A Healthy Life
Would you rather a happy successful writing life or happy successful life?
Uh, Jen, they don’t have to be mutually exclusive…
Obviously not, but in reality, we often struggle with both our writing life and, well, life. Sometimes one works and the other doesn’t.
So if we had to choose, wouldn’t most of us pick a good, happy, healthy life? Kids or spouses, if you have them, who are happy and healthy. Financial stresses at a minimum. Opportunities to enjoy friends and connections in the community.
I’m making assumptions, but I would say yes, if we could have success and happiness in only one, we’d choose life. Yes, we all strive to make an impact with our stories, but we also matter to the people around us in our everyday lives. It’s a reminder that we may not be able to control what happens in the writing world, we can control what happens in our personal lives. At least, we have a better shot at connecting with our loved ones than we do chasing nameless readers. That’s not to say we should give up on our writing dreams. It’s just a way to keep our ambitions in check. Because ultimately, on our deathbed, who would we rather have beside us? An ephemeral reputation that may or may not outlast us, or our friends and family who love us to the very end?
I know my answer.