Words…Writing Some and Finding Some

Over the weekend I had drinks with my former editor and a co-worker, both of whom continue to graciously act as my mentors and inspirations. After catching up, our conversations always land on the topic that first brought us together – writing. What it means to us, what we’re doing with it, where it might take us if we really buckle down and work, work, work.

I left that evening realizing I’ve totally copped out, having essentially given up on writing (unless I was getting paid to do it). This rarely updated blog is the best example. I typically don’t sit down to write here unless I feel inspired to, which appears to happen only once every 4-6 weeks. I have a zillion excuses, but, as my husband loves to say/quote, “Excuses are the tools of the incompetent that build bridges to nowhere.” (Yeah, I married a guy that says shit like that. Shit that makes you want to roll your eyes and walk away, but, infuriatingly, actually has a point.)

As I’ve mentioned, writing has always been my thing, even when I was young. I’ve been lucky  enough to get paid to do it for a while now, but these days it’s mostly just for me, and I can’t say I’m actively striving for anything else.

The point I’m making is that I need to get my ass back here and fill this little space because it makes me feel better.

So while I work to find my own words to share with you, here are some other people’s that I’m loving.

For a New Beginning

In out of the way places of the heart
Where your thoughts never think to wander
This beginning has been quietly forming
Waiting until you were ready to emerge.

For a long time it has watched your desire
Feeling the emptiness grow inside you
Noticing how you willed yourself on
Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.

It watched you play with the seduction of safety
And the grey promises that sameness whispered
Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent
Wondered would you always live like this.

Then the delight, when your courage kindled,
And out you stepped onto new ground,
Your eyes young again with energy and dream
A path of plenitude opening before you.

Though your destination is not clear
You can trust the promise of this opening;
Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning
That is one with your life’s desire.

Awaken your spirit to adventure
Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk
Soon you will be home in a new rhythm
For your soul senses the world that awaits you.

-John O’Donohue

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It’s not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

– Timo Cruz, from the film Coach Carter (paraphrased from Marianne Williamson)

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