Day 23 Question:

How long Western union money transfer does it take to increase hamstring flexibility?

Answer: More than 23 days. For me, anyway.

This up-and-down, start-and-stop stuff is driving me crazy. YesterdayI was full of energy, my practice was a breeze, I got yoga plus a ton of other stuff done. I was woman, hear me roar.

Today, I limped home, showered, then curled up on my bed in the fetal position while the anti-inflammatories took effect. And that’s it. I am crone, hear me whine.

I know I’m stronger and more flexible than I was a month ago. I know I have more endurance than I had a month ago. I know I need to stay focused on just doing the work, and not worrying about the result. But seriously, when will it stick for more than one day at a time?

Maybe this is the mental part of the challenge, staying with it despite inconsistent gains.

Hm. Short-term pain, few immediate rewards, long-term commitment required. That sounds a lot like writing. Focusing on publication, or good reviews, or making best-seller lists, or getting ever-increasing advances, is like doing yoga to look good. It’s not wrong, but it’s a by-product, not the point.

Sure, I want bigger advances for my books. I’d love to make the New York Times list one day, too. But long before that can ever happen, my job, my practice is to develop my voice, become more competent at my craft, build the strength, flexibility and consistency of my writing. Not to mention finishing the damn book.

So my mantra today: Breathe. Do the work. The rewards will come.

PS: this week I’ve written about 25 pages in my current work-in-progress. Yay!