Friday, August 1, 2014

Five Minute Friday: Begin

Talk about an appropriate word for today, as I join (for the very first time) a wonderful group of ladies who join every Friday create a "virtual writing flash mob" (I love that phrase, Lisa-Jo). For 5 minutes every Friday, these ladies write about a designated word; no worries about revising or editing -- just write. I'm excited to be joining the group and look forward to many more Five Minute Fridays.  By the way, if you're interested in participating, go to  http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/   and Lisa-Jo will tell you everything you need to know. 

My timer is set . . . 

Begin. Talk about a tough one for my first week in FMF (Five Minute Friday). Beginning is not my strong suit. I'm a dreamer and a planner. But begin? And even when I do, I lose interest about 1/2-way through a project.

This translates to my job very clearly. I love planning a new semester, tweaking a class, updating materials and assignments, etc. I even enjoy the first few weeks of the semester. But then, like always, I hit the point where I'm not as enthusiastic. Then I begin again. I begin jotting down notes for the next semester. Yes, I love to begin.

Oh, and exercise and eating better. Same thing. I love the research -- except for the fact that there's so much contradictory advice. I even love to begin. Cleaning out the fridge and pantry, preparing my "accountability calendar" -- I am in my element. Filled with anticipation and . . . what's the word . . . drat, no time to stop. The first couple of weeks go well, and then . . . I tend to fizzle out. I need an accountability partner.

There are things I need to begin . . .

  • viewing all the family videos to determine what's on each tape so I can get them in order and have them converted to DVD

  • going through the small storage unit I rented when I downsized in June, getting rid of everything I can, selling things on ebay, and


Time's up. I just realized that Five Minute Friday is perfect for me. This is one thing I can leave unfinished without repercussions or guilt. I think Five Minute Friday and I are going to get along just fine!
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9 comments:

  1. Welcome to Five Minute Friday! :) I'm restarting my participation this week, and I agree... it's a bit of a fateful topic.

    I love beginning as well. It's the continuation and determination to keep going that seems to always cause problems for me. One of these days, I'll find my perfect solution!

    Happy weekend to you!

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  2. Welcome to 5MF! We must be kindred souls - I love the research and planning of a project as well. But like you, a couple weeks into it I begin to lose enthusiasm.

    Here's to new beginnings!

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  3. Thanks for popping in, Melissa!

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  4. Thank you for popping in, Jerralea. I look forward to reading more of your posts!

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  5. Another delicious and inspiring post from you!!! I love this idea - the 5-minute writings + an online way to join others in doing it.

    For a dozen years, I've been playing with 10-minute writings, a la Natalie Goldberg in her Writing Down the Bones book. It was a big support in the first years after my husband's death. Friends and I met at cafes and each other's homes to indulge in the fun of these writing experiments. One friend birthed a monthly writing group out of these gatherings - it meets monthly. I shared about the 10-minute exercises in a post last year.

    Thank you for bringing FiveMinuteFridays and your inaugural expression to us, your readers. I'm going to do one today, to find the subject of my next post. The exercises help me BEGIN, whatever the topic!

    Blissings,
    ~ Dena

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  6. Welcome to your first FMF. It's been a while since I've participated but I do always enjoy the prompt words and the different directions it takes writers. Very cool.
    And . . . I will be at Declare so maybe we will connect. I know it will be a wonderful few days. Safe travels.
    Blessings.

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  7. Oh, yes, I love Writing Down the Bones -- Natalie Goldberg is a gem of a writing teacher! I really like the idea of a writers' group focusing on the 10-minute exercises; I remember reading that post and wondering if I could start something like that here.

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  8. Oh, Patti, I feel CERTAIN you can start a writing group locally - - what fun!!!! This also could expand your circle of close friends.

    Blissings,
    ~ Dena

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  9. I've given that some thought, Dena, and maybe that's something I can accomplish before 2014 is finished. :)

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