Photo Credit: Alan Cleaver
Over the past two weeks, I’ve started waking up around 6AM, which gives me an extra hour and a half each morning. I’m tired, but hanging in there, hoping that I’ll be able to adjust and fall asleep earlier soon. When I was in high school and college, I would sleep until 11AM or noon if possible. During the past couple years, my ideal wake-up time has been around 8AM. I just never thought of myself as an early riser. But I’ve also never seen myself as a runner…which is also changing fast. Steve and I rolled out of bed at six this morning and ran in our neighborhood for thirty minutes. I would have laughed if someone told me that we would be doing this six months ago.
I’ve noticed my “can’t-dos” a lot more lately. I’ve always accepted these things as part of who I am. “Don’t be so hard on yourself,” I was told as a child. “You don’t have to do that.” This worked for me, since I was very shy as a kid (and still can be today…), but I don’t want to give up so easily anymore. I’m not saying that I wished my parents had forced me to be on the volleyball team in high school or join the drama club because I probably would have been a nervous miserable wreck, but I’m an adult now. I need to be my own parent.
Maybe I should make a list of things, small and large, that I’ve always told myself I can’t do…and then just try to do them. This literally came to me while writing this blog, which I thought was just going to be about waking up early and running, so we’ll see what appears on the paper when I start my list!
What’s on your “can’t do” list?
PS- Writing update: Revisions are going well and my manuscript is back in my agent’s hands. In the meantime, I’m working on Novel #2, which I started during the query process. The characters and place are close to my heart because the book is set in Castile, NY, which is close to my Dad’s hometown- Leroy, NY. The main character’s home is modeled after my grandmother’s house, where my Dad grew up. I love weaving these personal details into my stories:)
I found my center, my purpose, and my heart through writing and I’m here to help you do the same. I work with entrepreneurs, authors, academics, and other driven individuals to help them find their voice on the page. 
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh super (about your second book)! After reading Stay, I realized I can really get into local fiction.
I think it’s good to push ourselves outside our comfort zone once in awhile, but also I truly believe we should honor our natural selves. Finding the balance has been a struggle for me. I’m not going to spend my whole life trying to be and do things that are “not me.” But once in awhile, it’s very, very good to do something not me (refreshing!) Just need to figure out how often “once in awhile” is
Thanks, Tina! Isn’t STAY great? I can’t wait to read her next book!
I totally agree about honoring our natural selves, but I know that fear has kept me from following my heart in the past and I’ve realized later that if I hadn’t taken the plunge in certain situations, I wouldn’t have discovered a new and improved me:) I think you’re right- balance is key! xo
Good luck with your second book!
I can’t wait to read your 1st!!!! 
I have a few “can’t do’s” as well! In fact, one of mine is running! I walk really fast on the treadmill, but I never run! I plan on running a 5k with my hubby next Spring! Take that “can’t do!” HA HA!
I’m sure I’ll be up early again once the baby comes!
I think we switched places, I use to wake up at 6:30 every morning before I got pregnant. Now it’s 9..err..9:30! LOL!
Thanks for the encouragement, Lauren! I can’t wait to send you your signed copy ; )
Let me know when you start training for your 5k. Hopefully I’ll still be on track with my running goals and we can swap tips.
I’m so happy for you and your growing family. I love reading about your adventures in pregnancy at your blog. Keep it up! xo
Signed copy? Eeek! So excited! I can be like, “Oh yes, Corinne is a personal friend” once you are a big shot writer!
HA HA!
Tips sound great, I’ve never been a runner, so we will def. have to talk! XOXO
seriously, lady, i love your style <3
i found ur link on the Gala Darling group on facebook & …im reeeeeaally happy i came to check out ur blog!! i love the way u write & what you say.
kisses & hugs & lots of luv,
S*
I’m so happy you stopped by and I hope you’ll visit again! Your comment made my day. Love your blog, too:) xo
Well done on going out running! I still can’t motivate myself to do it in the morning – I always go out in the evening. It’s a fantastic feeling though, once I sort of forced myself to get addicted to it. The ‘carrot’ was listening to great music and carrying a little square of chocolate in my pocket whenever I need an energy refill whilst running
I love that you carry chocolate with you! What a fantastic idea:) It is really tough running in the morning, but I love having accomplished one of my biggest challenges before 7AM! Since I run with my husband, I haven’t had the experience of listening to music lately, but I look forward to sneaking a solo run to some of my favorite tunes soon! xo
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