"Writing is not like dancing or modeling; it’s not something where – if you missed it by age 19 – you’re finished. It’s never too late."
Do you think it's too late for you? Think again.
At Heart Leap, I explore how to build a happy, creative, and simple life. At 9 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, I host ‘happy writing hours’ for paid subscribers. It’s for anyone who is trying to write a book, start a substack, or just have a little accountability for their writing practice. We chat for 5 minutes or so, and then we write quietly together for the rest of the hour. It’s strangely comforting and motivational to have a cohort of writers to support you and write alongside you. Plus, I run monthly masterclasses on motivation and inspiration.
Subscribe and join us if you want some support. Zoom link at the end of this post. For one-on-one coaching sessions and support, please become a founding member.
“Writing is not like dancing or modeling; it’s not something where, if you missed it by age 19, you’re finished. It’s never too late,” Elizabeth Gilbert
It’s never too late.
Apart from in your own mind,
If I’m honest, I sometimes do feel like I am just fooling myself.
Starting again at my age? Who am I kidding?
Trying to finish my book?
Trying to create a festival?
Trying to build new income streams after leaving a big career in London?
Trying to build my fitness?
Trying to date again?
Is it all just too late?
But the truth is, whatever you believe, that’s your reality.
If you’re feeling a bit low and doubt is nibbling at your knees, it’s good to seek out inspiration. (I was inspired by writing a piece in The Telegraph this week about 80-year-olds running marathon and businesses.)
If I believe it’s too late, it will be.
What does come with getting older is the knowledge that no one is coming to rescue me, and this is up to me now.
If I want to build a simple, creative, happy life, then no one is going to build it for me.
And I need to build it from the ground up, brick by brick.
I don’t need to carry loads of bricks at once.
I don’t even need to get the wheelbarrow out.
I can do it just one brick at a time.
My word for 2024 is ‘foundation’.
I want and need to build a solid foundation this year, brick by brick.
What I do know for sure is that if I keep placing the bricks on the ground, I will start to build a foundation on which to create my new life.
The first foundation stone is belief. I need to believe that it’s possible.
I also need to have beautiful drawings of the life I want to build. (a vision board!)
Then I need to find a good team to help mix the cement and the magic. (I am better in a team.)
And then I have to take action—the bricks won’t build themselves.
If I pitch my ideas to commissioning editors, if I apply for projects that excite me, if I keep on marketing the festival, if I keep on saying yes to dates, if I keep on going for that extra half-hour walk and doing 7 pressups a day, if I keep turning up to my writing hours and get another page of my book finished, then at least I’m doing my bit.
I’m not just sitting here and wishing for a better life; I’m building one.
Brick by brick.
The Heart Leap Writing Hour starts at 9 a.m. today.
Zoom link below.
Join us!
(Plus, don’t forget we have our first writing masterclass of the year with agent and founder of the London Writer’s Club, Jacq Burns, on Wednesday at 1pm for all paid subscribers.)
Suzy Walker is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Heart Leap Happy Writing Hour
Time: January 30, 2024, 09:00 AM London
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83845420585?pwd=jyDuoXO38VG5w7nE3FFkA37zKI8HlC.1
Meeting ID: 838 4542 0585
Passcode: 472780
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This is such a timely reminder, lovely piece Suzy!
I've been trying to convey some of this to a friend recently so I'll be forwarding to her ASAP ... "brick by brick" 💚
Thanks Suzy.
You never cease to amaze me. 🌅