I don’t feel badly not writing every day. I think I have a well-balanced perspective regarding what is important. I write because I enjoy it, not to make it a profession. At 70, this year, I have been through two careers and just need a couple hobbies to take me to the next plane of existence.

A friend of mine is a photographer and she talks about having to differentiate events that she photographs and events that she participates in, because the photographer (if they are good) is always outside, an observer, there to document visually, not to interact.

I feel the same way about writing. I like to sit quietly and gather notes, even on vacation. Journalers are not always popular. And, I like to observe people, which often means I’m not interacting with them.

I don’t write every day, though I feel I should. I feel guilt about that, rather than withdrawal. I do enjoy the time I spend putting words together into sentences that will communicate my thoughts to people. But, I don’t do it every day.

I am also a visual artist. Drawing and painting are a completely different, and rather meditative experience for me. I can get lost in a picture and lose track of time. When writing, I feel the time and it’s a conscious effort, albeit an enjoyable one and more rewarding for me.

So yes, I am a writer. You are also a writer. What we get out of our writing will be decided by the priority we give it. But, w are writers.

That nonsense about it being an addiction is just that. Maybe for some it is, but certainly not all. I think some like to make it a super elite club. I got over that in high school.

If anything threatened my marriage, my day job, or my children, I’d be in therapy or rehab, not blogging about how others should join me.