I bet you think, somewhere in the back of your mind (or maybe the front!), that artists (including writers) have to suffer for their art. In case no one has told you: that's a load of bull.
It's not true.
We hold ourselves back from fully engaging in, experiencing, and enjoying whatever our passion is (writing for most of the people who read these posts) - no one else. We make quick decisions, out of fear and uncertainty, not to try something--or even explore the possibilities--or not to finish what we started, because we believe we know it's not going to work out, or it's the wrong thing for us, or we think we're going to ruin it. So a wall goes up, and we then blame that wall on someone or something else, when really the person in our way is us. Each of us is our own wall. You are the wall.
This can be changed with one simple (but difficult) step: ask yourself what it is you feel you must suffer for. What is it that you think makes you undeserving? What's the terrible thing you did? What is the terrible thing about yourself that means you are unworthy of whatever it is you want (not just as a writer) in your life?
You may get an answer right away, you might not. If the latter, keep revisiting the question until the answer rises up. You'll know it when it comes - it might come peacefully, or it might be like having a bucket of cold (or hot?) water poured over you. The knowledge passes through you, viscerally. If the answer you receive doesn't feel right - keep asking. It should feel like a relief to recognize it, even if also uncomfortable.
Write the answer down and then write below it all the reasons that it's false. Use positive statements like, "I am..." (Don't say, "it's false because...") Then do something symbolic - tear off the part of the paper with the reason, rip it up, and throw it away. Keep the reasons why its false. Read them out loud and do so each day for one week. Then declare yourself free of the belief and release it. (Picture it like some animals you release into the wild, or maybe a big, black bird that flies away.)
Our beliefs - whether we've absorbed them from our family, friends, the media, or teachers - need to be regularly examined. Ask yourself if what you believe is really yours, or taken from someone else. Did the people around you pursue their dreams? Do they support your writing? If not, they are probably not the right people to model your beliefs on. Make sure that you are valuing and believing in what is right and best for you. Discard the rest. Nothing will happen--you will still be you--except you'll feel better and have more drive for your dreams.
Comments