Here is something I find fascinating: we are taught not to fly too low (better to get A’s than C’s, better a job we hate that pays well, than a job that doesn’t pay well) but it also seems we are taught (and fiercely determined) not to fly too high as well. Whether it comes from our own heads, or from the circles we revolve in, flying too high can feel as looked down upon as too low.
It seems we want somewhere in the middle where we know we won’t get hurt, won’t face any resistance, judgement, or challenges. A place where our genius (that thing inside each of us that only we can offer to the world) will be seen by some people, but not too many people.
Not too high, not too low – AHHHHH.
So, we say all sorts of things like, “The timing just isn’t right.”
(I’m starting to wonder if, “the timing just isn’t right,” actually means we are too afraid to try and bring our true genius to life.)
I’ve decided flying right in the middle (not too high or too low) is the perfect way to keep our lives small. We keep our genius hidden, we bounce around right in the middle and society approves because, after all, at least we aren’t flying too low.
Standing out, deciding what we want, moving towards BIG dreams, or having our genius seen all feel wildly scary.
But what if the high, the limits, the hard road of exploring our dreams and our genius is where we are truly born? What if this is the exact place where our human creativity and ingenuity are actually used at the level they were created to be used (and used for something impactful and helpful)!?
What if the most magical parts of being human come to life when we see how high we can fly?
Flying Too Hugh?
Morning Claudia– wow! This post is proof that you have apparently learned the secret of thinking, writing and expressing yourself in a high-flying way! Your insights struck the very heart of me. I’ve experienced a medical disaster/miracle of sorts, and lived to tell the tale. My doctor has instructed me to “write my story” as he feels it needs to be told and believes I’m capable of doing it. He’s the doctor that is unlike the others I’ve had– I came to him “randomly” (isn’t that always the way?) at our first meeting, I insisted on getting my life back by eliminating all prescription drugs.
“Are you the one to help me do this?” I asked. Unshaken by my frankness, he seemed more than a little bit excited to take me on. He has been a God-send. As we’ve been safely eliminating meds, each month, he prescribes books, foods, exercise regimens, and the occasional movie. It’s been nearly two years. My health and well-being are vastly improved. But… I struggle with this thinking that, writing my story is, a desire to “fly too high” and struggle to get words on the paper. No one in my orbit has written a book… What makes me think I will ever able to pull it off? Is this an article? A book? Something to be published? How do I even begin to enter this new world?? It’s these questions which keep me from doing this particular ‘assignment’ from my doctor.
When I do write, (I pushed myself to write for an hour last night while waiting for my daughter to finish her activity) the thoughts and words come pretty easily. I decided last night I would write a shortened version of my story, so I would have something available to let a writer friend of mine read it, and get his feedback. (We’re more like acquaintances, as he leads the monthly book club I attend.). Even this scares me– I guess the risk scares me. Last night, even though I was self-editing, doubt against being self-critical as I wrote, I produced over 1000 words. I felt pretty accomplished afterward. I guess I will keep going with this, using the connections I currently have, and remember that, as you pointed out so well, each of us–ok, I — have something to contribute to life which is unique to me alone. I have always shared this bedrock belief about our lives and place in this world. I have encouraged those around me with these words, countless times over the years. Telling myself: this is my challenge. Thank you for coming out of the gate strong and brave on this Monday morning! You continue to be a blessing to me!
Lori Sue Luster
Lori,
Thanks for your comment!
I think anyone who has ever thought about writing a book has faced the same doubts and fears as you, I sure have! The thing is though, your story is worth telling. The lessons you have learned, the perspective you have after going through what you have, and just the fact that you are a unique human being with a unique perspective makes you qualified, and if you want to do it bad enough, you can and will do it! The writing itself I think gets easier the more you do it. Don’t think too much/at all during your first copy, just get the words out/flowing, you can edit later. I have found if I make writing a daily habit, I can get my words out easier (cause they’re not all jammed up inside) and I don’t face quite as much resistance.
It would also help if you lay out chapter titles first and then write on the titles that draw you the most, this gets the ball rolling. The more momentum you have, the easier it is to complete. I hope this helps!
If you are looking for places to find a lot more inspiration/help with writing a book, here are a few:
Seth Godin is my favorite – this post wouldn’t have been written without his thoughts on making a difference with your creative pursuits – http://www.sethgodin.com/sg/
Jeff Goins has a blog about writing/creativity – http://goinswriter.com/blog – I love his podcast about creative work, and I know he has a lot of content on his site to help writers get their book written and out to the world
Michael Hyatt – http://michaelhyatt.com/ – has a blog and podcast on excelling at work/life and has a lot on book writing, I love his stuff.
“The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield is a great book to read when you are starting out on a creative venture. It is about the resistance you will face as you push through a project such as writing a book.
Blessings!
Yes!! Thank-you for your honesty and realness. xo
Char,
You are so welcome! Thanks for your comment 😉
So good, Claudia! As crazy as it seems, it takes real courage to be great. But it’s because you have to be willing to stand out and challenge the status quo. You have to stand for something and that takes courage. Not everyone is going to see things as you do. Great stuff, as always. 🙂
Michael,
Well put, thanks for this! 😉 I’m so privileged to be able to do this life with you!!! Love you always