Write, write, write

We don't have the time. The time to to write, the time to procrastinate, the time to do nothing, the time to buy Christmas presents, the time to read a book, the time to play with our kids or talk to our partner. After all, we're busy writers. We just don't have the time... right?
       

You do have the time.

It's this throwaway line we use umpteen times a day: "I don't have time." We say it with an apologetic smile to our children, we say it with an annoyed frown to the dog and that frustrating wagging tail of his, we say it with a helpless shrug to our partner - we don't have time. We'd really love to, but we just don't have the time. But the simple fact is that we have the time. Time is just what it is, it is there for us to choose what we do with it. Time is as patient, as peaceful, as frantic or as blissful as we want it to be... as we make it.

Every time we utter "I don't have time" - it's an excuse (at the very least it's a deflection to avoid an argument). Because, let's face it - it's never that we don't have the time, it's simply that we choose not to take the time to do something. Admittedly - we can't do everything and so we prioritize - we choose to do certain things and choose to not do certain other things. We give some things more importance over other things... and that's just fine as long as we're clear on what we're doing.

You're a member of the human race (well, you're a writer, close enough). You know that this isn't theory, isn't philosophy. Time is on on our side or working with the enemy. Time is cotton candy cloud and time is a drug. When we let it, time will drive us crazy and I've written about the the ever important deadlines here. As writers, time can be a great enabler - as always, if we learn to make best use of it. 

Take the time, or don't. Keep an eye on yourself, listen to your words as you speak them. And if you catch yourself saying the ever convenient "I don't have the time" ... then pause, reflect and rephrase it to "Actually, I don't take the time". When you rephrase it, you'll be far more honest with yourself and your opposite ... and, I'd venture to say that, when you look your opposite in the eye, readying to say "I won't take the time" (to listen to you, to talk to you, to play with you...) - you just may find yourself making time.

Set your deadlines and beat them. But balance your priorities and you'll find that the precious time away from your words will bring you the words you need. Procrastinate, have fun, take time and give time - it'll not only make you a better writer, it'll also make your life a heck of a lot more fun. Have a fantastic new year.