“I am a leaf on the wind. Watch how I soar.”
This is one of my favorite lines from Serenity, Joss Whedon's film that followed his TV show, Firefly. (Browncoats unite!)
This is said by the Hoban “Wash” Washburne, the pilot, as he's faced with slipping through enemy lines.
For me, Wash is talking about facing your fear and acting anyway.
... about knowing your goal, as clearly and as specifically as you can.
... about taking action and trusting yourself.
... about being wholly in the moment -- come what may.
I'm not necessarily talking about bold actions. I'm talking about taking the next step that's right in front of you.
Taking a baby step.
Taking teeny, tiny steps.
And all the while, feeling the feels.
Breathing.
And noticing what is, including the earth beneath you and the sky above.
I felt lost this week because on Monday I decided not to work on writing. Instead I'd decided to organize papers -- the two-foot tall stack of edits from critique groups on my current WIP (work-in-progress.)
By Wednesday, I was cranky. It took me all day to realize that my unhappiness was due to not having a creative project inhabiting my mind and heart.
That night, I decided to re-focus on writing and got so excited. Just choosing what to work on made me so happy.
Full disclosure -- I haven't actually started the writing I'd planned, though I did sort the stack of paper. And, I did open Scrivener and make a folder for the work I plan to do. I also brainstormed the story with a friend, mostly by asking questions.
What questions can you ask your story or your characters to get your creative juices flowing? (Get a buddy to brainstorm with!)
How can you face your joy and embrace it full on?
What tiny steps can you take toward your writing?
Let me know what you discover.
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