Blog Links That Made Me Pause - 5-31-07

It's 10:00 pm on Wednesday and this is all I have written in my blog post after 45 minutes of sitting in front of my computer and having one false start after the other.

Earlier that day I couldn't wait to get here to post . . . all afternoon the thoughts swirled inside, in anticipation of writing in the evening.  I found myself stimulated from reading other blog feeds.  But we had a late dinner at 7:45 pm, and I wanted to take a shower after working out.  My internal critic used the delay to rear up and dampen my creativity.

I want to share with you any number of things - and even as I say that, my inner censor tells me that it doesn't matter.  But I'll tell you anyways. 

I want to tell you that I rarely read blogs for sheer information.  I have more than enough information in my life.  My head can get fatigued from all that comes in.  What I crave are the posts that wiggle their way into my heart and soul.  I need to read bloggers who provide the "high touch" factor - that sense of deeper connection - through their own transparency and honesty. 

Special recognition goes to Rick Cockrum for his courage in Should and Destructive Beliefs.  Rick shared an episode of destructive behavior on his part that left him feeling ashamed.  Showing oneself in a negative light is something most of us would prefer not to do.  Rick did it to examine for himself how to create different results the next time, and to allow us to peek over his shoulder and learn from his example and insights.  Thanks for your gutsiness, Rick.

I also enjoy reading blogs that raise the kind of questions and distinctions that cause me to pause and plunge into that deeper place beyond the trite and obvious. 

For example, Halina Goldstein's The River of Life challenges Chuck Frey's River People vs. Goal People.  Chuck invites the reader to consider both aspects within themselves (e.g. going with the flow vs. making goals), and to strive for some measure of balance.  Halina asserts that this is an artificial separation (my take), and that it's not about accepting/improving/balancing.  She suggests that we are all river people.  By it's very nature, a river has direction and flows from its "ultimate source" to its "ultimate goal."  Some choose to flow down the river in a simple boat, and others in a motorized one.

Dick Richard's Where There Are No Dark Corners urges writers with the following:  "Do not exclude either light or darkness, love or hate, trust or fear.  Bring it all to the page.  This is the route to authenticity."  I feel oddly comforted by these words.  They give me permission to own up to all those aspects within myself.  Sometimes I just don't feel like being positive.  Sometimes I prefer to let it rip.  Cut through the crap, in myself, and out there.  Speak up about the pink elephant in the room.  So there.  My censor couldn't stop me on that one. 

Last night, when my inner critic and creative side were duking it out, I felt conflicted.  The energy just seeped out of me, leaving me deflated and unable to write in a flow, as I typically enjoy.  So I followed Terry Starbucker's advice in Slaying the Posting Dragon:

"We all have that flow of consciousness.  Tap into it.  And when it's blocked by your demon, just wait him out too.  The power of your mind is just too great."  I walked away.  Tomorrow is soon enough.  This morning my thinking cleared up, my energy returned, and my writing flowed.  Whew . . . another blogging crisis resolved.

Comments

[Rick Cockrum]

Hi Deb,

Some things I read for fun. Others to learn something new about a specific technique. Mostly, I enjoy the work that strikes a chord, making me think and see a part of the world in a new way.

Thank you for pointing out Dick, Halina, and Chuck's post. They describe the third thing I look for precisely.

Good going on letting your crisis resolve itself.

[Karen Shelnutt]

Debbie,

I just found your site via some surfing I was doing to locate a spiritual ezine I had seen before on the internet. What a joy to read your words! I love to read words from an author who encourages others to tell their truth to the page. Since that technique has saved me many a time over during the years, and since I've seen it save, as I'm sure you have, many others, I applaud you for being honest, for encouraging others to use honesty in their words as their place card instead of conforming to some outside call to be this or that.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I believe I resonate also with your words in that we are both empty nesters, both have two daughters (one in college still and one graduated) and have been married a long time (for me since 1979). Also, upon seeing the books that you enjoy, they each are ones that I love. I have not yet had a chance to read your book, but I definitely will do so. I love the title and subject matter.

I'm glad you are following your dreams in real estate investing. You are a writer though. I hear the heart of it in your words. Your writing is a keeper forever, but you know that. Don't deny the world that gift.

With admiration,

Karen

Karen Stewart Shelnutt
www.theword-spunjourney.blogspot.com

[Deb Call]

Karen - how wonderful to hear from you. It sounds like we have much in common. I appreciate your affirmation of my identity as a writer.

I am glad I learned of your blog too and look forward to reading more of your wisdom.

Rick - I like the way you describe reading blogs "that strike a chord." It's a treat to be moved by what others write.

[Regina Howard]

Hi Debbie & All,
I, too, found this website by accident (is there ever such a thing?). I was looking for a local yoga studio by the same name and just gave it a shot. Curious by nature, I read through a bit and just had to comment on your paragraph:
"I want to tell you that I rarely read blogs for sheer information. I have more than enough information in my life. My head can get fatigued from all that comes in. What I crave are the posts that wiggle their way into my heart and soul. I need to read bloggers who provide the "high touch" factor - that sense of deeper connection - through their own transparency and honesty."
I couldn't agree more! So after having read that, I just had to give you a HOT tip on a great place for inspiring blogs and articles - check it out
www.braveheartwomen.com
This is a community of which I am a member. It is for women entrepreneurs and is truly wonderful. So the next time you need to feed your soul...log on!
Best of Life to You,
Gina

[Deb Call]

What a treat to meet a new blogging neighbor. Thanks, Regina, for introducing me to the Brave Heart Women website, as well as your blog. This community of women is yet another example of women's strength in connecting and growing together.