Life Lesson in my Fingernails

So, I’ve been wandering around this week, not writing (see last week’s post J ) and wondering what I’m going to say for my Friday blog. And not coming up with much inspiration.

Not my nails... Wish they were!
Then I happened to glance at my hands while doing some mundane task at work. What a pleasant surprise to see that my fingernails were lovely and long! Not picture-worthy, so don’t expect any hand glamor-shots from me. But, within the scope of my nail history, they looked good. That may not seem like a big deal, but I’ve struggled with my nails since, well, the whole year.

Last year’s Christmas season was so busy and harried, and I helped several sales reps stock product in stores, that my nails really took a beating. Some were ripped, others just weakened and split. They were all fairly on the fugly side, and I have spent these past several months trimming my nails back to the quick to stem the tide of cracking and splitting. I even took daily vitamin gummies aimed to improve nail and hair growth (gummies which, interestingly enough, were recently recalled. Hmmm…). My frustration skyrocketed and I assumed I’d never have nice nails again.

Until I looked at them this week and realized they are doing great, and I haven’t even had to futz with them in a while. Funny how all that worry and struggle and manipulation was either unnecessary or just took time to take effect.

Then I realized how much my nail battle parallels my struggle as a writer. As a human being, even. Every day seems like an uphill battle (and often a losing one!). I struggle and wrestle… my ideas, my craft, my own demons… until my frustration skyrockets and I assume nothing is ever going to go my way again.

At a point in time, a lightbulb appears above my head. I pause for a moment, remembering my recent agita and suddenly sensing its noticeable absence. When did it go away? A minute ago? A week ago? Is it really gone or am I just immune to its stress? Whatever the answer, the point is that, if only for a short while, that particular battle is on hiatus. Wish I could say it was over, but I doubt that is ever truly the case.

It’s is an awesome feeling, though. The relief and euphoria which comes from understanding that, at this particular moment, I don’t have to fight this particular battle. I can allocate that energy to another concurrent battle (‘cuz writing and life are just a bunch of spinning plates we have to keep from crashing down).

Or I can just take a deep breath and enjoy the moment. And maybe even go get a manicure!

Comments

  1. I love great nails, but I've always been something for a nail biter. Not when I'm stressed, but when I'm thinking, and I've never been able to quit the habit. I know, waah, Kristina. But you're right - worrying and stressing takes away our joy of the little moments...great post, Ava!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I finally stopped biting my nails... now I just nibble all around the nails. Still looks icky. Enjoy your moments!

      Delete
  2. My nails grow at an outstanding rate and are hard to keep shapely. What does that say about my writing?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hmmmm.... I think Freud would suggest you write romance ;-)

      Delete
  3. Mine grow, but they crack and split, so...voila, acrylic! Great parallel, Ava.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They crack and split no doubt because you are so busy typing your wonderful stories on the keyboard! :-)

      Delete

Post a Comment