Taking the Plunge
I recently posted on the importance of challenging yourself and mentioned that I have joined NaNoWriMo. A few weeks ago, friend and mentor had encouraged me to attend a couple writers’ workshops with her leading up to November 1st which was the official start date of the novel writers challenge. Part of this workshop included a small challenge that was issued to write a few paragraphs with only a topic, image, or sentiment as inspiration.
It's fascinating how someone who gets frequent writers block such as myself, is suddenly capable of spurting out a page the moment a topic and deadline is provided. All that is needed is that verbalized challenge and off I go. Challenge accepted. It's the same with a canvas. The white fabric remains bare and sitting in a corner until the moment I say, okay I have two hours to do something right now.
I think creativity is a lot like a jumping off a cliff in that sense.
You can be standing on a the rocky ledge overlooking the water thinking you can't do it, remaining in a state of increasing dread and procrastination, not getting anything done until someone either pushes you or you decide Now Or Never and take the leap. It's only then that you experience the adrenaline of the wind forcing its way around you as you descend into the refreshing water; it's only then that you rejoice in the thrill of having accomplished that which had only moments before been the unthinkable.
It's amazing how much of our limitations are self imposed by our own doubts, by our own ability to say "I can't", or rather our ability to tell ourselves that if we do make an effort, it won't be "good enough." (Judge, Jury, and Executioner!). One of my favourite quotes is "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." - Normand Vincent Peale. That is to say, even if you don't reach your goal, you can still accomplish something spectacular and in either case, it will be more than you would have succeeded in had you remained on the ground.
I think creativity is a lot like a jumping off a cliff in that sense.
You can be standing on a the rocky ledge overlooking the water thinking you can't do it, remaining in a state of increasing dread and procrastination, not getting anything done until someone either pushes you or you decide Now Or Never and take the leap. It's only then that you experience the adrenaline of the wind forcing its way around you as you descend into the refreshing water; it's only then that you rejoice in the thrill of having accomplished that which had only moments before been the unthinkable.
It's amazing how much of our limitations are self imposed by our own doubts, by our own ability to say "I can't", or rather our ability to tell ourselves that if we do make an effort, it won't be "good enough." (Judge, Jury, and Executioner!). One of my favourite quotes is "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." - Normand Vincent Peale. That is to say, even if you don't reach your goal, you can still accomplish something spectacular and in either case, it will be more than you would have succeeded in had you remained on the ground.
Is there something that you have been putting off? An aspect in your life you feel you could use a little more challenging on your part?
Well? What are you waiting for? Jump!
Well? What are you waiting for? Jump!
Cheers!
The Bra Street Rambler
I did try and I did jump he he. The only way to fail is by not trying at all. Every time you say I can or I can't; you are right both times.
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