I HAVEN'T BEEN DOING A LOT OF WRITING LATELY, but I have been thinking about writing and about creative endeavours in general. I'm the kind of person who isn't obsessed with just one thing - as much as I love writing, I need to take a break from it now and then. I also love to sing and dance flamenco. I worry that because writing isn't my sole passion, I may not get as far along with it as I should. Ditto with my singing and dancing. For the most part, my flip-flopping between passions doesn't bother me too much.
On the other hand, there have been times when it does.
If you're like me, there are times when other people's successes give you an uncomfortable twinge, a feeling like you need to do more, focus more. I hate to use the word 'envy' but yes, if I'm being honest, I can't deny there have been times when I've envied other people's ability and success. Luckily, those disturbing moments never last too long, and if anything, they push me to work harder. Which is good, because working harder means better discipline and focus. Which means greater results.
But that aside, I had a rather nice epiphany the other day. It made me feel so much better. Instead of feeling envious or as if I'm not working hard enough, it's even better when I can feel joyful about a friend's success.
To explain how I got to this lovely point, let me first explain how I think life works. I believe we come to this earth, have come to this earth many times over, to learn and to succeed at whatever we need and want to learn. There are many types of lessons - how to succeed in any given area is only one of them, but so is learning to relax, to get over oneself, and to delight in other people's accomplishments. There's no reason not to celebrate a colleague's success, because sooner or later, this life or the next (or the next) our journey will also provide us with peak moments.This is inevitable. We're all heading towards a universal perfection. Therefore, there's no need to envy anyone, but to be happy for them when they reach a high point in their evolution.
And if that isn't the way life works, then I'd rather be happy for others, instead of suffering those awkward moments of lack and self-doubt.
(Maybe this was a lesson I've finally learned? I'd like to think so.)
- Susan.
I so get that. Thanks! Now I just need to get over the feeling of having already peaked and now nothing's left. ;)
ReplyDeleteBarb, I think that's a delusion. In the grander scheme of things, you could be in a dormant stage, getting ready to do the next thing. The fact that it bothers you simply means you're getting ready to break free of your creative cocoon. Don't sweat this, be gentle with yourself, and allow yourself to try things. That might just be the spark you need. If you have been trying things, then again - be patient with yourself. This is part of your evolution.
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Hi, Anonymous. If you've been browsing my blog, you know I do host guest writers now and then. That said, because I know who they are and what they've written, I've invited them to write a post. I keep to this rule, so I can assure quality content. For me to host you, I'd have to like your work as well as any post you write. If you wish to discuss this further, the place to do that would be through private e-mails. Thanks for inquiring. I'm glad you like my blog. :-)
ReplyDelete