The Best Is Yet To Come

I've been missing in action for a little while.  I had to take a break from writing because I had lost the joy that I used to receive whenever I created my work.  You could say that I lost my way.  I found myself looking at my Facebook Page and personal business email with disdain because most of the people that are part of my network are people that I don't personally know.

Don't get me wrong, I am grateful.  Above that, I am blessed.  I realize that I have so many wonderful things going on in my life right now.  Having just married my better half and purchasing a house together all within the last four months was stressful in and of itself, but to factor in time to write when starting a new job was almost unthinkable.

But as I corresponded with an author whose book I just reviewed, I was reminded of why people wanted to get to know me.  When I sent her the "pros and cons" of her work, she was humbled and honored.  I realized that I was part of a vehicle for new authors to have their work brought to the public eye.  I simply offered my opinion and encouragement.

One of the things that I realized is that I had lost my love of writing...at least temporarily.  I had been writing for everyone EXCEPT me.  I also understood that this had to change because I know that life has to be in balance.  You can't lose the joy of a craft that you love simply because you aren't exercising the use of that craft in a way that would benefit you as well as others around you.

So I'm back.  First and foremost, I'm writing for me...then I write for others.  I will always offer encouragement along the way because that is what paying it forward is really all about.

Now that I understand this, I can keep it moving forward and I can honestly say that the best is yet to come.

~ J.L. Whitehead