motivation – My Life in Paragraphs

Writing Discipline in the Chaos of Life

It’s summertime and the living is not so easy, at least in this foster dog home.

With my office cottage filled with three dogs and three puppies, plus a serious medical (possibly hospice) foster dog, my office cat Hazel, and I are both overwhelmed by the dogs, their needs, and their noise.

Which means that I am not getting a lot of writing done. Sigh.

I seem to get myself into these situations on the regular. I’m writing this from a dog bed, where I’m sitting with my Lima Bean, my foster dog who is struggling with advanced heartworm disease in addition to other serious health issues.

There are moments when I’m overwhelmed at all of it – the foster dogs, the nonprofit, our dog-friendly rental business, my writing career (or what’s left of it), and being there to support my family and friends (plus my own three dogs), not to mention my gardens (which so far this year are glorious!).

But then I consider all that is happening in our world, and remind myself that my overly full life is just so rich and I am just so dang lucky.

I used to say ‘blessed’ but I’ve grown to see that word differently these days, figuring that if I’m blessed, does that mean someone who doesn’t have as much is not blessed?

Why would I be blessed, and someone else not? I’ve never cottoned to a God who plays favorites.

I’m where I am because of circumstance, the work I’ve put in, and the decisions I’ve made. But I do believe there is also some luck, or maybe, timing, to it.

One thing I’ve learned after writing eight books is that if you wait until you have time to write, you’ll never get anything written. Which is why I’m here in this dog bed with this needy dog, finally creating a blog post.

When I have the opportunity to teach writing or coach another writer, I always advise them to ‘just write.’

Every day.

And I know there are lots of writers who pooh-pooh that advice these days, but I don’t think there is any other way to make progress. Everyone can write something, every day, even if it’s just a sentence. In fact, one-sentence journals make great stories.

So, having offered excuse after excuse for not finishing writing project after writing project in the last six months, I’ve decided to take my own medicine. I ~~plan to~~ will write every day.

Even if it’s just a blog post written from a dog bed. Even if it’s just a journal entry. Even if it’s just dictating something in a note on my phone.

No one else is going to create the time for me to write. Only I can do that. So, when I finally opened up a document to work today, and I heard Lima Bean whimpering, I unplugged my laptop and moved camp. Now, she is comforted by my side, and I am actually writing!

If you told yourself, ‘this summer I’m going to make time for my writing’ or if last January, you resolved to get something written this year, this is your wake-up call.

Carve out the time and space to write. Your soul needs it.

And maybe this world needs it. But if you find another (good) excuse today not to write, you’ll never know.

Just write.

Hey, thanks for reading. I know you’ve got lots of options, so thanks for sharing a few of your minutes with me.

Honored,

Cara

If you like what you read and want to support my writing, consider buying me a cup of coffee.

If you’re curious about what else I’m up to, check out my website, CaraWrites.com.

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Who Will Let the Dogs Out book written by Cara Achterberg

My newest book is out! You can order a copy and support the work of Who Will Let the Dogs Out, by purchasing one directly from us here.

If you’re a dog lover, check out my other blog, Another Good Dog. And if you want to know what is really happening in the animal shelters in this country, visit, Who Will Let the Dogs Out, and subscribe to the blog I write there.

I’d love to connect with you on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Substack, and I’m thrilled to get email from readers (and writers), you can reach me at carasueachterberg@gmail.com.

My latest novel, Blind Turn is a mother-daughter story of forgiveness in the aftermath of a fatal texting and driving accident. It won the Womens Fiction category of the American Writing Awards. Learn more about it and find out how to get your copy here.

PAUSE. BREATHE. Don’t Respond.

“PAUSE. BREATHE. Don’t Respond.”

This is a sticky note I have pasted to the top of my computer screen. I try to focus on it when I’m on zoom calls or when I read something on social media and feel the irrational urge to SCREAM AT PEOPLE (or cry).

Message from My Other Husband?

This morning, something magical happened. Maybe it was a coincidence, or maybe it was a sign. Or maybe it was a message. I’m still not certain exactly what it was. Nick thinks it was evidence of a husband I have in an alternate reality.

Buy Me a Cup of Coffee

I only made it halfway through my Bird by Bird book club. The book sits on my desk now, taunting me. You didn’t finish, you didn’t finish, what a loser, once again, you didn’t finish. Not that, for one moment, I can imagine Anne Lamott would say that to me.

In fact, she mentions several times in the book that perfection is the oppressor. Not that only making it halfway is even remotely in the same country as perfection. Still.

My Book Club of One: Bird by Bird

I miss having a book club. Since moving to the valley, I’ve been a reading club of one.

I did try to get a book club going in the early days, but meetings were rescheduled or hijacked by too much wine and one by one everyone dropped out. It died after a very short run in which I think we might have read four books (none that I remember well except the one about Elon Musk which I had to read while holding my nose).

Goodreads Makes Me a Better Reader.

Goodreads has made me a better reader.

Maybe it’s my inherent need for a pat on the head, or my competitive nature, but tracking the books I read, my progress through them, my yearly goals, seeing what other people read (and think about what they read) all compels me to read more.

Simple Way to Increase Energy and Improve Your Mood

Who wants more energy, more sleep, and to feel happier and calmer? What if I told you I know a secret power that will give you that? Read on, friend, and don’t doubt me.

I’m a big believer in intentionality. I don’t think progress or success or even happiness come without being intentional.

One Month into My 2024 Challenge

A month into my Lighten Your Load, Lighten Your Life challenge and I am feeling lighter. In lots of ways.

The group on Facebook (you can join too – click here) provides not just encouragement and inspiration, but accountability too.

To recap, in case you missed it: I challenged people to consider getting rid of a set number of things in your life every day for a year. I committed to getting rid of five things, but everyone can pick their number and some in the group chose to pick a number for each week. We’re flexible and friendly, so don’t be intimidated.

Initially, I thought the ‘things’ I would be getting rid of would be tangible items – all the crap cluttering my closets, house, office, barn, car, etc., but the group has definitely expanded that idea. Some people are clearing out their computer files, the pictures on their phones, attitudes that restrict them, rules that bind, even people that drag down their souls.

Starting the Year Off Lighter

This past week I started the Lighten Your Load, Lighten Your Life Challenge. It’s a personal challenge to remove 5 things from my life every day of 2024.

I’ve invited others to join me (and pick their own number). Together in a private Facebook group we are sharing ideas, support, and a few laughs, plus offering accountability with optional daily reports of how we’ve lightened our loads.

When I set out to do this, I expected maybe a handful of my friends might join me, and even made two friends to promise they would join, so I wouldn’t look pathetic if someone I didn’t know decided to join.

To my happy surprise, lots of people have joined the group and the number grows every day (you can join us too! Click here to read the original post and to find the link to our group). It’s been fun and inspiring to see what everyone’s unloading, plus I’ve already gotten a ton of great tips (did you know that Smartwool has a sock recycling program?).