This week, my kiddos and I planted a garden in a place that has not seen a garden in over 30 years. It was only us and some hand tools. We hand dug the garden and used a hand tiller to turn the dirt before planting several raspberries, blueberry, strawberries, tomatoes, and some blackberries. It was several days’ worth of work, and we still have much more to do, with rows waiting for beans and more.
While planting them, my children started asking how long it would be before we had anything we could eat. Some of the plants will give crops right away, while with others it will be several weeks or months before they produce. Many of the fruits will not produce this year, but with diligence and patience, will bear fruit next year and for many years to come.
Sometimes we need to remember our work is much like a garden. Some things will work right away, quickly springing to life, only to fade away a few weeks or months later. Others will have nothing to show upfront. It is only with patience and diligent work that we see the reward of our hard work.
When you are feeling frustrated with your progress, whether because it is not taking off or because it was doing amazingly, and suddenly it is no longer doing well, I encourage you to step back and critically think about your work. Was it a short-term trend that has passed? Is your work really something that should take off immediately, or do you need to keep your long-term goals in mind?
As writers, we must regularly look at what we are doing and decide if it is a short term project, long-term goal, or just a weed sucking time and energy from our ultimate goal. If it is a weed, pull it out by the roots and get rid of it. I hear lawn gnomes are always hungry.
I’d love to hear about your writing seasons and your weeds. What ones surprised you on your journey the most? How did you get rid of your biggest weed?
While planting them, my children started asking how long it would be before we had anything we could eat. Some of the plants will give crops right away, while with others it will be several weeks or months before they produce. Many of the fruits will not produce this year, but with diligence and patience, will bear fruit next year and for many years to come.
Sometimes we need to remember our work is much like a garden. Some things will work right away, quickly springing to life, only to fade away a few weeks or months later. Others will have nothing to show upfront. It is only with patience and diligent work that we see the reward of our hard work.
When you are feeling frustrated with your progress, whether because it is not taking off or because it was doing amazingly, and suddenly it is no longer doing well, I encourage you to step back and critically think about your work. Was it a short-term trend that has passed? Is your work really something that should take off immediately, or do you need to keep your long-term goals in mind?
As writers, we must regularly look at what we are doing and decide if it is a short term project, long-term goal, or just a weed sucking time and energy from our ultimate goal. If it is a weed, pull it out by the roots and get rid of it. I hear lawn gnomes are always hungry.
I’d love to hear about your writing seasons and your weeds. What ones surprised you on your journey the most? How did you get rid of your biggest weed?
- Author notes
- An uplifting series to encourage writers.
- Story length
- short story
