Most books go unwritten. We all carry volumes of stories within our chest, but rarely are these put to screen or paper. Many of us have longed for “one day”. Hunker down, write a memoir or some long percolated piece of fiction. Life happens, dreams become deferred. The sheer amount of work which such a piece demands is daunting. If the work doesn’t deter an inspired writer, the fear certainly will. Fear of committing. Fear of not finishing. Fear of proper comma usage. The mind is a fragile place which more often than not, seeks the path most traveled.
Perhaps the most insidious lie about writing is that only few of us are up to the task. Truth is, all that makes a writer is the willingness (not the talent) to write. We all carry our own perspective and a unique talent to convey the most personal of details. The world needs these stories. They need a vulnerable you as this is the surest route to connection.
The enemy of vulnerability is a voice. We all have it. It lays somewhere beneath our motivation, sharpening it’s tongue for when we attempt something noble. It criticizes the very thought, giving numerous reasons not to begin. The “critic” makes their presence known every time the work is vital. The more important the work, the more biting the criticism.
So how do we push through?
Welcome the “Critic”. He is part of you; an extension of your humanity. Sometimes, he even has some important feedback. More likely than not, it is an extension of your fears. These are important because they tell us what worries and concerns us. Listen to them, recognize them, but never make decisions based on them. This voice is a remnant of a Garden burnt down by insecurity and pride. Just as we step toward the Holy when we notice it in the everyday, we stand up to the inner critic, shining light into its motivations. Our mind often races between two opposite extremes. One, being drenched in pride, while the other broken in insecurity. Finding a middle ground is a life long battle.
You may not have a desire to write. For me, it helps give my soul oxygen when I struggle for breath. We all need release valves. Find a way to release your story. Create and craft your story in a way that brings you relief and maybe, brings hope to a world in need.
Matt simon blog 