The Finish Line

Last night was the season finale to NBC's fitness reality show, The Biggest Loser. After shedding nearly half her body weight, the winner stated that even more than losing the weight, she was most proud of finishing something she started. That statement really struck a chord with me.

I’m constantly inspired to write stories. Often, a single word, object or feeling can spark ideas for my next plot or character. I frantically search for my voice recorder, paper and pen or indispensible laptop, to document everything pinging around in my head. In turn, those ideas and characters become a story—a new beginning. 

The problem is, a story must contain yin and yang. Endings have to be written for those beginnings. Finishing something I’ve started seems to be one of my greatest writing challenges. I have little problem coming up with ideas or interesting characters. On the contrary—I come up with too many! 

Upon hearing The Biggest Loser’s fabulous speech, I was inspired to do what she did. Finish something I’ve started. Have you ever told yourself, “I’m not going to start another story until I finish one of my zillion works-in-progress.”? So have I. This time I mean it. I will complete a work-in-progress. The race is on. I’ll run through the finish line ribbon with my arms outstretched and screaming, “I did it! I’m a winner!”

I can do it.