After I decided I was going to learn how to write novels, I invested in daily practice. I wasn’t writing full time and instead in the hours that weren’t already claimed by a full-time job and my personal life. This meant I was sitting an additional 2-4 hours each day. My word counts and entrepreneurial business efforts climbed as did my weight.
The additional sitting meant I rescheduled my running for another day, then another day. It took me months to notice that my jeans were tighter. I bought bigger jeans, ran less, and kept writing. This was fine until I became aware of how uncomfortable I was in my body. I didn’t feel strong. It wasn’t health concerns or a longevity wish that made me decide to make changes. I wanted to feel good in and about my body. I wanted to look nice in jeans and slacks. I wanted to feel confident and strong.
I bought an inexpensive stand-up desk; I ran more; when I walked, I increased my pace; no eating after 8 p.m. (most of the time); chewed my food slower (when I remembered), and made different food choices (here and there). As I continue to learn the craft of writing and build paragraphs into chapters and chapters into novels, running some days and not others, and various my efforts to balance my life I succeed, I fail, I recalibrate, and try again on another day.