New Years Funkalutions
I don’t do resolutions.
Well, technically I resolve to improve all the time but not specifically because of a new year. Call it my stubborn Italian streak but I don't like doing things because I 'have to.' I have much more success in making changes when I genuinely 'want to.'
Lately I'm working on time management, completing projects when I start them, not getting stuck in the social media time warp. I have to say the biggest obstacle I'm resolving to remove is fear. I’m afraid to paint because it won’t be good enough, I’m afraid to write because my words will be mediocre, I'm afraid if I show my true self that no one will like me.
Fear is one of those things that gets in the way of vulnerability- a trait that I've learned to take on as a massive source of strength and power.
Fear is one of those things that gets in the way of vulnerability- a trait that I've learned to take on as a massive source of strength and power.
Here's to a 2016 with more vulnerabilty, honesty and less fear. I like how that sounds- much more realistic than setting a list of easily breakable resolutions.
Ok here goes *shudder*
This year I’m going to write a book.
This book has been started, then discarded, over many years. I struggled with what I wanted to say and with how to write without a filter.
There. I said it. Now you can hold me accountable as I go and wash my granny panties (because I was scared shitless to tell you that).
I used to tell people about every grand idea I ever had. Starting such-and-such a website, project, degree. And I learned to stop telling people about my brainstorms until they were already complete or at least underway. If something didn't pan out I would suffer in silence. Now I think perhaps there is a better way.
Let me explain.
Putting it all out there on the line (along with embarrassing undergarments) can be terrifying if not bodily fluid inducing. If I'm honest I will tell you that in a way- I'm relieved I told you about the book. If I don't complete it we could look at it as a failure or we could look at it as: "Well shoot- I tried to accomplish this goal and now I'm disappointed." And I think the latter will promote a heck of a lot more support and empathy.
The point is to be more honest, vulnerable, real and you may just be surprised at the results.
This book has been started, then discarded, over many years. I struggled with what I wanted to say and with how to write without a filter.
There. I said it. Now you can hold me accountable as I go and wash my granny panties (because I was scared shitless to tell you that).
I used to tell people about every grand idea I ever had. Starting such-and-such a website, project, degree. And I learned to stop telling people about my brainstorms until they were already complete or at least underway. If something didn't pan out I would suffer in silence. Now I think perhaps there is a better way.
Let me explain.
Putting it all out there on the line (along with embarrassing undergarments) can be terrifying if not bodily fluid inducing. If I'm honest I will tell you that in a way- I'm relieved I told you about the book. If I don't complete it we could look at it as a failure or we could look at it as: "Well shoot- I tried to accomplish this goal and now I'm disappointed." And I think the latter will promote a heck of a lot more support and empathy.
The point is to be more honest, vulnerable, real and you may just be surprised at the results.
What's my book about? Sorry to disappoint but it's about me. It's not advice or a how to guide. Just the story of how I was able to rediscover my identity through creativity. At best, I hope it can inspire, at the least I hope you find it an interesting story.
Thanks for being there. Let's see where the the pen (keyboard) takes us.
posted by Unknown @ 3:21 PM
7 Comments
7 Comments:
Sometimes I call goals, dreams, and even if I don't accomplish them I am not disappointed because I know can whenever I truly want to, and I enjoyed dreaming them up.
This comment has been removed by the author.
Lovely post Dawn. In my last blog post I wrote about how the journey to the goal is as enriching as achieving the goal itself. And writing a book about yourself and your creativity is without a doubt a worthy pursuit - even if you don't complete it. I'd say that your introspection will help you learn a lot about yourself along the way, and that can only be a great thing. Good luck with the project. Your Pipsters will all be there cheering you on!
When I graduated from college, my friends gave me a stack of paper on which I was to write my great American novel. I was the English major you see. Nearly 30 years later, no American novel, no novel at all, but my friends still like me. Maybe at 50 I should try again. Thanks for the inspiration!
That is a wonderful way to look at it. Just like how you need to enjoy the journey- because it's not only about the destination.
It's never too late to start- really! Think about starting today, and imagine where you will be in a year. Then imagine you don't start...that always helps me along. Also- write the dang book! It does not matter who you share it with or what you do with it. Write it for you. Best of luck!!!
Thank you for such lovely words Collette. I'll have to check out your post!! I firmly believe it's all about the journey (well, mostly anyway) ;) I love you and the Pipster gang. Thanks for always having my back. Xoxo
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