I've attempted blogs before. They failed. I lost motivation. I found new interests. They didn't pan out like I was hoping. You name it, and the excuse had been used. So, what's different about this one? I have focus, and the blog has a purpose. Not just for me, but those of you that care to read it.
For some, diving right into things is a tall order. They begin the "what if's" or contemplate what they have to give up. I could be considered a polar opposite. I have jumped into things without question. Full force, with a head full of steam and dream. And that is the reason we are here.
My entire life I have found myself jumping into half thoughts and whatever seems new and exciting. Barrelling at them like an avalanche. This way of thinking has brought me some success, no doubt. But it has also hurt me. I have gotten so into the dream of professional running, that I went to college... to run. I chose my school based on running trails, altitude, and a team I felt I could score points for. My education was an afterthought. I've gotten so involved in romantic relationships that I've lost sight of all my other friendships and most importantly myself. Leaving me in a bubble, not even focused on me. Hell, I got some dogs for companionship, and before I knew it I was a groomer, an on-and-off-leash walker, and accepted into a dog trainer academy.
Only a few short week ago, I was faced with a tough decision of taking on that career path with plenty of support, but a lot of commitment; not just to a town, a business, and financial investment, but to a future for years to come. I turned it down. Not because it wasn't an awesome opportunity, but because it just didn't feel right. My heart wasn't in it. One of the primary reasons my "full-forced" approach has backfired in the past. Clouded by a new experience and the thought "Yeah, I could do this," I've jumped into many long term commitments without a second thought. This time I knew it had to be different.
That brings us to the blog. One thing, aside from endurance sports, that has stuck with me over half my 26 year old life, is writing. When I did finally settle in on a degree path in college, I earned an English focused teaching degree. Moving to Oregon post-college and needing to go back to school to teach in my new state, I found myself working in the dog industry; leading me to dog training and my tough decision. I was clouded by newness, and focused on the wrong aspect of my degree. All through schooling, my professors would drive home the idea "Heavy Readers Make Good Writers." It is why I bought a bookshelf of paperbacks every semester. That idea alone discouraged me from thinking that I could ever be a true writer. I have never been the one to breeze through a novel each week, unless I had too. But that lone idea now weighs less on me. I do love to read. I read article after article of news and social media randomness every day. When I jump into my crazy ideas, I must know everything about them. When I do sit down for a good book, I take my time, see the imagery, and never skip a word. I love to read, just not the same way a creative writing professor loves to read. More importantly, I love to write!
I now have focus. Not just on a career path in writing, but a need to strive for balance overall. This blog is about keeping the big picture in mind. Working on me as a whole. It won't be solely about my writing. It won't be solely about my running and biking. Or dogs. It's about bringing everything together: writing, fitness, dogs, relationships, organization, chores, and happiness. This blog is here to keep me in check and motivate me to stay focused. For those that care to read, I hope my experiences will shed some light for you, or at the very least be fun to follow along with.
A post like this every day won't be realistic from a time standpoint, but I plan to update regularly as a sort of public journal and way to stay writing.
Best,
Cass
