WRITER'S BLOCK: IT'S NEVER TOO LATE

I read an article in the news today about older people using marijuana for de-stressing as well as for medical conditions. The group consists primarily of baby boomers. At least a number of them had smoked back in the 1960s. As well, there are people in their 80s who are lighting up. And, when they can't get the marijuana from their physicians, they're getting it somehow.

It's interesting to observe that what was once frightening and/or marginal has become an accepted … mainstream… activity.

It used to be that writing was reserved for an elite group of people. The writers were considered a kind of artist. And, though they still are, writing has become more accessible to many people. These days, anyone who believes they can write can learn to write better… and/or more easily. That is, without anxiety. Anyone who does not believe they can write can learn to believe they can write. Both are challenges of different sorts.

I was struck by the elderly couple sitting next to me at lunch today. She was editing his writing. They were sitting close enough that I could make out some of what they were saying. I could make out enough to know he was in a learning curve with respect to his writing. Easily, they were in their 80s. It was inspiring to me to see their work together.

It's never too late to do something new, or re-engage something old. And, if writing is something that's been on the back burner, it's never too late to bring it forward.