Chel Owens

“What if you wake up some day, and you’re 65, or 75, and you never got your memoir or novel written, or you didn’t go swimming in those warm pools and oceans all those years because your thighs were jiggly and you had a nice big comfortable tummy; or you were just so strung out on perfectionism and people-pleasing that you forgot to have a big juicy creative life, of imagination and radical silliness and staring off into space like when you were a kid? It’s going to break your heart. Don’t let this happen.”

–Anne Lamott

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  3. An Interesting quote that I would have agreed with two years ago. I felt that way upon turning 70. But at 72, after fighting cancer,my feelings have changed. We cannot live with regret. We must certainly try to live every day to the fullest, attempting to accomplish our dreams. But, trying can be enough. You don’t have to complete or do everything to have a full life. If you cherish life, love each day, that is enough. Quite honestly, would I go back and spend less time with my children to do some of those things I always wanted to do? NO WAY! The reality is that there are times in our lives where if we choose certain responsibilities then we need to live up to our obligations and do so without resentment. I have no regrets about anything. Why would I? All we can do is try to live out best life. I prioritized my family first. I made that my first choice. I gave up the theatre and dreams of becoming a Broadway actress to raise my son as a divorced mom. No regrets. Instead, my stage became a classroom and my applause came on teacher appreciation day. And I was published and compensated well for writing educational grants. Not best sellers. Yes, I had articles and short stories published but I never got around to publishing that novel. My latest attempt I’d like to finish this year. If it happens great. If not I tried.
    What I’ve learned in my 70’s is that I’m happy with who I am, and with my creative self. But what I’m most pleased with are the men my two boys grew up to be. The are kind and loving. They have been there for me every step of the way during my illness and my oldest is a wonderful father. So you see, I have accomplished what was my first priority in life. When I do leave this earth, I will be completely fulfilled. ❤️

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  5. Don’t let that happen ✨👏 Deep…. This is deep.. I hope the readers will look into this and make a change in their life. Thanks for sharing a post like this👏👏👏

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  8. I once sat in with another writing critique group when my group could not meet for several weeks in a row. The leader of that group said that she has been working on her novel for over sixteen years. Everyone has to find what works for him/her, but after a time, I’d have to question whether that novel will ever get written.

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    2. Isn’t it about the process and not the the publishing? Perhaps some things are too personal to be published. Sometimes we write just because we need to write. The publishing is often about the accolades not why we write. Granted, it does feel great to be published. But it’s not always the end game. When I was younger it was about publishing. Now it’s just about writing.

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  13. I’ve been creative all me life. I’m lucky enough to have visited some unique locales.
    But there’s always more to explore and learn!!

    I’ve never been one to care what other folks think of how I look or dress. 😀

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  14. it’s a great and frightening quote, Chel; a wake up call to us all; I really don’t think I’ll ever write a novel, a short story collection maybe, but I can say I’ve never neglected my creative side; I’ve always indulged it to the detriment of fuller relationships at times;it’s the life blood that flows through me 🙂

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