For a long time I have aspired to, but felt undeserving of being called a writer.... Rather amusing in retrospect because no matter my skill level, I am a writer... it is something I am inspired to do, and despite my inner turmoil with the title, the call to write has a strong hold on me. Just like a player's got to play, a writer it seems, got to write.
I am grateful to have persisted because it is a perfect medium for someone like myself who seeks connection. Writing motivates me to go inside and listen to my own thoughts, and more importantly, my spirit. When I share, it connects me with others, most often in a much deeper way than I normally would. I also find myself out in nature, and socializing more as sources of inspiration.
Whatever the motivation, I realize now that my preoccupation with what I have to offer was not the real underlying issue. It was not so much about the value of what I had to say, but my reluctance to share my deepest thoughts and feel vulnerable. As my daughter recently reminded me though, sometimes the best things in life happen when we allow ourselves to be uncomfortable and take chances.
Very true for me since I have been richly rewarded by sharing my ramblings. Writing has helped me to see and explore the deepest parts of my mind and spirit. Like a softlly lit mirror, writing has gently revealed my inner beauty, my scars, my light and my truth. It has helped me to feel more comfortable with being vulnerable and accept it as an important stepping stone to growth. I've learned that for me, writing is as much about what I can offer to others as it is about discovering and supporting myself.
Although I am still hesitant to call myself a writer ( more about labels another time) I realize that it is something I am meant to do. The drive to write has been encouraged over and over during my meditations and journaling, thanks to the patient and persistent voice of my inner wisdom. Even with that, every time I share, I still feel somewhat exposed and a little nervous. I reveal this knowing many, many others feel the same, painters, poets, photographers, etc. and I strongly encourage everyone who is resisting a creative calling to embrace the artist within that is waiting to take you on a beautiful journey of self discovery. Allow yourself to feel uncomfortable and respond to those nudges from your soul. We are not all meant to be famous but we are all meant to answer our own cries for creative expression, and be the best we can be!
The Song Within
within each of us
a song unheard.
will you listen,
will you wonder,
will you
ignore reason,
jump into the unknown
and feel what it is
to fly
if only for a moment...
will you let the wind
pick you up
take you places
beyond the imagined...
places that
light you up from within,
places
that feel like home...
pbowman
