While visiting the island of Puerto Rico, several years ago, I was introduced to a small little frog called Coqui. This little critter, only about the size of a quarter, is beloved on the island. The Coqui has been a cultural symbol in Puerto Rican history for centuries.
Anywhere on the island, the Coqui permeates the evening with its song. The clear, crisp call of “ko-kee” from which it gets its name, fills the humid warm night with music. You can find them everywhere, from the rain forests to the shore, singing all night until dawn.
You probably think that you’re reading the wrong blog right about now. What’s this got to do with writing or indie authors?
It all has to do with a simple word—why.
Why? Why do we do what we do? Many would chime in with various phrases of … I was born to write … I HAVE to write … It’s my passion. But, what is the underlying motivation to write.
That takes us back to the little Coqui. There is a legend that the Coqui cannot survive if taken off the island of Puerto Rico. Think about that, such devotion to its homeland. What makes the Coqui so connected to Puerto Rico? That piece of earth is so important to that little frog—without it, it will cease to exist.
We need to ask ourselves a similar question. Is there anything in our lives that is that important, that big? What thing, if removed from our lives, would make life a lot less meaningful?
Wherever I am—my WIP or pimping my published book—am I focusing on the right goal and reason for striving? Am I harboring the right kind of thoughts to attract the right kind of outcomes?
That is what the “Why” is all about. Sometimes, you have to ask the tough questions. Dig deep to see why you are doing what you are doing. Think about these questions …
Who are the most important people in your life—the people you would do anything for and vice versa?
What types of experiences do you most value sharing with these people?
How would your life be different if these people and experiences were a greater part of your life?
That is why I write. It’s not about being #1 (although it’s nice when it happens) but about creating a life that allows me to spend more time with the ones I love—to say goodbye to the nine to five job, to be able to take my kid to school each morning.
When I focus on my Why, it is much easier to get up an hour earlier to write before my son goes to school. With a Why, the late nights that I spend to turn a dream into a reality become a piece of cake.
With your “Why” firmly in place, setbacks won’t cause you to surrender and you can rise above mediocrity.
There is no doubt, for me, that my family is my island and this Coqui will sing about it every night.
P.S. So that my credibility remains intact, the Coqui legend is just that—a legend. The critter does exist and does have a beautiful song. However, it was introduced into Hawaii and is now considered an invasive species and discussion ensues about whether to get rid of the problem. Apparently, it can function without the island of Puerto Rico. But, it does make for a nice discussion about “WHY.”
And for every why there is an answer – or we’d quit writing.
Beautifully put. Sometimes we all need to step back and answer that “why” to keep the passion kindled in our writing.
Thanks, Brian!
Nice. Thanks, Jim.
The timing of this post was perfect for me. Thanks for writing it!
I always love it when the timing is perfect. Thanks for the feedback!
Great post. I write for similar reasons. I want to be there for my kids – have the flexibility to go on school trips, take them to school and keep them home with me if they’re sick.
It helps that I adore writing, of course 🙂 Writing makes me stupidly happy. I feel very privileged to be able to do it.
I’m with you on that. There’s nothing better than being with your kids as the grow up. That’s the main reason I do what I do as well. Thanks, Melissa.
Well put, Mr Devitt.
Well, thanks Mr. Antrobus.