The Category of Not Writing in a While

I have not posted on this blog in a while now. I know that will be obvious to my followers, but for those of you just joining us, it's been weeks. It's not that I don't have anything interesting to talk about, I'm just not really used to sharing it all in written form. I have never kept a diary, and in general, discussing my thoughts in person is adequate. I actually am only writing this post because I think it is sad to have a blog and not write in it. What I thought I'd share is my view on life and its overall length.

A lot of people will say "Life is short" or "Live every day like it's your last", and frankly I understand the sentiment, but do not share it myself. Maybe it's because I'm young, but it really does not ever feel this way to me. I'm going to give a small analogy instead of coming right out and telling you what I mean because I want to, and I'm in no rush to have you fully understand. When I was sitting in the classroom before my motorcycle drive test, we reviewed all the things I'd have to remember while on the road. It seemed quite overwhelming, and I could not fathom how I would remember all the little motions and procedures I would have to perform while on the road. I got nervous that I would either forget, or get confused. However, once I was driving on the road, I realized I had lots of time when I was simply driving straight, and I had plenty of time to sort my thoughts, and do very well.

I sort of feel this way with life. Yes, we only have a collection of decades, and for three or four of these, we may be a little less functional than in our prime, but I try to give myself a real kind of perspective. Realistically, while going through life, we have to experience every waking moment we live. We are alive, thinking, and basically being who we are, and we do this every second. There are a lot of minutes in a day, let me tell you. A day where there is nothing to do can crawl by very slowly. Even days that have busy mornings that zoom by can slow incredibly in the afternoon. We will have to go through a lot of time in our lives, and really, unless something happens to us, chances are we will keep doing this for a very long time.

I try not to be in a rush. Sometimes this is procrastination, but a lot of time, I consider it being realistic. I don't want to feel stressed trying to squeeze in accomplishments, or rush head first into important life decisions. I have always planned to get married by 25, but if it took me til 30, I wouldn't be too upset. I had a friend who at 27 was complaining he didn't even know any women he could date, and felt he was really running out of time. Now at 29, he's married. Change can happen at any moment, and take you places you didn't expect, or even didn't expect for a long time. I am somewhat living by this understanding, not rushing, trying to enjoy and experience.

One of the most influential writers I have ever read, Alexander Pope, described what it was like for young people who approached poetry as a mountain to be conquered. He talked about their vision of poetry being something to master, to prepare themselves for, to struggle and work to beat it, to put their whole effort into the task of reaching the summit, and finally, after all their work and dedication, getting to the peak. He wrote about how, from that successful vantage point they achieved, they looked off into the distance, and saw other mountain peaks of future mountains, reaching off into the distance. This he said was the folly of youth, to assume that you understand life's challenges in full. To think that you can possibly complete a life's work in your youth. In reality, he showed that there will be more mountains to climb, and it may be impossible to climb them all. I think of this when I write.

I love to write poetry, but haven't seriously done so for almost 3 years. I set a goal for myself as a poet, achieved it, and have laid back to enjoy it. I do not struggle anymore, because I believe that I have my whole life to struggle. I enjoy the climb as much as I'll enjoy reaching another summit. I see no reason to try and accomplish something that takes a lifetime to complete. I know that my pace will make me better for it. This is probably why Captain Kirk is climbing a mountain...

Pope also wrote "True ease in writing comes from art not chance, as those move easiest who have learned to dance." This line has influenced my writing just as much. I believe that it is work to be good at art; no true artist sits down when inspirtation hits, pours out work in a completed state, and is successful. True art is work, practice, dedication, etc. and I take this seriously. If you've never read Pope, maybe check out his Essay on Criticism...it's inspirational, especially to writers.

I don't know when I'll write in this blog again, hopefully not too long. I'm busy with school, work, D&D planning, and social activities, but if I can, I'll put more down on this page. Lord knows it's been way too long since I've made some sort of internet zombie reference...