Life from a Rotting Log

Yes, the title idea for this post is a bit morbid, I know. But let’s try to focus on the silver lining: at least something is growing!

I had an interesting week recently, to say the least. Between over 40 bug bites, a sinus infection, and a hundred unusable photos from the swamp, it was a tough one.

I’ll admit, it got me a little down. I wasn’t able to work as much, and when I did try, the itching flared up, making it nearly impossible to focus.

I’m Just a Log

It happens. Sometimes, I turn into a swamp-soaked log. I lie in bed all day, try not to move too much, and hope the time passes quickly.

But again: silver linings.

That’s the thing about dark times. If everything is dark, even a little light goes a long way. And it’s during times like these that I really need that little bit of light.

Not Entirely Useless

Look, I don’t know where you are right now or what you’re going through. Shoot, I don’t even really know how many of you read these posts. But forgive me while I render this next image into your head.

I am a log. A stinking, rotting piece of wood in a swamp full of infestation, grime, and muck.

At first glance, it’s easy for me to feel useless. I used to be a beautiful green branch with bright green leaves—a conduit of life and energy. But now I’m a rotting corpse among the leaves.

But, hey. What’s this? Something is growing!

The Fruiting Body

Even the emaciated ruins of a once-powerful tree have their beauty. I’m talking about mushrooms.

Something about them captivates my mind. They’re mysterious, fantastic, captivating, and sometimes, even delicious. (Unless you ask my brother; then they are vile and not fit for human consumption.)

The point is, yes, I felt a bit like a log, but it wasn’t all bad. Mostly bad, sure. But not all bad. I got to spend more time cuddling my one-year-old son. I found a weighted blanket that my mushroom-hating brother left behind and discovered it to be quite cozy. I made a large batch of brownies, played games with friends, and caught two fireflies.

Not What I Wanted…

It’s not what I wanted. I had goals. So, so many goals. I wanted to write, go on runs, practice guitar—to be productive. But guess what?

Looking back, this rotting log has some wisdom to drop: It’s okay. We have good times and bad.

If it all seems bad right now, don’t worry. The mushrooms we see are just the fruiting bodies. In fact, if you’re a rotting log right now, there’s a good chance a fungus has already taken hold.

Just give it some time. It’ll bloom. And it will be beautiful.

Your Mission Today:

You, right now, fit into one of two categories: Either you feel like a log yourself, or you don’t. So, today’s mission is split into two, one for each type of reader.

• If you’re a log: Stop right now, and try to come up with three beautiful things that have happened in your life recently.
• If you’re not a log: You play the role of helper today. Go out and spot someone who is a log, and compliment them on what beautiful mushrooms they are growing. Cheer them up, make them smile. Remind them that they’re not worthless.

I know this one was different. Weird, even. But thanks for sticking around to the end.

How I Stay Inspired to Write

I mentioned above that I got over 40 bug bites. Well, it wasn’t for nothing! Check out the video below to see how I stay inspired to write—even when I feel like a log.

Enjoyed this post? If you like exploring the weird, wonderful, and mysterious, check out my fantasy series, Echo Island, or take a free book to get behind-the-scenes stories, exploration updates, and new articles delivered right to your inbox.