Today I’m Closer to Fine. 

Way back a hundred years ago on April 18th, I wrote about the big question of “What’s Next” in It’s Only Life After All. But when I began unpacking that question, it only led to more questions. I always wholeheartedly accept lists so these six questions didn’t really bother me. Nor the fact that all I had was questions and no answers. That’s because it means deeper investigation would be required and digging deeper is my jam. 

The added bonus is that I’ve definitely hit a wall with my creative writing AND am all out of Bachelor and Next Level Chef episodes so I have to find something to occupy my time on this #TRUE elliptical machine. 

With each solo session in the gym these past few weeks, I’ve attempted to tackle one of those six questions. Here they are again: 

1. Why am I putting so much pressure on myself? It’s only life after all. 
2. Why can’t I just write and not care what other people think? OR just write without thinking about where to send it or post it or whatever? 
3. What is it I really want to do? OR what would I do instead of writing? OR why does there have to be something new at all? 
4. How can I change the Good Life project so that it’s less work. OR double down and really make that thing soar?! 
5. How can I stop from sending so much work out for publication? It’s kind of an addiction right now and my typical go-to when I open my laptop to work on stuff. 
6. Do I try to continue the blog or just close up shop? (Pretend you didn’t read that) OR transition to Substack and focus on just writing?

The results of each were pretty insightful and revealing. All that digging uncovered some actual answers and definitely provided some direction. #truth

I couldn’t have asked for more. 

I don’t usually try to tie things together so neatly, but I think it will be helpful for me to revisit the question with their respective answers — to perhaps reveal the ultimate answer. The one ring to rule them all, so to speak.  

Before that though, I might also interject that I think all this introspection is what has me feeling closer to fine. And isn’t that just lovely. 

Question #1, What to do about all the pressure of life, was answered on April 19th in Always Halfway There. And because that question is so tightly coupled with question #2 about how to NOT care so much about what other people think, that it’s tough to tease them apart. So the answer applies to both. 

The answer: Just stop. Stop (being hung up on) both internally constructed pressure and perceived external pressure. Stop trying so damn hard to be better or more or whatever, and longer to smell the roses. And then gift myself some grace. 

Question #3, What to do instead of writing, was answered on April 27th, It Can Be Whatever You Want. 

The answer: It doesn’t have to be anything. It can be as simple as enjoying life without the stress of a job or expectations (to bring in the $$$) and each day can be a new daydream. There’s no need to pick something or set a goal.

Question #5, What to do about my addiction to submitting writing to prospective journals and publishers, was answered on May 7 in Cold Turkey Coming Right Up. 

From the title you might guess that the answer is, like question #1, just to stop, which I did. After May 7th I was able to pause the submission frenzy for most of the rest of that month. Since then, I’ve slipped off the wagon a little, and am searching for some reasonable “everything in moderation” approach. This kind of leads me back to Question 3 though, and what to do instead, so I’m still teasing apart if continuing to chase that publishing dream is how I want to spend my time.

Question #6, What to do about this blog or blogging as an outlet for my thoughts, was given consideration on May 4th in May the 4th be With You. 😂

The answer to this one ended in a big fat  “to be continued,” but has since been answered (inside my head anyway). I guess since I’m still writing and posting, I’m still in it to win it. So that’s the “current” answer. 

Even if I stop to smell the roses a little longer, I have to keep doing the activities that make me feel fulfilled which includes getting some cardio in the mornings. And I have to have something to occupy my mind in that time when I’m all out of episodes of my favorite shows. So…..

What this little Q&A wrap up doesn’t include, if anyone noticed, is the answer to #4… what to do about The Good Life Review. I wrote about it a little on May 14th in A Question of Sustainability and Sanity. 

That title says a lot too. As it stands today the current operating model might not be sustainable from a people (including me) perspective and for my own sanity, some change is necessary. That post ended with a big fat “to be continued” too. Some puzzles are tougher to solve. I think the temporary conclusion came to me directly from the Universe who in her infinite wisdom urged me to “not do anything.” She said it was ok to sit with the situation a little longer and realize that it’s not a fire that needs put out. The journal is doing great. The team is mostly happy with how things are going. The contributors are grateful. Things run smooth and can continue to do so for the foreseeable future with no changes. The Universe told me that it’s ok to coast with it.

This is contrary to the Omaha city slogan, “We Don’t Coast,” but I’m proposing a new slogan… Omaha — Sometimes We Coast. 😂

Well that was fun. And insightful. 

Today’s big reveal is that answers come from deep inside and that I have the power to choose, everyday, to wake up and embrace being alive and healthy. I have the power to set aside perceived expectations, and do the activities that bring me joy. I have the power to stop (whatever it is) or start something new or not make any changes at all.

Is that it then? Because it all seems pretty obvious in the grand scheme of things. Maybe I just needed the deep introspection to provide me with the reminder so I can keep on, keeping on. In that way, it’s helpful and, if nothing else, I’m definitely going to coast a little and enjoy being… closer to fine. 

Peace and Love, 
~Miss SugarCookie