Opinion: sometimes the world upsets me
2 Comments »15th December, 2007; Category: Opinion
“I have to forgive the world – it probably doesn’t even realize how often it upsets me.” Ashleigh Brilliant
I must be getting old.
More and more I am getting cranky about the world and some of the people in it. Talk about becoming a grumpy old man. It is not what I want at all; I’d rather be joyful, optimistic and forward looking, but events around me and things happening on a global scale are making me grumpy.
Take, for example, the newly elected Labor Government in Australia. One of the first things Prime Minister Kevin Rudd rushed out to do was to promise to sign the Kyoto Agreement on climate change. Sounds good, noble and worthwhile – until you step back and take a cold hard look at the reality.
It is my opinion that even if we stopped using every vehicle in Australia today, and closed down every factory and power plant in our country, on a global scale it would mean very little – so close to zero, zilch, zip that it wouldn’t matter at all. Meanwhile, counties like China, India, some European countries and the United States ignore the prospects of total disaster on a global scale and merrily go on filling the atmosphere with their rubbish.
We are all on this planet together and everyone has to play their part. Until the massive polluters of this world start making a major shift in their practices, I’m afraid the agreement is a toothless tiger, not worth the paper it is written on.
“We must save the world. After all, it is the only planet with chocolate.”
Floriade 2007, Canberra
Special Note: This is the first in a series of occasional essays entitled “Opinion.” The opinions expressed in these articles are my own humble opinions. You are invited to join in the debate either through the contact form or through the comments section. I reserve the right to moderate comments.
I can write a book like that
Ever read a book, get to the end, throw the book down and say to whoever is within earshot, “I could write a book like that”?
I have, many times. And I guess many people reading this have said the same thing. Good authors make writing seem easy. There’s the secret. Good writing seems easy but is very hard to do. That is why so many people say they could write a book but so few actually start. Of those that start, very few actually finish. Of those that finish, even fewer edit and rewrite their book to publishable standard. Even fewer send the manuscript off to publishers and of those that do get to that stage, few are published.
It certainly takes a great deal of commitment, effort and discipline to get to the point where a manuscript can be sent to a publisher. I should know; I’ve written three novels for children. So far I have been unable to find a publisher; any keen publishers out there looking for new talent? Use my contact form.
So if you’ve ever said that you could write a book, whether that be a novel, a volume of poetry, a non-fiction book about your hobby or whatever, what is stopping you?
If the task seems daunting, break it into smaller chunks. Can you write 500 words a day? (This article is about 350 words long and it took me just over half an hour to write.) At 500 words per day – say, an hour per of writing per day, you could have a 250 page, 100,000 word novel written in about 200 days, or six to seven months.
Even the longest journey is completed one step at a time, and the longest novel is written one word at a time. Take it step by step. You can do it.
Good writing.
Further reading:
Writing as therapy
No Comments »12th December, 2007; Category: The Writer's Life
I have been through some very tough times in my life.
I’m not going to bore you with the details here. Most people experience times when the whole world seems to come crashing down around them. Some people seem to get more than their fair share of knocks, yet they survive. They get on with life. Some even have the courage to use the calamity to motivate them to make life even better. I salute them.
One constant I have discovered is that writing can assist the person going through tough times, whether that be an illness, bereavement, lost of employment or abuse of some form. Mind you, I didn’t discover this for myself. A few moments ago I did a Google search which turned up over four million references under the search term “writing as therapy.”
What are some ways that writing can bring an easing of the pain, the hurts, the disappointments and the frustrations of life?
Journalling
Keeping a journal or diary of your feelings and what you are experiencing is an excellent way of helping you through the dark times. I had a prolonged period of clinical depression a few years ago. Although it was a struggle to record my feelings and the events of that time, I believe it was a significant part of my healing process. The strength of a journal is that it is private; no-one else need read what you have written – unless you choose to show them. A journal can also be very useful years later when reflecting on your experiences; you can see how far you’ve come and the progress you’ve made.
Poetry
Distilling your thoughts and feelings into a few succinct words is an excellent way of crystallizing those feelings. It is a very powerful and compelling method of dealing with hurts and other emotions. Don’t get too hung up about making it all rhyme – unless that really turns you on; just let it all come out in the words.
Articles
Magazines editors are often keen to receive articles detailing your experiences in coping with illness. Do your research and find out more about your condition and incorporate this into your article. A word of warning however: do your homework and find a magazine suitable for you article, not just any publication. For example, do not submit an article on coping with the loss of a baby to a magazine that deals only with treating diabetes – unless you can make a very strong connection between the two.
Letters
Letter writing is almost a lost art these days, but my guess is that most people still get a thrill out of receiving a letter from a friend or relative. It would be great to see the art of letter writing enjoy a renaissance. Highly doubtful in our new world of hurry, emails, instant messaging and people who are time poor. Despite this, you can buck the trend and write a letter to a trusted friend or relative detailing what you are going through. I did this a few years ago and it was very useful. My brother could not give me any suggestions which would help, but just the act of sharing my concerns and deepest feelings with him was part of the healing process.
Lists
Get two pieces of paper and make two lists. On the first list, write down all the things you hate about your life, all the bad things that have happened, all the frustrations in your life, all the disappointments and what getting you down. On the second piece of paper, list all the good things that have happened to you, all the positive things about your life, all of your achievements and the people you love and those who love you.
Now burn or shred the first list, but keep rereading and adding to the second list. It’s a bit like the suggestion in that old hymn we used to sing in church, “Count your many blessings, name them one by one.”
Send cards
No matter what your condition, I can guarantee you there is often someone you know who is worse off. Well, maybe not. Whatever your situation, you will undoubtedly know someone who is struggling or ill just like you. Maybe not the same condition but that doesn’t matter. Get – or better yet – make some “Get well” cards. Write a longish note of encouragement inside the card. Don’t just put “Thinking of you. Get better soon.” That just makes me want to… no I won’t go on. Add a little gift if you know what the person will appreciate.
Song writing
This is not something I have ever done, despite loving music. I do not have the skills necessary to write a song, but I did once write the words of a song that has been published. If you are musical, or someone close to you can help you, writing a cheerful, uplifting song may be just the therapy you need. It’s worth considering.
Good health – and
Good writing.
Further reading:
The Adventures of Nancy – the secret life of Butch
No Comments »11th December, 2007; Category: Adventures of Nancy
Nancy's friend Butch
Hi there,
Nancy here again.
I’ve been away from the computer for a little while. Too many things to do, like guarding the house for my Mum, organising Christmas cards and presents, chasing the birds away from the back yard and keeping a watch out for that horrible cat from over the road.
Just a quick note to tell you about the secret life of Butch, my friend. You see, Butch has a problem, as you can see from the photo above. He certainly needs psychiatric help though what good it will do him I’m not so sure about. You see, when ever Grandma Corinne goes to visit Butch, he disgraces himself. I think it is disgusting, actually. I can hardly bring myself to tell you about “his wee problem.” Suffice it to say, he leaves little puddles everywhere.
It could be a boy thing. It could be that he is so pleased to see Grandma that he cannot control himself.
Whatever the cause, I’m pleased that Grandpa Trevor is giving him the help he so desperately needs.
Talk to you soon – when I’m not so busy.
Nancy – the dog with attitude.
P.S. How come Butch gets to sit on Grandpa’s special chair?
Further reading:
- Read more about The Adventures of Nancy – the dog with attitude – click here.