Swapping One for the Other

Recently, I purchased a new car. I needed something more fuel efficient, more compact and also something with a lower car payment. It pained me to get rid of my current car – a fun, fancy, all-the-bells-and-whistles little coupe – for a less flashy, less decadent, practical type of car – the Volkswagen Golf TDI. As I never thought I’d like a car more than I liked my coupe I was hesitant to give it up. I even named that car “Forever Sam” because I wanted to keep it until it could drive no more.

I went to the dealership last Saturday morning sullen and forlorn. The keys in my hand were heavy and begged me to keep them. Second guessing myself, I wondered what I could do to hold on to good ‘ole Sammy for as long as possible. I could “granny drive” to save gas. I could eat ramen in order to afford the car payment. I could practice parking so it wouldn’t be such a bear. But, alas, no matter what I came up with it didn’t make sense; it was simply time to move on.

But then something wonderful and unexpected happened: I immediately fell in love with the Golf! Sure, I’d taken it for a test drive, but something about getting that key in my hand and taking it for that first spin made it feel alive and ready to befriend me- it made it feel like it was mine.

Over the past week I have had so much fun with it! It drives well, is smooth and peppy and – I kid you not – gets 50mpg highway! With the fancy Bluetooth controls and all around comfort and maneuverability I no longer feel the sadness I felt when I handed over Sam.

Yes, I will always love that coupe and will always miss it to a certain extent – but something about this new car just feels right. For this point in my life it is the perfect fit.

It even has a name now: Clarence Williams, III (what can I say? I’m a bit quirky and an avid fan of the Mod Squad.)

I share this story with you because I believe it can equate to writing. You see, last weekend I did something else besides purchasing a new car: I also wrote the very last sentence- the punctuation and completion- of my work in progress.

After all of the emotion and effort it is finally time to move on.

If you’ve read my previous posts you know doubt understand how hesitant I have been to finish this adventure and begin a new one. My anxiety was at its peak. How could it not be? I was losing something that had been such an integral part of my life for the past six months. When I felt sad it was there to pick me up; when I was angry I poured all of my frustrations into it; when I was happy it was happy with me. It was more than a friend, it was my confidant.

But now, just like with the new car, I am no longer afraid. I know this work will always be a part of me and I will always love it. But now I understand that even though one good thing is ending, another new thing is about to begin. Ready and willing, it is time for me to begin the next project; I am happy to do it because I know this new thing will still be good, just good in a different way.

 

Friends, I’ve said it before and I’ll no doubt say it again and again: do not be afraid to let go! Yes! Your work is coming to an end! Yes! It is time for you to move on, and yes! This chapter of your life is closing. But look at the bright side: another chapter is opening and, in its own way, I know it will be just as good to you as the first.

Until next time and, as usual, I hope my own emotional journey has helped to fuel you in some way. This is not the end of my blog or my adventure. I still have editing to do. I still have querying to do, and I still have a sequel to write. I hope you’ll continue to join me as I carry on with this process of writing novels.

And, with luck, I hope you learn a thing or two about your own emotions in the process.

Until next time,

R