May
Commitment
A very powerful word, in my opinion. It’s a word that means different things to different people. According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, it’s defined as: an agreement or pledge to do something in the future; especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date. It pretty much means the same to me…the pledge to do a particular task.
Like many people, I have numerous commitments. I made a commitment when I married my husband and also to my children when they were born to care for them always. I’m committed to going to church every Sunday and to being involved whenever necessary at my son’s school. In fact, this past weekend I was slightly over-committed at doing a project for his school and even though I was totally stressed out, I persevered and got it done. I’m also committed to reading, as it is one of my greatest passions.
And yes, I’m committed to writing a book. Even though I haven’t had as much time to do so recently, I am still committed to finish. It may take me longer than I expected or want, but I will get it done because I made a commitment to myself. And if I’m one thing, it’s faithful in my commitments. There are lots of times that I wish I was able to over-commit to writing, but alas…life always seems to interrupt at some point. However, I believe that with all of my numerous obligations, my priorities are in order. So, I’ll keep plugging away when I’m able…even if it’s a paragraph here…a page there…I will get it done. I will.
What does the word ‘commitment’ mean to you? How important are your commitments? How strong is your commitment to writing/finishing a book? Do you sometimes feel over-committed, not just in writing a book but also in life in general? How do you deal with it?
Good blog Andrea.
Well for my writing, I commited myself to finishing one MS. I DID THAT!!! WOW, sometimes I still can’t believe my Aiden and Tess book is completed. I thought that it was over, and I couldn’t have been happier.
However, things do happen. Two secondary characters sneaked into my head about 3/4th of the way writing To Have and To Hold. And voila! After I finished THaTH, I moved on with those same secondary characters of Damian and Delia, calling their book From This Day Forth.
I now am just as commited to finishing their book as I was Tess & Aiden.
It take time, but if you commit yourself, or as I call it pledge AND commit yourself to a project, mine writing, then you pull through to the end. Every paragraph, sentance, word gets you towards your goal of a finished MS.
Writing aside, I also am commited to my family. My husband and 2 sons come first in my life, which is what works for us.
With me doing rehersals for Beauty and the Beast, I have commited myself, my time and talents to the production which will be in July. I made a promise to be there at the rehersals water in hand, pencil handy, with a smile on my face and prepared for what I’m about to learn. (Right now we’re learning the music, but starting in June, I’ll be doing choreography. Heck, I even get to dance the Tango! Ole;!)
The one commitment I sorely lack in is housework. If I get really into the book I’m reading, or writing, then sad to say, the housework can go to he!! hehehehe. I’m still working on THAT one.
Michelle
May 24th, 2006 at 9:56 amAndrea, you’ve hit the nail on the head. I’m feeling rather overwhelmed right now. It’s a scary feeling.
Isabel
May 24th, 2006 at 12:55 pmIsabel,
Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, or a book written in an afternoon. There’s a reason it takes six months to write a book…or longer IT TAKES THAT LONG!!! I know girl!
There are some days you feel totally overwhelmed just with everything you have to do, but if you pace yourself, you WILL get it done. That goes with reading, housework, and writing!
Give yourself a break and ask that dh of yours for help, or a feng-shua (sp????) blessing, or chant, I dunno.
May 24th, 2006 at 2:27 pmMichelle
Hmm.. I should be more committed to doing my housework.. but I never do. (Cleaning is one of the most boring things I know..)
However, I’m very committed to making writing a career. Or at least trying to, I don’t want to look back at my life at some point and think that I didn’t do my best. So I’m doing my best, and with a bit of luck maybe one day I’ll make it
Trying to decide if I’m committed to work, but while I do take pride in doing a good job, I think work is more of a way to pay my bills than anything else *lol*
Emily
May 24th, 2006 at 5:49 pmHmm.. I should be more committed to doing my housework.. but I never do. (Cleaning is one of the most boring things I know..)
Oh, Emmie, I totally and completely agree with you!
Housework is not one of my favorite commitments.
Andrea ~ Congrats on finishing your projects this past weekend. Whew!
As for me, after your reading all your comments, I’m treating my goals and commitments the way I eat a Godiva chocolate bar: One bite at a time
May 24th, 2006 at 9:05 pmI.
Thanks ladies for your comments!
Mish ~ I hear ya…family first!
Emily ~ I’m not very comitted to housework lately either! lol Who is?!?!?
Isabel ~ thanks! I got a lot of compliments on the memory books, so I’m happy that the parents liked them.
Andrea
May 25th, 2006 at 3:16 pm