Lindsey Nordby

Hello, readers! It’s been a while!

As I anxiously wait for the results of 8 more query letters for my novel, I got to thinking about how I haven’t written on here since May. The fact of the matter is, Sundays weren’t working for me to consistently write. My weekends typically get so busy, and if I didn’t have anything already written and scheduled, nothing would be sent (as observed). However, the luxury of being the only person in charge on my site is that I can change whatever I want. So, we’re testing out a new day! I’m going to see how Wednesday works for writing. Who knows, maybe this will be better!

Anyway, in a matter of transparency, I’ve been struggling over the past few weeks. I’ve been overwhelmed, burned out, and just flat out exhausted. And in all honesty, I’m not totally sure why.

Scratch that, I know one of the reasons why, which may be where my influx of emotions started. More to come on that next week. I want to dedicate a whole post to it.

Besides that one thing, though, life has just felt very heavy. Do you ever feel that way? Like nothing major is happening, but you just can’t catch a break?

Because I haven’t been able to see my therapist since May (long story), I have had to find peace and calm in other things. Many of you know that I am a very crafty person, and I’ve been seeking out projects in that venue over the past few weeks. I’ve been writing, of course, but I’ve also been painting, knitting, cross-stitching, and making earrings.

Crafting, in all regards, has become such an outlet for me. Over time, I am not sure what I will do with all the things I craft. I might take them to a local market one day, who knows. But for now, creating things brings me immense peace. Also, when I look at a finished product, there is a major feeling of pride and accomplishment. Taking an object from nothing, to something beautiful – that feeling is unmatched.

I feel that way about my writing as well. As I mentioned, I am waiting to hear back from my first round of queries for Six Feet Under. And as I am waiting, I have already started my next book. I know some writers feel daunted, or intimidated, at taking a finished manuscript, closing it, and opening a blank document all over again. For me, though, I feel invigorated. I am so excited to start another book, and to tell a new story. There is always another story to be told. And this next novel, I am so freaking excited about, because it is so personal to me.

I think this is the same reason why I love the performing arts so much, too. It’s the same concept when you break it down. You take a script, or a piece of music, and you turn the print on the page into something beautiful. You bring it to life. And both the process and final result is exciting and live-giving.

Oh and baking. I have baked goodies for so many of you. Again, same concept. Taking basic ingredients and making something delicious.

I could go on and on.

But that is what everything comes down to in this world, isn’t it? We all seek out the things that are life-giving. And for each person, that thing is different.

For me, creating is such a passion. Creating is my life-giving thing. Whether it’s acting, or singing, or writing, or baking, or crafting – I just love to create things. It can be anything, really. But if I can take something from nothing, and make something beautiful, chances are I’ll love it.

This world can get so overwhelming. There are so many things going on at any one time that sometimes, it’s incredibly difficult to find peace. And as I have felt the weight of the world over these past few months, I have turned to the thing that I know brings me peace.

Maybe you’re also feeling heavy right now, over one thing or another. Maybe you feel burnt out. Depressed. Tired. Stressed. Whatever it may be. I encourage you: turn to the thing you love. It won’t fix the thing that is weighing you down, but it will bring you peace and joy throughout it.

Maybe you don’t know what it is that you are passionate about, and that’s okay! Try things out. Join a class, or try a new hobby. Give it a few tries, and if it’s not bringing you the joy you are looking for, then try something new. There are so many things you can do to bring joy into your life, and life is too short to do things you don’t like all of the time. (You will have to do things you don’t like some of the time, but that’s another rabbit hole we won’t go down today.)

Anyway, I encourage you, go out and find that thing! Try a new hobby, or spend time doing one you know you love. It will be so worth it! Because trust me, no matter how heavy things might seem, doing something you love will always make the days a little easier.