bootcamp

I joined a "dissertation bootcamp" at Stanford and today was the first day. It's basically a two-week, 9am-1pm, writing-intensive, group writing fest. We have to sign in and sign out with a "monitor," sign a commitment form that we will be there the whole time, and set goals for what we hope to accomplish by the end of the bootcamp.

We had an introductory workshop today--it was great. It felt like a group "therapy" session for Ph.D. students struggling with writing their dissertation. We shared about how we cope with writer's block, strategies for overcoming writing anxiety, and practical tips for how to get out of the "stuck" phase. It was comforting to know that there are 19 other people who go through the same frustrations, anxieties, and despair that I often go through. My friend and I joined the bootcamp together and we plan to write a few hours in the afternoon as well.

I felt like a little girl going to the first day of school this morning, with my backpack all packed up (laptop inside). I waved bye to Byron and then rushed off to school to make sure I made it there before 9am. It brought back fond memories of the structured time of school, which I've really missed these past five years.

I hope I meet my goal which I've set for the bootcamp--finish drafting my last chapter--and that the good writing rhythm I develop there will carry over for the rest of the summer. I'm trying to focus on one day at a time, trusting and resting in God's new and abundant mercies each day.