work

What do you have to complain about? It took me less than five minutes to adjust my outlook for the day. This morning I sat in front of my computer all ready to continue with my latest novel. This will be my third by the way, and my second romance. I digress.

I decided that instead of opening the file and getting on with it, that I would check my emails and limited social media links. Next, I looked at my tray and saw it was about 2 inches deep in paperwork … that’s 5 centimetres deep, if you prefer metric. I was dismayed, because it meant I’d have to go through it and file or scrap the contents.

Even as I started, it struck me that I had no reason to be dismayed, annoyed, frustrated, irritated, or whatever other negative you’d like to insert. I’m alive, in reasonable health and spend most of my free time doing what I want to do. What right do I have to allow any negativity? It’s all about perspective.

1. I’m not involved in a disaster situation.

2. I’m not in hospital or suffering from a serious illness.

3. I don’t have crippling financial worries.

4. I have food, shelter and companionship.

5. I can afford to be a writer.

Now, try as I might, I could not list five things that were serious negatives in my life. What I’d like you to do dear reader, is look at your life and ask yourself if what is irritating you is a serious negative, or is it trivial. Could you list five serious negatives in your life?

I’ve completed the filing and scrapping of paperwork, so now I’m off to write … .

acrylic - lillies — White Lillies – in acrylic on a 3ft x 2ft box canvas. Oct ‘2012

On the subject of questions – what possible connection am I going to use between my painting of white lillies and this post?

The lillies were real flowers, so by painting them I’ve given them a new lease of life, albeit on a canvas. It took a few weeks but I completed it at the weekend. It was also at the weekend that I completed my time in Retail Management. The connection to the subject of this post is therefore not so much the flowers themselves as much as the painting. It’s about continuation, but with a bit of a change to circumstances.

With effect from Monday, 8th October I started work in the local branch of Ryman, but as a Sales Assistant. I’ve no doubt I’ll occasionally be asked to do more, which I don’t mind, but my new part-time position will be for three days per week. It will provide me with a little financial support and keep me in touch with reality.

Part 1 of this subject suggested there was more than one factor that had motivated me to make the move and reduction in hours. In the first place I wanted more time to write and explore my capabilities. There was also the small matter of travelling for an average of three hours each day – and that’s when the trains were running and on time.

Apart from those things, which may seem trivial to some, I’m only five years away from retirement. I don’t want to look back in five years and wish I’d taken the step earlier. One important factor, which I mentioned previously is that I have the support of my wife.

My debut novel, ‘Ten Days’ is almost ready for publication as an e-book and I have plans to compile another book using a selection of my poetry. I have a second novel underway and I know it will feel better having the luxury of time to pursue my objectives. With regard to the second novel, I feel I’ve learned so much from the first one.

When it comes right down to it I feel I’ve done my bit in the world of work over two separate careers. While I can, I owe it to myself to grasp the opportunity to do what I want to do. If I work hard enough at it, my success will be measured in the entertainment I provide to my readership.

Got to go now, I’ve got some writing to get on with … oh yes, and a new lifestyle.