Today, I was finally offered a teaching job after 8 years and hundreds of applications, emails and rejections. All the emotions running through me collide, and I can barely believe it's real. I have worked for a long time to become a teacher - it's 15 years in the making. It's all too surreal.
And today, I watched my daughter attempt to bring her life back on track, watched the humiliation and disappointment as she had to accept that the easy road she was hoping to find does not exist. As a parent, as a teacher, I want to reach out and grasp hold of her dream, of her life, and make it all better. Not wanting her disappointment to overshadow my joy, I was lost in complete confusion.
More and more, I remind myself that I cannot be a martyr to a cause that I do not fully support. I have not defined what the cause is, but a small voice continues to whisper, "Do not be a martyr."
Move forward 2 months: When I stumbled upon the beginning of
this post, I could vaguely remember it, but the original intent has since been
lost. My frustration at my writing continues as I have outlined many
times in the past couple of years. It also serves as an excellent
platform for what I wanted to write about today, so I will leave the top
portion.
And today, I watched my daughter attempt to bring her life back on track, watched the humiliation and disappointment as she had to accept that the easy road she was hoping to find does not exist. As a parent, as a teacher, I want to reach out and grasp hold of her dream, of her life, and make it all better. Not wanting her disappointment to overshadow my joy, I was lost in complete confusion.
More and more, I remind myself that I cannot be a martyr to a cause that I do not fully support. I have not defined what the cause is, but a small voice continues to whisper, "Do not be a martyr."
---------------------------------------------------------------
Move forward 2 months: When I stumbled upon the beginning of
this post, I could vaguely remember it, but the original intent has since been
lost. My frustration at my writing continues as I have outlined many
times in the past couple of years. It also serves as an excellent
platform for what I wanted to write about today, so I will leave the top
portion.
Having recently completed the new Jack London
biography "Wolf" by James Haley, I have pondered London's persistent habit of writing 1,000 words daily. He wanted to use his writing to support himself and established a writing regime that actualized that desire. So how many words is 1,000?
It's a manageable goal.
From the biography, I learned so much more than London's daily word goal. I also learned what true persistence looks like and that success must be something measurable in your spirit. The sheer number of tragic moments in London's life startles: stillborn son, house fire, financial ruin...........one loss after another.
London also devised a plan of action for publication. I wish I had his determination. I, too, once had a dream of being a published writer and living off my trade. Not that I do not love teaching, but writing is my passion. After reading the biography, I also revisited my novella "A Philly Story", working on a section of it. This is the first serious entry on my novella in almost 2 years. London would not approve my neglect.
The reason I stored my dreams made complete sense at the time, but as time marches rudely forward waiting for no one, I understand that wasted so much time. 1,000 words daily? I just sigh, now knowing that 1,000 words daily would be roughly 550 pages................a book! Many of London's manuscripts were never published, and his rejections far out numbered his acceptances. London knew he had things to say, and his voracious appetite to learn provided more and more background for his writing.
And just in case you are wondering, this post was at 501 words before this final thought. Possibly I could've wrote 1,000 words had I not had consistent interruptions and obligations that drew me away from writing today. I know that as I outlined this post in my mind, it had more meat to it. Dedicating time each day, without interruption, to write ensures success to the strict adherence to 1,000 words a day.
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