This month, I'm trying something new: I'm paying more attention when I speak. There's already so much "noise" in the world, I don't want to contribute to it if I can help it. So I am applying an acronym I read about over on Austin Kleon's blog:
WAIT = Why Am I Talking?
I hope it'll help me be more thoughtful, not only with my words but also in general. (My husband and the tortoises hope it means it will be a lot quieter around our house.)
WRITING –
My flash fiction story made the finals of a contest, tied for second place, but ultimately did not make the top three. I was happy to see, though, the positive comments, the chunk of "likes" and votes it received. I think I achieved my big, overarching goal of entertaining readers.
WATCHING –
Movies – I really enjoyed the creepy and unsettling Superhost. (It just totally confirmed every travel-phobic issue I have, thank you very much.) The actress, Gracie Gillam, playing Rebecca was amazing!
We also re-watched Sing, which was just as good the second time around. Then we watched Sing 2 and that was fun, too.
READING –
For the first time in a very long time, I'm ahead in my Goodreads challenge = 16/52 books. I'm enjoying the more relaxed pace I set for myself.
WALKING –
My husband and I were out walking when I totally surprised myself – and my husband! – by suggesting we do one of the virtual 5Ks we signed up for. (This is so not like me, I'm surprised my husband didn't look around for his real wife.) But it was early in the day, the weather was great, and I was feeling good, so we went with it. We walked, not ran, another 3.2 miles for our 202.2 Miles Challenge!
*****
What do you think of WAIT? Read or watched anything recently that you enjoyed? Have you surprised yourself and/or others lately?
I wish more people would ask themselves why they are talking.
ReplyDeleteYou may be easing back on talking but keep walking!
I can't/don't talk as much when I walk so it really does work out all around. :)
DeleteThank you! Entertaining readers is what I'm trying to focus on more than anything else - if I've done that, then I consider the story a success. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's so awesome about your flash fiction, even if you didn't win. It's still great that you made it to the finals.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Natalie!
DeleteI need to teach my mouth to stop agreeing to do things. I've piled my plate so high, I'm forgetting all the things I've promised to do.
ReplyDeleteGreat job on the story! Entertaining people is the most important thing.
But I bet you're offering to help people, to do some good in the world. That's not adding to the "noise" at all. :)
DeleteThank you!
WAIT is a great idea. I veer from being very quiet when I ought to be talking, and talking far too much when I should just shut up. I think I'll try to be more mindful.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on making it that far with your flash!
Same here. I tend to talk - babble! - too much when I'm anxious or nervous.
DeleteThanks!
WAIT seems like a terrific idea! I could use some help keeping my mouth shut...err...planning what I am going to say! Congrats on your writing victory. It WAS a victory, even if it wasn't first place. Happy walking!
ReplyDeleteDoesn't it? I'm struggling some to put it into practice, but I think it will be so great if I can make a habit of it.
DeleteThanks so much, Liza!
Superhost sounds like something my significant other would love.
ReplyDeleteEntertaining readers is always a fantastic goal to have. Glad you were able to achieve that!!
Definitely check out the trailer then. Of course, if you have issues with travel, it will certainly not help with them. Some of that, though, is probably just me, seeing as I have issues with pretty much everything. :o
DeleteThanks, MJ!
Good job with the reading, writing, walking, and all the above! I spend a lot of time WAITing with my verbal communication as I try to be aware of how my words might affect those around me. It sucks, though, when I get excited about something like my story idea, and nobody wants to hear it. Then I get a different perspective of the question "why am I talking?", one less of thoughtfulness and more of resignation.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Loni!
DeleteOh, I never thought of it in terms of resignation! I'm sorry you've dealt with that kind of thing. I have, too, especially in regards to my writing, so I hear you.
Hi Madeline, I like the idea of using WAIT = Why Am I Talking, in my life. Infact I would like to write an article on it :)
ReplyDeleteI came across the concept over on Austin Kleon's blog - see the link in my post - and I believe he came across it from someone/somewhere else, so it's not new. Just new to me. :)
DeleteI need to watch Sing 2. Congrats on your mile challenge!
ReplyDeleteIt was fun! I do like the first one better, but it was definitely a solid sequel.
DeleteThanks!
Lots of awesome things to celebrate! Way to go with your writing, publishing, and walking! While I have yet to practice WAIT, I have been trying to slow down how much I post out there in the world. I read something recently about not publishing every story or poem or idea, and having that be a good thing, and I found myself nodding in agreement. Sometimes, trunk books, stories, poems, etc, are more like heart projects - good for my heart, but not necessarily for everyone else.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tyrean! And good for you for finding what works for you. :)
DeleteSounds like life is going really well for you two. Congrats. Enjoy the great weather. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
When all is said and done, we really can't complain, and we are very grateful for that. :)
Delete