Pulling Back the Curtain

To start something new, we have to stop doing something else.

When I started writing for Copper House North, I was emotional from the release of  The Miracle Farm , just three months earlier. The feedback I received regarding the book was wonderful, and I sensed a real connection between writing and my ability to help others. Starting this blog could be a continuation of that.

But that was before my trip to  Steamboat .

My normal routine consists of a large amount of alone time and screen time, while trying to pour out creativity from a cup that, honestly, has only been half-full.

Two weeks away in CO, though, where I soaked up quality time with others, showed me just how much I’d been missing people in my everyday life. It wasn’t news per se, but a strong affirmation of something I already knew was true.

Money plays a part, too. While I wrote the book, there just wasn’t a steady income on my part. I was okay with that.

But now I have the desire to financially contribute to my family again. Is that possible with a blog? Yes. But it’s a long game, if you will.

In sharing these thoughts with a good friend, she pointed me back to technology, of all places. It’s where I worked until 2011, before I switched to a creative path.

A great thing about working in technology was my regular interaction with people. That good friend I mentioned? We’ve known each other for years, thanks to my time in tech.

Another positive thing was that it lacked emotion. I did the work but wasn’t attached to it, nor was I tempted to associate my identity with it. With creativity? Not so much. That side of it is draining.

So, for the past few days, out of curiosity I’ve been brushing up on my web development skills. The interesting thing is, it’s not a big leap from what I’ve been doing with my personal websites. It’s even a smidge creative, which might be all that I need. 🙂 And yes, the work still requires screen time, but again…more people.

Where does that leave Copper House North? I don’t know. But to possibly say “yes” to development work again, means I have to say “no” to writing on a regular schedule.

I almost can’t believe I’m typing these words.

When I started the blog, I thought this would be the creative thing I’d finally commit to. But, I’m admitting to myself that I will *always* teeter-totter when it comes to creativity. It’s what keeps it interesting…there’s always something new to learn! However, always changing gears doesn’t make for good business. At least, not for me.

So, if nothing else, I hope this encourages you to stop the things you need to stop (even if it dents your pride a little), and start on the better path.

After all, time is limited and we shouldn’t spend it wishing we had taken a chance, but didn’t.