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Dear :
No, I'm not giving up running or writing. And I'll never stop adoring Ed and the pupperina. We must continue the things we love even if they challenge us. Looking at you #ninetyninepercentgooddog. Sigh.
But recently, I made a difficult choice, not to quit, but to pause something even though I really enjoyed it.
From my early running days, I've considered myself a "ChiRunner" and "ChiWalker." The ChiRunning form focuses and philosophy serve me well. So, back in July, when I felt unmoored and needed a new structure, I enrolled in the five-month certification program to become a ChiRunning instructor.
The course began mid-August. I made new friends, found the lessons interesting and challenging, and looked forward to diving deep into the practice.
A week after the course began, Mango offered me the contract for the movement meditation book.
At first I thought, "No problem! I can do this." The ChiRunning lessons would inform the book. I believed I could juggle both.
By the third week, I was scrambling. I couldn't keep up with the course work. The zoom classes I'd initially enjoyed began to fill me with dread. I also realized I needed a refresher in my own ChiRunning technique before I could think about teaching!
And, I was having trouble getting to the page.
I despise not finishing things, especially coursework. I usually put my head down and drive forward at any cost. Challenge and structure sometimes pushes me to thrive.
But this was too much.
Gratefully, I remembered "gradual progress," a foundational ChiRunning principle. Instead of forcing my way through, I could take my time, let the process unfold.
I took a step back.
Despite that haranguing inner voice, I wasn't "quitting." I simply put the certification course on pause. I can take it next year. The book comes first. For now, I will soak myself in the writing. When I return to the ChiRunning certification, I can dive deep in the way I prefer.
Especially now, with pandemic fatigue so high, any pause will serve us.
Do you need to pause something? How do you react to that thought?
I'd love to hear about it.
MOVEMENT MEDITATION
Do you choose a focus when you exercise? Have you incorporated meditation techniques into your movement? I continue to post movement meditation videos on Instagram. I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
ON THE BLOG
Check out my latest interview with Sherry Richert Belul, author of Say It Now: 33 Ways to Say I Love You to the Most Important People in Your Life
I also reviewed Run through Barriers by Clint Adam Lovell, a book of life lessons disguised as a running book.
PODCASTS
I've been interviewed on three more podcasts. Such a joy! Check out all the podcast interviews here.
Want to hear me on your favorite podcast? Feel free to suggest me to the podcast hosts.
BOOK CLUBS
If your book club would like to read and discuss Depression Hates a Moving Target, I'm game to join for a virtual author visit. Please contact me. I'd love to meet your group! I created a kit to foster discussion: Book Club
Kit!
Mind, Mood, and Movement
Check out the weekly unicorn meme in the Mind, Mood, and Movement group. Look for "Feature Friday" where you can share your business link in the comments on that post.
The Writer's Mind
I'd love you to join my writing practice group, The Writer's Mind, for people interested in using Natalie Goldberg (Writing Down the Bones) tools and methods to create work aimed at publication.
THANK YOU REVIEWERS!
So grateful as the reviews continue to roll in. If you enjoyed either book and haven't had a chance to leave even a few words about Depression Hates a Moving Target and You Should Be Writing, it's never too late! The teensiest review counts.
These direct links to Amazon make reviews easy:
YSBW - Paperback
YSBW - ebook
DHAMT - Paperback
DHAMT - ebook
DHAMT - Audiobook
Don't have your copy yet? Purchase Nita's books here!
Need it in Korean? Here you go!
Struggling with writing?
No matter where you are in your writing journey, chances are I've faced what you're up against.
Email me at nita@nitasweeney.com to discuss this service.
If you'd like help, we'll hop on zoom or that phone thingie. Tell me your quandary, and I'll share my expertise. I have a ton of resources, and decades of experience heading people in the right direction.
I wasn’t sure where to start. Your ideas provided a 'heads-up here’s where you need to go' path. The biggest challenges with new authors are the deep-dive editing surprise, the author platform, and the publishing world. It was helpful to know what to expect.—Susan
A Resource for Writers and Readers
For 18+ years Write Now Columbus, a once-a-month email newsletter for central Ohio readers and writers, arrives in inboxes. Editor Tami Kamin Meyer and I compile author events, workshops, writing conferences and other resources in central Ohio. If that interests you, sign up HERE.
Reach Out
If I can help, please ask. Email is always the best way to reach me.
Take care and be well.
~ Nita
Sharing is caring!
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About Nita:
Nita Sweeney is the award-winning wellness author of the running and mental health memoir, Depression Hates a Moving Target: How Running with My Dog Brought Me Back from the Brink and co-creator of the writing journal, You Should Be Writing: A Journal of Inspiration & Instruction to Keep Your Pen Moving. A certified meditation leader, ultramarathoner, and former assistant to writing practice originator Natalie Goldberg, Nita founded the group
Mind, Mood, and Movement to support mental well-being through meditation, exercise, and writing practice, and The Writer’s Mind
, to share how to use writing practice to produce publishable work. Nita also publishes the writing resource
newsletter, Write Now Columbus. She lives in central Ohio with her husband, Ed, and their yellow Labrador retriever, Scarlet. Follow her on your favorite social media channels!
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