Seeing into the Future

"It is a mistake to try to look too far ahead. The chain of destiny can only be grasped one link at a time." ~ Winston Churchill

I came accross this quote by Winston Churchill the other day and I realized it is one I really need to apply to my own life. I find I am always trying to look ahead, hoping, wishing to know what will happen next in my story.

Come to think of it, I do this often in my writing as well. So often I fear beginning my writing until I know what the final outcome will be. But is this necessary? One thing I am beginning to learn is that we can't always know the direction our writing will take in the same way that we can't always know the direction our lives will take. Sometimes the best thing to do is simply begin writing and see where your words will lead you. If writing fiction, don't plan out the character's every move and certainly don't decide on their future before you even begin writing. How do you know what that character's fate is? Before the writing begins you don't even truly know who that character is never mind their destiny or fate. And when writing research papers or other forms of essays, sometimes it is necessary to hold out on your opinion until you reach your concluding paragraph. Often I find it is during the writing process that I find the answer I am looking for or the opinion I hold.

So perhaps good writing lies not in perfect planning, but in perfect patience (and the same can be said of good living) - do not look to the future, just take it one chain at a time.

~ Lauren Bersaglio.