Thursday, July 28, 2011

Writing Healthy

Oh, the agony of sitting here writing and knowing the inches are not coming off as my Butt is In Chair and my Hands are On Keyboard (B.I.C.H.O.K).  But what is a writer to do?  Do I work on my novel all day or do I work out?  And lord forbid, I have a real life too!  When do I fit it all into a 24-hour time period--only to start all over again the next day?

Many blog sites and writing friends I have talked to share the same concerns lately.  There are those who have great suggestions and solutions--I just need to combine both a time to write and a time to exercise so my bottom doesn't look like the worlds biggest pancake. (I have what my family refers to as a blanket butt and sitting on it doesn't make it any more attractive.)

After much brainstorming, I've come to the conclusion that I need to see what I can do about both situations.  With a few free weeks to work on my program, I figure it is the
best time to make those changes.  Some experts say it takes 21 days to put a new way of life into plan and make it stick--we shall see how diligent I can be with 26 days.

But I don't want to go it alone.  I love having friends to motivate me.  The more friends, the more motivation.  Do you agree?

I want to start a healthy writing schedule in which I incorporate good health practice (eatting, exercising, etc.) into my writing schedule, without sacrificing time at my keyboard.  Finding the balance is what is going to  help me.  I am in the beginning of my new novel and want to make time to write and work out.  My goal is to finish my novel (first draft) in the same time it will take me to lose some pounds and inches.

This next week I am putting together a plan to blog about a healthier writing life-style but I would love to hear ideas from others to share, as I impliment a  four week challenge starting August 8 and running through September 2.  I would like to start a challenge to make the difference in my lifestyle as a writer, and hopefully in those who wish to join me on this journey.

During the time frame of July 28-August 7, 2011, I plan to put together the basis for the program. If you would like to share your ideas, (motivational ideas, recipes for healthy eating, snacking, exercise programs or anything focused on healthy living/writing), please send them to me at: lonilynne@gmail.com and put "Writing Healthy Blog Ideas" in the subject line, so they can be implimented into the month long program. I am looking for daily, tips to share on-line and comments in this blog, so the more the merrier.

Along with the healthy tips, I'll be setting up daily timed writing events to challenge a writer to sit and write at least one or two hours a day ( or more depending  on schedules) between the hours of 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. (EST).  Of couse you can write more after those hours and time will be considered in the planning if I have responses from those in other time zones who would like to join in.

If you would like to participate in the actual challenge--the challenge will be from Monday, August 8 until Friday, September 2 (right before Labor Day weekend).Sign up by emailing me at: lonilynne@gmail.com with  "Writing Healthy Challenger" in the subject line.  Include your email address in the body of your email for me to contact you and welcome you on board.

Right now, I am using personal gain (word gain) and loss (pounds/inches) as my goals.  ( You may consider treating yourself to something special when you reach your goals. I am treating myself to professional pictures where I don't have to worry about how many extra pounds a camera puts on me).
 
So can you lose while you gain?  I'm sure going to try!  I would love to hear from you!

7 comments:

  1. Loni, this is wonderful! I'd love to do this with you :) looking forward to gaining (my word count) and losing (inches!)

    I definitely work better when I know there are others out there working right alongside me!!

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  2. Thanks Eliza!
    I am excited to start this too. The more friends to motivate the better!

    Here is to gaining and losing! Cheers!

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  3. I'm in, too. Not taking care of my health is just stressing me the &$%# out!!!

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  4. No Stressing, Anna! That is an order! :)

    It's time to take care of us and our needs/wants. Health is very important, especially in today's society where everything is so fast paced.

    Hopefully we will learn some relaxing techniques too. I would like to see this as an 'overall' experience for everyone. No more stress--I know what you mean.

    Stay in touch!

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  5. Good point. Vicious cycle stress.

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  6. You know I'm up for it! Can we meet at 5:45am and start our morning walks again, neighbor? Nothing says creativity and getting into shaping like walking and talking!

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  7. Virginia,
    Sounds like a great plan! You going to be up for 5:45am walks? :)
    You know I am at my best early morning for working, creativity and getting anything done!

    Thanks for stopping by!

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