I set out in 2015 to read with more intention; to read less in order to make more space for writing. I created a framework for this intentional reading with The 2015 Book Project, and it served me well for the first few of months of the year, but the last couple of months it has become more of a burden than I ever intended it to be.
So, I’m taking a cue from Lindsay Crandall and I am letting go what doesn’t serve me anymore.
The 2015 Book Project was a good start to the year, but then I joined a critique group. The writing is coming easier to me, and finding time to read has become harder. When I do have time to read, I want something lighter, something to entertain and not something to tug at my heart strings like my writing is doing. I need more balance, not more rules.
I am abandoning The 2015 Book Project. It feels a little like failure, but I guess it’s not if I have learned a lesson from it.
I’m looking forward to the freedom this decision gives.
I’m looking forward to placing holds on library books with abandon, not worrying about when they will come in and if they will come in during the “right” month.
I’m looking forward to reading what suits the moment, what I need to read in order to fuel my day, my creativity, my own writing.
I’m looking forward to researching for the novel, reading books that will influence and shape what I am creating.
And I’m looking forward to tracking it all, because who would I be if I didn’t make lists of my books? I’ll plan to do monthly wrap-up posts like last year, with a short summary of each read. This will give me more flexibility to write book reviews for the blog, too – which I love doing!
Have you ever had to let something go in order to make space for something better?
Goodness, I love this post. (And I love Lindsay! I think I “met” both of you at the same time, but didn’t realize you two know each other as well.) I think there are some things I need to abandon but it’s scary to think about doing that. Your words are encouraging to me this morning.
That is too funny! I “met” Lindsay through her essay on The Art House blog a couple months ago… I think that’s the same place I “met” you several months back, too! I love the internet and its propensity for drawing friends together.
Thank you for your kind words, Callie – I think it’s much harder to abandon things once you make them public on a space like this – it’s so nice when people reach out and say “me, too.” I hope you can find some space this week to make the decisions you need, and the peace to be okay with it afterwards.
It can be so hard to let go of something that you believe is good — even if you know you’re letting go of it because you’re reaching for something better. Yes, I have made that choice as well but never in a public forum. It takes bravery to choose to end a project early and unfinished. It also takes wisdom and humility. Well done.
Thanks, Sue. That means a lot coming from you. :)