I've been dealing with the effects of too many hours at the computer and not paying attention to the signs that my body was giving me. Consequently, I've been shuttling back and forth between the chiropractor and the massage therapist trying to get my body to the point where I can start the process all over again. Like most humans, I don't seem to learn from my mistakes.
The whole problem can be traced to the fact that I've been so caught up in writing that I haven't addressed the core issue; which happens to be...my core strength. The body is like a story. If the center is not strong enough to weather whatever you've put it through, at some point it will break down and lose interest in carrying you to the end.
With a story, your reader will lose interest if your mid-point is weak. A sagging middle is my greatest fear (pun intended).
I have a tendency to drop my characters into the middle of the action during the story's opening and the challenge is always to keep the pace flowing and try to find an interesting way of delivering the information the reader needs throughout the middle.
Personally, I need to do this on a daily basis, both personally and professionally. I know if I exercise before starting to work that I'll feel better and have a better chance of producing something that doesn't end up in the cut file. Maybe the answer is to break up the exercise, a ten-minute walk a couple of times a day. There's always the option of alternating the type of exercise, just to make it interesting.
Today's rant was brought to you by an incredibly cranky lady who has dealt with thunderstorms, no internet connection this morning and a neighbor, who didn't have any excuse for leaving their dog out in the rain to bark all night long. I would have howled too if my stupid human ignored me.
I think I'd like a do-over, or at the very least to re-set this day and start from the mid-point. Last month, I attended the Romantic Times convention and had a wonderful time, met some fabulous authors and collected some nifty swag.
Stop by and say hello, share a tip about sagging middles (personal or professional) or share a memory from the RT conference. Someone who comments today will receive an RT Swag Bundle that contains at least one book or movie.
Oh, about the cover. I used it because it's my favorite so far and has the ability to perk me up:)
Until next month,
Hugs,
Paris
http://parisbrandon.com
I do understand. I'm tempted to duct tape my laptop to my treadmill!
ReplyDeleteI'm such a klutz I know that would never be an option for me but I think someone on Facebook posted a treadmill desk.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by!
Starting systematic exercise would probably be much wiser for the long term, but at least you got me sitting up straight. Small steps lead to great leaps . . .
ReplyDeleteBeppie,
ReplyDeleteSo true and glad I could help:) thanks for stopping by!
Great reminder! Right now I'm working full time and trying to fit in my writing. I give up so much which includes my workouts! I'm looking forward to having more time to write come July and then I'll certainly keep your idea of breaking up the day in mind!
ReplyDeleteMelissa
daringzoey@yahoo.com
I get so busy during the day I got a timer to set beside the 'puter. Every hour that I'm on the computerthe timer rings & I MAKE myself get up & do a physical activity for 15/20 minutes.
ReplyDeleteI also sucked it in & got a personal trainer 2 times a week, Diego doesn't let me get away with much. (2x personal trainer, 3x a week I exercise on my own at the fitness center).
I make exercise MY time.
Mindy :)
Melissa,
ReplyDeleteI remember those days when I wrote after work and retreated to my corner with the computer on my days off. Good luck in July!
Thanks for the input!
Mindy,
ReplyDeleteGreat attitude and I'm so glad you found something that worked for you! Thanks for stopping by and sharing:)
Good blog, Paris. I feel so sorry for your neighbor's dog. The sagging middle in books and in bodies is a problem. I've had the sagging middle in my books. Despite exercising every day my middle sags. I heard of the treadmill desk but I'm too klutzy to use it. I'd fall flat on my face.
ReplyDeleteOh I feel your pain, Paris. I'm trying to find enough time to write, work the dreaded day job and take care of my health. It's not an easy balance and usually the exercise/health gets put on the back burner.
ReplyDeleteCara,
ReplyDeleteI don't know how people can ignore the animals they're supposed to be caring for, either. As for the treadmill desk, I'm with you. There's no way:)
Congratulations, Melissa Keir! Thanks again for the comment and I'll be sending you the swag bundle!
ReplyDeleteParis, honey, I understand exactly what you mean by being cranky and trying to get your core back in line. I've been thinking about going to a trigger point therapist for my neck and shoulders. You're right the weather hasn't helped, but today is beautiful.
ReplyDelete