I am still working full-time in addition to being a writer,
so I am on my computer 10-12 hours a day between work and writing.
I work out of a home office that is not set up ergonomically correct, so I consistently have back, neck and shoulder pain due to poor posture and not having the proper set up.
The other drawback working remotely is it can be somewhat isolating. Working long spurts of time with infrequent breaks and grabbing whatever food is around, which may not be the healthiest.
It Wasn’t Until I Put Myself First That It All Fell Into Place
Nine months ago I realized that in order to have the energy to get everything done, have a full time career, and maintain writing, I needed to first focus on creating a healthy mind and body.
I joined a gym. I thought, I am just going to start by walking the indoor track every day for 45 minutes, nothing crazy, but get my body moving and my blood flowing.
I also use my body as resistance doing squats, push ups, and other upper body work. I get up and go to the gym first thing in the morning, which starts my day off right. I can then enter the workday with a positive attitude knowing that I have already accomplished something positive for myself.
At the same time I joined Weight Watchers to have more control over my health. Since I made those two changes, I’ve lost 30 lbs and my energy has skyrocketed.
Best thing I have ever done for myself.
It is important to mention, I have joined dozens of gyms, hired personal trainers, tried every single machine, class there is, and have been trying to lose this same 30 lbs for the last 15 years. It wasn’t until I truly put myself first that it all fell into place.
I committed to walking 45 minutes every day, nothing crazy or intimidating, just move and I finally did it.
It’s Not Uncommon for Me to Go Even Months Between Writing Spurts
I am definitely someone who needs to be in the right state of mind to feel inspired.
It is not uncommon for me to go days, weeks, or even months between writing spurts. I need to truly feel the story in my heart or the energy will not come across on paper.
There are several roadblocks that interfere with being open to inspiration—a busy schedule, traveling, having a bad day at work. The list goes on and on.
What I’ve noticed since I’ve started walking is I now have 45 minutes of free, uninterrupted time to have my mind wander, free of clutter to be creative. It allows me to invent fun story lines and characters.
I always have my phone with me so I jot down notes and thoughts to trigger my memory.
I Convinced Myself the One Thing I Couldn’t Fit In Was Me
The exercise has turned out to be the best thing to release stress.
I recently incorporated a Yoga class several nights a week to relax and unwind. I always come out feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Somehow I was always that person that got busy and the first thing I abandoned was exercise and/or taking care of myself. Somehow I was able to convince myself that the one thing I couldn’t fit in was me.
Flipping that theory on it’s head has been the best life change I’ve ever made. I’m done with excuses. No one else can do it for you
I Was Caught in a Hamster Wheel and Needed Out
Ironically, the darkest moment in my career is what led me to writing.
I had a horrible corporate experience which catapulted me into making a radical change. My college degree is in Communication. Although I have used that skill set throughout my career, it was never in a personally fulfilling manner.
I was caught up in the hamster wheel and needed out. The only control I had was to go back to basics and rely on my education.
I did some soul searching and realized that writing was always a place of comfort for me, so dove in head first.
My Darkest Corporate Moments Led Me to My True Passion
The true inspiration behind my writing was inspired by my best friend who was tragically killed in a car accident 23 years ago.
It completely shattered my world.
We were so young and the thought of a life without him in it was utterly unimaginable. Anyone who has lost a loved one knows the pain never goes away, it just changes.
So after 20 years of telling stories amongst friends attempting to keep his memory alive, I decided it was time to write it down.
That is the inspiration behind my current trilogy. The Beyond Series is a fictional romance based on our short but forever friendship. Creating a legacy of him and our friendship is the only thing that has ever brought me any peace or healing.
He was definitely special enough to share with those who were not lucky enough to know him. I truly believe that my darkest corporate moments were lessons to lead me back to my true passion—writing.
Advice for a Young Writer: Get Past Yourself
I would tell them the hardest part will be getting past themselves. That they will always be their own worst enemy.
They need to trust their inner voice, have faith and go for it. And not just dip their toe in but dive in the deep end. Be scared. Let fear be the driver.
The first step is always the hardest.
I would tell them it is never to late to create a fresh start. I would tell them not to waste time getting sucked into the big machine but be unique, stand out. That there really is nothing to lose—only regret from never trying.
It took me 23 years to figure it out. Don’t waste time, always follow your heart and chase that dream!
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D. D. Marx is an author, blogger and inspired writer for the chick-lit genre. She is a Second City graduate, hopeless romantic, amazingly proud Aunt, a forever friend and life lover.
Graduating with a Communication degree from the University of Dayton, she attempted to break into the world of Public Relations but was instead side-tracked with a J.O.B. At the strong encouragement of her friends and family, who dubbed her a “funny story teller”, she stretched her comfort zone by entering the Second City program in Chicago where her itch for entertainment was finally scratched.
Determined to share her story and create a legacy, she decided to combine these talents and become a writer. For more information on her and her work, please see her website, or connect with her on Facebook or Twitter.
Beyond Believing: When Olivia gets news of her best friend Dan’s fatal car accident, her life is shattered. Consumed with grief and struggling to find any meaning or purpose to life, she trudges along with a gaping void in her heart. Finally, when her frustration reaches its peak, Olivia decides to put her trust in the depth of friendship the two of them shared. That trust finally allows him to breakthrough to her, and Dan begins to guide Olivia through the twists and turns of her life, leading to something new and entirely unexpected.
When Olivia exposes a gigantic internal scandal at work, her career implodes. With no job and nowhere to turn, she escapes to Palm Springs for the sympathy and care of her beloved cousin, Garrett. However, with only weeks left before the opening of his newest store, “Gin and Tonic,” Garrett isn’t quite the comfort Olivia had expected.
She yet again tries to find her way, and in the process meets someone who begins to fill that void in her heart. She’s never before experienced a love like this; it heals her soul and rekindles her spirit – and just may have been the design of her dearly departed friend all along.
Available at Amazon and other booksellers.