To keep my priorities straight. To know what is most important.

         What is most important to me might not be most important to you. You have to determine that. For me everything, my writing, my dreams, my goals all grow from my faith. You’ll see that in these next few statements. If you are of a different faith than mine (Christian), you can adapt what I say to your beliefs.

         My faith teaches that I should “love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul and mind” and that I am to seek Him first, then everything else will be added to my life. It is amazing to me how it works. When I spend focused time reading or studying or meditating on His Word, all the other aspects of my life fall into place. I have the time to write and I actually write during that time. I enjoy visits, online or off, with my grown and almost-grown children. I am content and productive, sometimes amazingly so. When I put first things first.

          I haven’t done that lately. My study time has been minimal. And getting shorter.

         Not good. Not good from a faith viewpoint and not good in the effects to my writing. My creativity has shriveled up, stayed blocked, run away from my mind. My productivity has sank so low, I feel wildly successful just keeping up with my blogs (this one and Stephanie’s Musings). It wasn’t until last week that I really became aware of the problem. This enforced vacation has done more than just give me a a much needed break to refresh my creativity. It has given me perspective. It has shown me the dried up well that is my creativity. More importantly, it has shown me the root of that dry spell.

         My focus is skewed! I am struggling to wring out vibrant scenes and colorful characters before spending the time necessary to refresh and feed my soul. There is a reason my Lord said to seek His kingdom first. When I do, the other things I need and want, including creativity, find their way to me.

         Can you apply my life lesson to your own life and writing? Even if you can’t relate to my particular faith? Sure you can! What is most important in your life? What speaks to and refreshes the inner you? Your family? Time spent meditating? A walk in a serene park or a jog through city streets? Spend some time in that activity each day. Or as often as possible. Make it a priority. See how it nurtures your writing.

         Tell us about your attempts to refocus when you’ve been distracted away from your writing.