I haven’t written a blog post here in ages. I wanted to because, even though I don’t know you personally, I know you’re interested in writing. And I love you for wanting to share your words with the world. But what if you have that passion but you’re not writing? I wasn’t.

I didn’t write to you lately because I can’t do everything.

I got overwhelmed. With helping clients write their books. With crappy health crap. With pandemic bullshit.

Something had to give.

Do you know that feeling?

Do you know what it’s like to want to write... and not.

To think about writing, and what you’d say, and how you’d challenge thoughts and ideas, and how your words would motivate, encourage, inspire, and change the world... but do nothing.

It’s god damn demoralizing. Isn’t it?

When you want to write and you don’t. When the words don’t come out. When your ideas are just... constipated.

It’s gross.

So many of my clients have experienced that. They know they have something to share and they're frustrated they aren’t getting their words into the world.

I feel that frustration, too. It’s how I’ve felt this summer, when I wanted to write to you and didn’t.

But dwelling in constipation doesn’t do us any good.

So here’s a novel idea. Why don’t we forgive ourselves? Why don’t we stop squirming in discomfort and be okay with the fact we’ve failed to write?


Why don't we forgive ourselves for not writing?

What's the worst that will happen if we forgive ourselves?

Perhaps you think letting yourself off the hook means you won’t be motivated to actually do the thing. It’s a fair concern. But let me tell you my experience.

I decided it was okay that I haven’t emailed you all summer.

Yeah, I’m disappointed in myself for not consistently being there as your writing support buddy, cheering you on in the background. But it’s not like you died because you didn’t hear my oh-so-wise words of inspiration.

So I decided it’s okay.

Then I felt lighter. Less beaten down. Less like shit.

And with the pressure lifted, I suddenly felt inspired. I knew what I wanted to share with you. I became motivated to make the time.

And I wrote this post.

What about you?

  • What would happen if you stopped beating up on yourself for not writing your book?

  • How would it feel to be nicer to yourself?

  • Can you let yourself off the hook? Even just for a short while.

Maybe, if you did, you’d slack off totally and never write again. But if you’re not writing now, what difference would it make? You’d just be a bit—god forbid—less miserable. Happier. Lighter.

And maybe you’d be inspired. More motivated. Better able to make time for writing.

Give it a shot. Forgive yourself. I have. And I feel more motivated for it.

Thanks,

Liz "Let's Be Okay" Green
Editor, Book Coach, and Ghostwriter
Green Goose Writing

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