Possibility

I have something to say, to tell. My brain is constantly in motion. Even asleep my mind is pushing forth ideas, stories, dreams and random thoughts. I find myself explaining things, to me! I sense others may be listening, so I include them in my explanation. These are random. I have no idea why the topics pop to mind and use my energy. Does your mind engage in this activity as well? I bet it does.

The book I’m writing is something topical that often engages my mind. The topics appear random, but on examination, they are related. They often connect with the theme of the book. Organizing all of this is complicated. I’ve tried to do it before and quickly became lost.

I’ve even asked a friend of mine who was a writer, published, edited often, and in need of bucks. I asked him if he thought my book could produce income; he said yes. So, I offered him half of everything it produced, and the same flow to his wife if he predeceased her. He said yes. We both fiddled with the material a bit, but he lost interest and never really got started. Then he died. So that avenue no longer is available.

I have another friend who is a professional writer and editor. She has offered to help me as well, but I doubt she would take the same offer I made to my other friend. She is older than me and may not be interested in a project of this size.

The size? Well, I have 3 million words published in a blog over the past 14 years. That body of work could be scanned, sorted and used for a book. Only 500,000 words or less would make a book, so plenty of material awaits use. Still, it is the organizing thought or theme that would make this possible. Until then, it is just a fly on the wall. Possibility only.

Meanwhile, I continue to create more material. Whether it is all related remains a question. I am moved to write. It is something I do. It is something I must do. There is no empty page syndrome with me, unless you count the inability to sort the blog material into a meaningful book. Actually, once that is done, another 3 or 4 books are possible. Still the question remains, who would be interested in reading this material? And who would help me make sense of such a massive collection of copy?

I consulted for many years. Mostly nonprofit clients, and almost entirely in strategic planning projects. Later, I volunteered as a mentor for SCORE.org and focused mainly on nonprofits, their operations, staffing, organizing, incorporation, and strategic planning. My formal consulting career spanned 25 years for my own firm. Then the nonprofit volunteer work was an additional 10+ years. All of this work entailed frequent written reports and analysis. That is one reason my brain is organized, and I do not hesitate to write about many topics. As stated, I do not have an empty page syndrome.

But what do I do with all of this? Especially now when I am quickly approaching 82. Will I live long enough to finish the work and get it published? Will this be worth the effort for me or anyone? It would be nice to earn some money from all this effort, but the dollars are really not all that important. It would be handy of course, but travel is a big interest that no longer is very possible due to growing health limitations. That’s what age delivers up close and personal! It is OK, but practicality is always a question.

Motivation only comes from engaging life on its own terms. I find this interesting, and indeed, I feel certain that engaging life leads a person to fulfillment unimagined. It is one of the primary themes for my book. Think it. Do it. Follow up on what the demands that arise. Repeat the process. Life’s rewards will happen. No need to worry them to death, just follow your instincts and take action.

January 13, 2025

 

 

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