March 2024 SOLC–Day 26
A huge thank you to Two Writing Teachers for all that they do to create an amazing community of writers and a safe, welcoming space to write, learn, share and grow.
http://www.twowritingteachers.org
I’m sitting and staring at my screen, trying to figure out what to write. It’s the exact thing I did this morning when I had some time to write. And then I didn’t.
I am in a bad mood and in a bad writing place. It’s not that I don’t have anything to write about. I can think of several moments that would make a good slice. I just don’t want to. Like foot stomping don’t want to. I don’t have the energy or the urge, and I’m feeling super grumpy about it. I’ve gone from my early month jubilation to the too-close-to-quit doldrums. It’s like the early excitement of the journey has turned from “Yippee! We’re off!” to “Are we there yet?”, and the latter is definitely said in a very whiny, unattractive tone.
I tried focusing on positives this evening–the cute, skipping, rainbow-legginged girl who waved wildly at me in the grocery store parking lot, the hawk flying up to a tree as I drove by, and the cluster of deer grazing peacefully in our back yard. It didn’t help. Neither did multiple servings of Girl Scout cookies (Carmel Delites) or over-indulgence in salt-and-pepper potato chips. My husband had the wood stove going and a scented candle burning when I got home, and then he made dinner. It didn’t matter. I’m still in a funk. Not fit company for anyone.
When my children were little, and we couldn’t shift them from grumpy, despite all our best efforts, we used to say they had a bad case of the “can’t-help-its.” I guess that’s my diagnosis. I’m hoping tomorrow will be a better day, but for now I just have a deeply entrenched case of the can’t-help-its.
Nix the comfort zone 
Whenever my students tell me they don’t know what to write about, I say write about that. That is just what you did. And I get it!
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I have lots of ideas, I just don’t feel like writing. It’s a nasty place to be in. And I’m just feeling done, done, done in general. I’m hoping it’s just March, which is always way too challenging. Thanks for the constant support! I really do appreciate it.
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Ohhh….I see you on this one, because I’m in the exact same place. Haven’t blogged today, not really feeling what I have to say anyway, and just generally been a crabby patty.
And I LOVE the idea of having that case of “can’t-help-its.” I may have to tuck that one in a back pocket and save it for a future day.
And who knows? Maybe, just maybe, I’ll find a way to stretch myself into blogging today…
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Well, I hope it helps that you’re not alone! I have total confidence that you’ll be able to pull it off!
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You’re allowed! I hope tomorrow the funk has lifted!
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Thanks so much for the support! Today is a bit lighter. I still don’t know what I’m slicing tomorrow, but I’m not feeling nearly as grumpy.
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“I am in a bad mood and in a bad writing place.” Boom. 💥 It’s refreshing to say it like it is. It’s also refreshing to read your straightforward foot-stomping sentiments. March is one long hard month. I’m optimistic this will pass & energy and enthusiasm will return. I’m counting on it. 😂
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Thanks so much! Your response and many others reminded me why I love this community so much!
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But take comfort in the fact that your slices are enjoyable to read even when you have the Can’t Help Its! (And go ahead and wallow in it a bit–tomorrow is a new day.)
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Thanks, Kim! I definitely wallowed!
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Me, too. Once I get going, it’s ok, but I’m just. so. tired. of everything, really. It’s not that I can’t see the good things, I’m just grumpy. I love the name “can’t help its” – yes, it feels like that. I’m hoping for a burst of energy as we head into the last weekend. We have both Friday & Monday off, so that’s something for me to look forward to. Sending you good vibes for decreased grumpiness.
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Ooooh! A long weekend! That’s such a gift. I hope you enjoy every minute and shake off a little bit of grumpy. When my kids were young, we also said, “If they’re crabby, put ’em in water!” A long tub with splashing and maybe a rubber ducky and some bubbles can go a long way! We have 11 days until break and I’m definitely counting!
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We said, “put the crabs in water” too! 11 days – you can make it!!
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Yep. There’s no getting out of those funks, usually not until the next morning which makes it even more frustrating. I love how you describe it as a “foot stomping don’t want to” that’s exactly what it is!
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I feel that foot stomping urge so strongly. It feels like the echoes of some long ago toddler tantrum, and I want to yell, “I don’t wanna!”
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I’m going to be thinking about the “Can’t Help It’s.” That seems like a really useful concept. Thanks, Molly! xo
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I hope you don’t need to use the concept too much, but I do find it fits sometimes.
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The best advice I ever got as a teacher was: “If a child is upset, don’t try to cheer them up right away. Help them identify the feeling and just sit in that space with them. They’ll let you know when they’re ready to get up, and then, you can do your thing.”
I’m glad you had people who “Sat in your grumpiness” with you.”
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That is good advice! I feel pretty bad for those people who had to sit in that grumpiness with me in real time! I’m super appreciative of those who supported and lifted me with their comments here.
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