It’s been hard to write. I’m not sure if I’ve ever felt so stuck with how to do my favorite activity in the world? It’s funny, a couple of weeks into 2021, I couldn’t believe that I wrote and posted a blog every week for three years? That thought felt paralyzing at the time, because I cannot express how difficult it is to craft a piece of writing that is intended to consistently bring value to people’s lives, week in and week out, year after year.
I loved the creative process I adopted. I was inspired constantly to weave my "everyday" life into a worthy and entertaining narrative to share, but then I felt crippled versus inspired, the responsibility I took on to be honest and upbeat weighed too heavy; I was overwhelmed, and knew I needed to step out of the inside lane in order to find my way back on track.
I started this year with simple goals: read books, observe my surroundings, listen to podcasts, swim, bike, run, coach, and write my thoughts and stories whenever I felt like it for my eyes only. However, the first three months of this year have been more jarring than any other, and although it would be easier to sit still and try to absorb it all quietly, and by “all” I mean grief, trauma, elation, happiness, sadness, and clarity for what I really want to do with the rest of my life, instead I am going to do the opposite, from this day forward I am going to write and post a blog every single day.
“Really, Taryn?” All of you reading this say collectively out loud at your kitchen table in between sips of coffee, or in your head standing in line at the DMV.
“YES!” CC Day yelled back behind her computer screen. (CC Day is my pen name that I created in 1990.)
Post St. Patrick's Day Trainer ride.
The reason I feel confident about taking on such a harrowing goal/squeezing my passion pump tighter than recommended is because I cannot go one more minute without giving everything I have to the one pursuit I believe I was born to do. I now know that if I want to be a writer, and one day become a GOOD writer, I can't step away and wait for the Muse to show up, I need to drown in and decipher clever word combinations whether it shows up with a rescue can like Mitch Buchanan or not. I need to practice in order to improve, and practice writing everyday.
I thrive on routine and discipline.
A similar daily practice has positively affected my other great passion, running. I have run every day of 2021 as part of a 100 day running streak a handful of us from Biscay Coaching are taking part in, and I feel great. In fact, I am running better than I have in years, so I plan to keep going beyond the 100 day mark/until Hillary makes me stop.:)
The amazing Mary Knott is center frame, flanked by yours truly on screen left, and Mary's best friend, the incredible Heidi Videto. Washington Island, WI, July, 2020.
Also, I have been swimming everyday since March 1st to honor my friend and hero, Mary Knott, (the greatest swimmer I ever knew), who passed away tragically on February, 13th. Mary and I loosely devised a streak idea at the end of January to at *minimum* run a 5K, swim 1,500 yards, and do 100 push-ups everyday during the month February, but we never solidified it, and then less than two weeks later she was gone.
Mary was training for the California Triple Crown of open water swims, and was an incredible runner, she would have SMASHED the streak, so I coined it the #everythingstreak, and did it with her in spirit the entire month of March.
I am certain my swim speed and fitness has improved as a result of the #everythingstreak, but more importantly I have used those early morning swims as a form of meditation to be present in the quiet, cool water to both remember Mary, and to connect with how precious and fragile life truly is. On a related note, (and my parents may not be too thrilled that I share this), I was not planned. I truly embody the hashtag I created, #luckynumber4. Therefore, I believe I am alive for a reason, and that reason is to crank up the optimism dial in the world around me and beyond through storytelling.
Most of all, I want to write and post everyday. I want to produce a constant flow of content that feels more collaborative than dictated. I want to hear your feedback, I want to share your stories, and share books and videos that I have sought out and find interesting and *hopefully* helpful. Like this video from an amazing filmmaker named Van Neistat. I studied experimental film in college, so I am particularly intrigued and impressed with his work, it’s unique, but I guarantee you will find it fascinating.
Regarding content, yes, I will be writing a lot about swim, bike, run, wellness, etc., because those are my passions, and what I invest most of my time doing and learning about, but I will also be writing poetry, short stories, and indulging in my ultimate calling, photo captions. That’s right, nothing makes me happier and lends that, “I finally made it” feeling then when my step-daughter, Hannah, sends me a caption request for a photo she wants to post to social media.:) Small life wins are GIANT parent wins.
I promise to make the content enriching, diverse, fun, engaging, and concise. I appreciate all of the support you've given me over the years following my writing, and since I am inviting/dragging you all with me, I want to make it worth your most valuable resource, time.
Let's hop on the #streaklife board and ride the raucous, heartbreaking, glorious, and daunting wave of everyday life with a flare of optimism.
Thank you!!
The song and video choice is a slick tune from the group The Knocks featuring Foster the People, All About You.
P.S. See you tomorrow.:)