Ennui

Our Assurance from God’s Promises What Christmas Is All About

Ennui

Have you ever had a disease with no diagnosis and no known treatment? I’m not talking about something to go see a doctor about. I’m talking about something that just sorta paralizes you and robs you of your ability to do anything.

We’ve all heard the old salt that writers write. I love being a writer, and I love to write—but here lately I can’t seem to get my mind around the idea of writing.

Oh, I can answer emails and comment on Facebook. I can even write several hundred words for a blog. But I can’t seem to get into my WIP.

The week after Thanksgiving I had some surgery on my left shoulder. It would be classified as minor surgery if it were done on someone else, but it was major since it was done on me.

Oops—wrong shoulder, but you get the point.

The procedure was done arthroscopically and outpatient, both of which scream “Minor.” So why am I still not myself over two weeks later.

Since the surgery, I’ve had to be very careful what I do with my left arm in order to minimize the likelihood of damaging the shoulder. For instance, I had to eat, write and do other things with my right hand—which is extremely difficult for a left-hander to do. I even bought an electric razor, which I abhor, because I could use it right-handed, which I couldn’t do with a regular razor.

The further removed I am from the date of surgery, the more I can do with my left hand and arm, naturally. I’ve been eating and doing my crossword puzzles with my left hand for several days now, and I finally retired the barely-used electric razor and began shaving normally.

When the surgeon came to see me before I was wheeled into the operating room, I asked him about typing, and he told me absolutely not to use my left hand on the keyboard or mouse. I had a two-week follow-up appointment Tuesday and was cleared to use my keyboard and mouse normally as long as I was careful not to strain anything. Since I put my keyboard on a lap board, my hands and arms are in a comfortable position that doesn’t strain them at all.

So with all that going, I should be back to writing at least 1000 words a day on my WIP, right? Probably, but I can’t get into it. I don’t know whether it’s lazy habits I’ve formed while recuperating or the pain which has not completely gone away or what, but I just can’t seem to make myself sit down and take up that work. I don’t know if I’ll start next week or after the holidays or at the end of the eight to ten week period the doctor told me it would take for a complete recovery.

Those who know me best know that I have a bit of a lazy streak anyhow, but this is different. I don’t understand myself about this.

Have you had a similar experience, and how did you handle it. I’d love to know.

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WANA: We may not have it all together, but together we have it all.

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For more information about David N. Walker, click the “About” tab above.

For more information about his books, click on “Books” above.

Contact him at dnwalkertx (at) gmail (dot) com or tweet him at @davidnwalkertx.