I am forty-one! My birthday was yesterday and I am officially both wise and out of, ahem, cares-about-what other-people-think. I have always seen my birthday the way most people see New Year’s: a chance for reflection and opportunity for growth. So, here is a birthday reflection that no one asked for (you’re welcome).
I am happy and proud to say that I am actually quite pleased with where I am in my life (how lucky I am to be able to say that! Especially with the world being what it is right now). And I have also finally swallowed two truths that felt unfortunate up to now:
- I feel better when I exercise. I generally like moving my body in fun ways. This summer we logged 8-10 miles a day hiking in some of the most beautiful National Parks (pics on my instagram. DM me with National Park fan-talk ever and always) but I live in the Chicago suburbs and it is very, very, flat and exercising in my basement, while convenient, is far less interesting and beautiful BUT I am doing it and I feel healthier and stronger when I do. It’s also possible I have more energy but who can tell given *literally everything.* I will say I have less tolerance for sitting around when I exercise so I wind up getting way more done which is an added bonus. I also tend to eat healthier. The bonuses really snowball.
- Outlining may actually make drafting easier. (Eeek!! I said it!!) I am NOT a plotter by nature. Instead, I am what Ellen Brock refers to as a methodological pantser (her videos are amazing by the way) which mostly means that if I sit down to outline at the outset of a new novel, I will wind up tearing my hair out and giving up writing (for about 48 very dramatic hours. I speak from experience). However, after discovery and discussion, outlining is helpful for me. I workshopped the first half of a messy draft and then went back and outlined using Save the Cat beats and, you guys, drafting is *so far* going….really well. I hesitate to state that publicly for fear of jinxing myself but there it is!! I am at the point where I’m even excited to draft (revision > drafting 4 life) because I’m excited to hit these different plot points! It’s like a real life plot twist!
So, there you have it: two truths everyone knows that took me a long time to accept. But hey, at 41, I still have plenty of time to benefit.
What are some truths that make your life better?
Nicole Loos Miller 