I’ve been absent for a while. Not writing, not even reading much, and not exercising as much as I should. August was kind of a blur. Even though I had a wonderful week in Ireland and spent time with family and friends, there was a dark cloud hanging around. Towards the end of July my mother-in-law’s health started to decline rapidly. She was in the hospital for a short time, then came home to hospice care. Last week I kissed her good-bye for the last time as she joined her beloved husband of seventy years who left us in December.
Those of you who are teachers know all about the school calendar – how the new year does not start in January like everyone thinks, but rather around Labor Day, when school starts. Since yesterday was Labor Day, I decided I needed a new beginning. I woke early and willed myself into doing some writing work. I’ll admit I was nervous. The creative juices have just not been flowing. I’ve felt stuck, wanting to give up. I opened up a manuscript I’d been working on, read it and reread it, looked again at the comments from my critique group, and picked up the pen. It wasn’t easy, but I was able to make some revisions (good, I hope). It’s a start, and I will sit down with it again today.
I’ve heard the saying that goes something like, “I don’t love to write, but I love having written,” and that’s how I felt after spending some time with my words. Having written was a jump start. I spent the rest of the morning doing some gardening, taking the dog for a walk, and organizing my tasks for September in my bullet journal. Since many of my August tasks had not been completed, I just rolled them over to the new month. They’ll be completed, and new tasks will take their place. But there will also be new ideas, new opportunities, and new beginnings.
Imagine the Possibilities 
I’m sorry for your family’s loss, and I’m glad it’s just a month you’ve felt like you’ve been in a funk. What an understandable reason! I’m not a teacher but even as a parent of three school age children I get that the academic year is the real one guiding my life, and I’m thankful for the structure it imposes on the rest of my life. I’m glad your new beginning came when you needed it. Good luck sticking at the writing–forcing it sometimes is necessary until you get in that sought-after flow again!
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Oh my! I, too, wrote about losing a family member today. I’m sorry to hear about your loss.
September is a time for new beginnings. Sounds like we both need one.
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I have been away for July and August… I found the space really important, but it is good to get back at it. So sorry to hear of your loss. My husbands 99 year old great grandmother passed last week — so much love, wisdom and humor. She lived quite the life, but saying goodbye is always difficult. To new beginnings….
Clare
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I like the optimistism in your post, Rose. I am sorry you had a tough month and for your loss of beloved family members. My husband lost his parents recently, as well. However, I am glad you are writing again. I might help you heal, as well – something, I am sure you already know.
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So sorry for your loss, Rose. Glad you are back. Here’s to new beginnings.
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