Yesterday was Valentine’s Day, a day we’re supposed to spoil our significant other. And I did. He received two cards: one heartfelt outpouring of emotion and one sarcastic-but-witty card that echoed a discussion we’d previously had, a pair of thermal pajama pants, and a small box of candy for the two of us to share.
I didn’t marry a romantic fool. He professes he shows his love for me every day, so what makes the commercialized holiday a reason to shower me with gifts? It’s true; we both speak our minds and say those three words more than five times a day. But, he did surprise me with a beautiful card, nestled in the banana basket in the kitchen,so I would find it when I awoke.
The gifts we give to those we love are important reminders of how we feel. But, how often do we treat ourselves or the writer within? I’m the first to admit that I’m an office supply junkie. I firmly believe a person can ever have too many pens, pencils, highlighters, notebooks… you get the point. I also have a large collection of writing books. I’ve read all of them, and I still refer to several of them when I have a question I need answered.
I discovered when I first began freelancing that treating the writer within, with office supplies, writing books, a new techy gadget, a writing class or conference,or anything writer-related, is an important boost to my writer psyche. It’s not like I overindulge, but when I complete a large, profitable project, I reward my diligence with something that soothes my writer’s soul.
Even if you write for yourself and don’t intend to share your works with the public, treating yourself becomes a positive motivator that keeps you on track. It’s a reminder of why you write.
Treat yourself to the latest gel pens you’ve been eyeing at Office Max or the coolest new Epson printer/scanner/fax combo or a writing conference you’ve always considered attending. Your inner voice will thank you.
