Writers write because they must: They need to express something from deep within themselves. They hear voices that others do not. They listen urgently, and they must communicate what they hear.~ from 365 Tao: Daily Meditations, Entry 159 ~
When I first became disabled, I was at a loss for what I would do with my time and how I could continue to be a productive member of society. So much of our adult lives is focused around work that to be a non-worker often means a loss of self-identity.
For the first year or two, I just sort of stumbled around. I dealt with some bouts of depression. I started seeing a mental health therapist. I lay awake at night staring at the ceiling and asked myself over and over again: What is your purpose in life now?
In time, I came to realize that I have a gift that I was under utilizing -- my writing. So, I began to treat this blog in a more serious and disciplined manner. With the exception for those times I'm physically ill or recovering from a medical procedure, I post one or more entries on this blog everyday.
I also realized that, by not working, I have the opportunity to do something that most people have too little time for -- deep thought.
Most people of my age and younger are consummate jugglers. Their lives demand that they must scurry about between job[s], partners, children and social interactions. They hardly have enough time to catch their breath. Since I don't work nor have any children and shun most social interaction, I'm like a juggler working with only one or two balls. :>)
So, I have committed my time to deep thought (listening to the voices only I can hear) and sharing with you what I can discern from those voices through my writings on this blog. In essence, I don't write simply because I want to -- I HAVE to.
It is my purpose.
For the first year or two, I just sort of stumbled around. I dealt with some bouts of depression. I started seeing a mental health therapist. I lay awake at night staring at the ceiling and asked myself over and over again: What is your purpose in life now?
In time, I came to realize that I have a gift that I was under utilizing -- my writing. So, I began to treat this blog in a more serious and disciplined manner. With the exception for those times I'm physically ill or recovering from a medical procedure, I post one or more entries on this blog everyday.
I also realized that, by not working, I have the opportunity to do something that most people have too little time for -- deep thought.
Most people of my age and younger are consummate jugglers. Their lives demand that they must scurry about between job[s], partners, children and social interactions. They hardly have enough time to catch their breath. Since I don't work nor have any children and shun most social interaction, I'm like a juggler working with only one or two balls. :>)
So, I have committed my time to deep thought (listening to the voices only I can hear) and sharing with you what I can discern from those voices through my writings on this blog. In essence, I don't write simply because I want to -- I HAVE to.
It is my purpose.
It is an honorable purpose.
ReplyDeleteKeep it up.
"There's nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and open a vein.
ReplyDelete" ~ Walter Wellesley "Red" Smith
I used to have time to, but these days I barely even have time to read.
yes, you are right writers listen voices which others doesnot, They communicate with these voices..
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post....
I can relate.
ReplyDeleteMy current day-job does not give me the opportunity to really write (mostly I help engineers make their thoughts coherent, hardly writing from the heart). Blogging and commenting fulfills that need to express myself (I have been a professional reporter and columnist). My partner thinks I should get paid for it (or else I am wasting my time)...that doesn't really matter to me. As long as I have a reader, that's enough (although a nice advance on novel wouldn't be a BAD thing!)
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I have aways loved that quote of Red Smith's that Thurman cited.
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The only honest writing is from the voice that only you hear, the things only you know. Keep it up.