It may seem that my posts are more about being “all that you can be” than about writing. And that’s probably true. I have never been a cheerleader, but let me take pompoms in hand to say I am an advocate of that philosophy.
This past year I have learned a lot about writing, about people, and about myself. Learning more about who I am and what I want to say in my stories has been a turning point for me. I could say it’s about themes or the purpose or a message in a story. That’s not it. As one of the early movie moguls, Sam Goldwyn said, “If you’ve got a message, send it by Western Union.” Today of course, he would say send an email.
For me, it’s more about soul and the heart. Mine. Yes, I write fantasy, but I want my stories to be more than an adventure into another world. Writing stories from the heart about ordinary people lost in their doubts about themselves who discover they can be extraordinary and make a difference in the world. I guess, it’s a story about ordinary me fighting to be extraordinary. Whew!
Let me share Nelson Mandela’s eloquent 1994 Inaugural Speech he made in South Africa.
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our Light, not our Darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?
Actually, who are you NOT to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We were born to manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.
And as we let our own Light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
So yes, my posts have been to cheer you on, but also to remind me to get to it girl!
“The road is long where I want to go. But go I will.”
Have you been on a journey of discovery this year?
Till next time, Elizabeth
9 comments:
Elizabeth, I never get tired of reading encouraging posts and always need redirecting to be all I can be. I can only read and use so many articles on passive/active verbs, etc., but always benefit from uplifting thoughts. Thanks for the post!
Marsha,
Thank you are words lift me up!
Elizabeth
Hear, hear, Elizabeth!
Mandala's speech is soul food. I, too aspire to and write from my heart and soul. Fantasy is indeed not just about adventures in other worlds - writing from the heart and soul is about telling the often painful tale of personal transformation. I loved your vulnerability - your 'Whew'!
What a warm, encouraging post, and what a giving person you are! I particularly loved this:
"Your playing small does not serve the world..."
"...and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same."
Thank you for brightening my day!
Elizabeth, I love this post. Would you mind if I share it around a bit? A link back from my own blog, and to share it with a friend who needs to hear this message right now? ( I want to email the message to her. Lol! )
Jodine,
Being an award-winning author, I'm sure you write from the heart and soul, especially since it's about the Goddess. Thank you for noticing my open heart.
Elizabeth
Lia,
Those two lines you love...is really how you approach each day! You encourage and lead the warrior writers and the steampunk site. You're out there doing it and lighting the way and I thank you for that.
Elizabeth
Jamie,
I am delighted to have you share the post...the more the merrier. After all, that is why it's here. How lucky your friend is to have you in his/her corner. Thank you for visiting and come back.
Elizabeth
These words are true, not just for writers, but for everyone. Taking the things you are doing to heart and putting something of yourself into them will always produce better results and provide inspiration to others. Whether you're trying to be the best janitor you can be, the best writer you can be, the best parent, the best office worker, the best executive you can be, you wont' get there until you take the step of putting something of yourself into the effort and go for it all out.
You've inspired me!
Great post!
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