Six things it takes to sustain being a writer
You’ve come out of the writers’ closet and now what?
Welcome or welcome back! On to episode three! If you’d like to hear me read this, then click here: (Music by FASSounds and LeonellCassio from Pixabay.)
4 minute read
That creeping feeling you have when there is a strand of a spider’s web on you; when you ever so briefly glimpse something from the corner of your eye and when you are so unsure whether or not something is there taunting you from the unseen.
The monster imposter syndrome slides a slimy tentacle from the depths of despair bringing nuggets of negativity and grains of grimy self doubt. You have identified as a writer no matter where you are on this journey and as you travel towards your grail of fulfilment, this shadow of monster stalks you.
Time for some magical intervention to ensure you do not lose the precious badge of writer you wear and to feed your creative self on this path. Six things you will need for sustenance:
Awareness
What’s happening around you? What’s happening within you? It is so easy to get caught up in the humdrum, the hustle and bustle. Commitments, obligations and responsibilities can sometimes blinker us as we traverse the assembly line of life. Start to notice; where things are, how they are done, how they look, what is missing, what could be omitted. As creatives people may say that our heads are in the clouds busy imagining and visioning. But we know that we need to bring those ideas down. Up in the clouds is not the only place to find inspiration. Look around, use your senses. What is going on?
2. Curiosity
Fits right in with awareness. You’ve seen it so now ask questions. Get involved and investigate. Bring your inner child out and entertain that question of why. Why is that there? Why did they say that? Why did I do that? Why, what, where, when and how? Give yourself permission to be nosy. I’m not saying to tie people to a chair and carry out the inquisition. This isn’t a good cop, bad cop interview scenario. Ask the questions within. Journal on it. You never know what it might spark when the answers come flowing.
3. Forgiveness
So you messed up, you missed the deadline, used the wrong word, spelled something incorrectly. No one is coming to march you off to the tower. No one. Except perhaps you. Forgive yourself as you would a friend. You can make mistakes. It really is all about learning. Take it as an opportunity to explore how you feel about making mistakes and being wrong. Could be a chance at an epiphany!
4. Vulnerability
You have to be willing to rip off the Band Aid, remove the armour and step out from the shadowy corners. There is no end game to this. People want to experience the true you in your most authentic form and expression. Running naked out there in the sun with no suncream. Yes, you may get burnt, toasted or roasted alive. But you have the capacity to heal and bounce back. Allowing yourself to be vulnerable to strangers and even people who know you well is the biggest share ever, and the scariest.
5. Courage
You had better be your own knight in shining armour in your story (remembering the armour has to come off sometimes). You are more equipped than you imagine and help and support will come from the most unlikely places. You will have an abundance of feel the fear and do it anyway moments. Don’t let fear cripple you. Call on your courage and prove your resilience time and time again.
6. Kindness
“the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate”
(Google dictionary)
When was the last time you spoke to yourself or about yourself in a friendly way? How does it feel to be generous to yourself? Do you feel comfortable putting your considerations and needs above others?
Some journal prompts to end with and also to revisit. Pause, ponder and peruse.
What do you think you need to sustain being a writer? I’d love to know!
The takeaway
Being a writer is not a short trip. We can’t transport light years in milliseconds. This is a journey with pit stops, distractions and shadow on the way. Be prepared to be challenged but stay interested, use strength and gentleness in balance and enjoy both the journey and the destination.
Next time: I Don’t Have Time To Write…
Click here to find more from me.
Listen to the poem here:
I can feel myself slipping
back into darkness
sliding
down
back into hiding
no longer am I riding
high on life
yet I can’t really pinpoint
these feelings of strife
my energy is low
there’s no motivation
the thoughts in my mind
are simply hating
on me
just pure negating
am I simply tired
worn out from human contact
living up to expectations
or am I lost in the past
with regret and frustration
maybe it’s the future I fear
something that’s not even here
so I bring myself back to the present
breathe slowly
check the reality
see the truth and know
this passing feeling will go
count my blessings on my fingers
sometimes this works
the gratitude trick
depends on whether
the feelings are coming in
thick and fast
but I know they won’t last
that’s the truth I hold onto
the one sure thing
life is about cycles
you cry then you sing
but you get through
because your resilience is strong
it’s true
it’s always there
waiting to serve you.
© 2022 Sarah Elliott
Great list. Thanks. Writing/thinking a lot about vulnerability and writing lately.