PbyCj

Okay, so I’m in between locations, as I tend to be, and yesterday, I had this challenging thing to do. It had been pressing on me for a while, you know, one of those tasks that feels like a big deal in your mind before you even start. Yesterday, it finally hit me. I realized this particular thing required more from me. It wasn’t just about doing it; it was about pushing past the mental barrier I’d created around it.

The funny thing? When I actually did it, it wasn’t challenging at all. It could have been done ages ago. But you know how it is—the drama of doing something you’ve never done before, yada yada. So, I used my early morning energy to tackle the hard thing first. I mean, it’s like that writer said in that one book—do the hard thing first. And I did. Afterward, I just chilled. The rest of the day was mine to relax, and I didn’t beat myself up for it.

That was my Day One of 2025: knocking out the thing that had loomed so large in my head and then allowing myself to breathe.

Writing Challenges and Inspirations

Today, though, was a whole different vibe. After work, I wanted to write. I needed to write. But here’s the thing—I can be extra about the writing process. The pen, the notebook, the mood, the setting—it all has to feel right. And if the sun isn’t shining just so or the birds aren’t chirping, well, writing feels almost impossible.

And to add to that drama, I remembered a chunk of this project that I had written months ago, either in July or September (can’t remember which), when I was flying from Chicago. But guess what? I have no idea where it is. None. It’s in a notebook somewhere, but I don’t know which one. And being the type of person who keeps all their notebooks—dating back to 2008!—you’d think I could find it. Nope. Nowhere to be found.

Starting over felt frustrating, but I took it to chat, and let me tell you, that session was a game-changer. I was stuck on where the story was going and needed clarity. So, I started breaking it down: the purpose, the why, the what. Answering those questions reminded me why I started this project in the first place. Sometimes, I need that. I always need a reminder of my why.

The “Why” That Shifted Everything

As I dug into the why, something clicked. I remembered: this isn’t supposed to be a massive project. It’s quick, simple, and to the point—just getting the information out there. That’s it. But as I wrote, I uncovered a new layer I hadn’t considered. It wasn’t just for others; it was for me too. The process became personal.

Then came the breakthrough. One of the questions during the session asked me to summarize everything in two sentences. Two sentences. That challenge gave me two words that summed up the entire project. Two words. That’s all it took to reignite my excitement.

By the end of that session, I was inspired. And caffeinated. (Side note: I thought a Starbucks refresher was just juice. Turns out it’s got caffeine. So here I was, writing, inspired, and wide awake at 10 PM. Not mad at it, though, because hey—I wrote. Clap, clap, clap your hands. Praise the Lord.)

It’s for Me and for You

One thing that really stuck with me during this writing session is how this project is just as much for me as it is for others. I can’t explain it, but the work I’m doing feels deeply personal while also being something I want to share with the world. It’s like I’m learning, growing, and processing through the writing—and hopefully, someone else will get something out of it too.

So, here’s to Day Two of 2025: doing the hard thing, finding my why, and realizing that the work I’m doing matters—for me and for you.

Feel free to download what I used to help fight writers block.