Reminder to Myself--"Live Out Loud"
Sunday, August 12, 2007 at 8:48 AM 
If no one reads my words, does that mean I am not a writer? If I am not published, is my work not good? If I stop writing will the words continue to come? If I refuse to share my gift with others will it cease to be my gift? If I show one thing to the world, but feel something different which one is real?
When I consider asking these questions of someone else, the answers seem simple and easy. Then why is it so hard to calm the battle that goes on inside of me? The inner critic tells me I am no good. The still small voice says I am beautiful and fabulous. To whom shall I listen?
Over the last several months I have been encouraged to submit my work for publication. Yikes! It was bad enough while in graduate school to turn my writing into a teacher’s assistant and have it graded. Now I am subjecting myself to pure rejection. It really stinks. Hearing words like this “We have read (your submission) with interest. Unfortunately, it does not meet our editorial needs at this time. Blah blah blah” is really no fun at all.
So why do it? I am still pondering that one but somehow it all feels like the process where I need to be. Often when I get discouraged and feel like giving up, I receive a wonderful reminder in the words of another (God, fellow bloggers, friends, a stranger) and my desire to continue to write is renewed.
The words this morning came in the form of this quote: “We are here to live out loud.” --Balzac. And this one: “But imagine if birds only sang when heard. If musicians only played when approved of. If poets only spoke when understood.” --Mark Nepo
And so, for today I will continue to write for I cannot stop. It is like trying to stop the waves from crashing to the beach or the sun from rising in the morning or the birds from singing in the twilight. Because deep in my heart I know that I am created to “Live Out Loud.”
photo by bill
Art, Personal Reflection
Reader Comments (10)
Relax, you are feeling sleepy, you are open to my suggestions: The still small voice... the still small voice... the still small voice...
thanks, tess! you make me smile :-)
You are definitely created to "Live Out Loud!" Yes, keep going - we're listening with open hearts and minds, full of praise - and one of these days a publisher will be listening also.
Sorry, whoops, that wasn't "country parson" that replied that was SS:)
I so understand - and wonder why I would subject my art to not being accepted...but if I don't sing it out - the rocks will start singing...
we were meant to express our gifts...
The real Country Parson here. I have watched your writing style develop and mature over several years. As an old teacher, I can be overly critical of sophomoric writing masquerading as deep thoughts, so trust me, you are way beyond that. Go for it.
thank you all for being voices today that encourage me to continue "living out loud." it is a fine way to end a day and begin a new week.
blessings to all!
lucy, this is such a delightful post and such a great example of why you need to keep writing. I understand about how frustrating the publishing process can be. But you try because part of the work of art is releasing the work into the community and letting it do its own transformation on those who receive it. You do it here so freely on your blog, eventually you will find the right fit with an editor and that way will open as well. In the meantime, how about we schedule that play date? :-)
I'm so sorry you must suffer the slings and arrows of rejection. I'm glad you are willing to put your words out there for those of us who find them rich with blessing!
live out loud! love it! you go girl :)