Sonya Elliott – Eastern Washington University 1988
Writing is hard work.
Yesterday, throughout the day, I watched my daughter fill up her third composition notebook with words. She is working on a book. I would walk by her room, and peak in and watch her in awe. Then as I’d walk away, I’d beat myself up, “Come on Sonya, pull out your notebook and write.”
On days when I’m not inspired to write, it can be nearly impossible to get myself going. I’ve been fighting a cold and I didn’t feel like doing much of anything, but that is really no excuse. I’d like to say I wrote yesterday, that after my short speech to myself writing prevailed, but it didn’t.
The couch, a walk to the beach and the Seahawks prevailed. All good things for sure, but that is why today it is all the more important to put my foot down and quit procrastinating, because I know when I begin to write, the inspiration will come, and I will feel complete.
This is where I will use my basketball background (and Nike) to remind myself to just do it. When I was young and playing basketball and I didn’t want to practice, I would MAKE myself get on the court and push myself. And once there, sweat dripping and muscles aching, I loved it.
Tough writing days are not that much different. (Less the sweat) Today, I’m starting with this blog, now I’m on the court, my computer is out and my fingers are moving. Then I’ll write 10 minutes on the writing prompt and I’ll be warmed up and ready to play ball. I will have no excuses. My book will be at my finger tips and by then I will be having fun, writing. Playing the game.
Writing Prompt-Option 1: What does Just Do It mean to you?
Writing Prompt-Option 2: Jazz found a single red Nike tennis shoe with an orange swoosh on the door mat.
