In praise of addiction (at least this one)

It’s the season when many folks make resolutions to give up addictions, whether they be to drugs--legal and illegal, wreckless spending habits, or any other self-destructive mental attitude. I’m not willing to give up my addiction, though. I don’t believe it’s a self-destructive habit, though it often keeps me awake at odd hours or takes precedence over optional meetings. I’m talking about my addiction to writing.

I used to think I was the only one who named her writing "addiction." But read what John Vorhous says in his Dec. 25th posting about.  Once again I'm not alone! Though some brag about their morally superior self-discipline, I know that I'm not that morally superior. (Apparently J.V.'s not that morally superior either.) The truth is, I can't control myself. Writing is my favorite habit. 

When I’m focused completely on the emotional point of a scene and how best to clarify that moment and a character’s intention. I'm solving a glorious, intricate puzzle. Everything else falls away. All the stress over past mistakes or future choices recedes into the background. Any anxiety over health challenges for myself or my family takes a vacation. And most welcome, the fear of finishing a satisfying story disappears. All I need to think about is the present moment of the scene.

I've been practicing meditation--or trying to. But I keep coming back to the awareness of my thoughts: that writing is a neat combination of meditation and game play. Relax, focus, go into alpha state and have fun at the same time. No wonder I'm addicted.