What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters
compared with what lies within us. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
While it is nice to escape into this fantasy every once in a while, it cannot be the sole motivator in my work. Motivation borne out of negativity will poison and sour, drive my work to need to be lauded and applauded by external approvers. Authenticity will be replaced by a rabid hunger to win.
However, I cannot ignore my renewed drive and focus. So where is the balance? I can channel that energy I have seething under my skin away from revenge, away from the imagined satisfaction that the person comes to their senses (a fantasy in itself), and toward gratitude. Thank you for the motivation, I say. Thank you for the inspiration. Thank you for reminding me what it is that I love and live and breathe.
And then, I get to work.
i think soul freedom comes when we're able to release wanting any external approval/feedback/support/etc.
ReplyDeletenot just creative freedom, but full soul freedom. that's when we grow fully, find peace, and reach our creative potential.
'cause it's really irrelevant isn't it? to what is within us and what can come from us. what anyone thinks?
wow, I don't know what to say...
ReplyDeletethe words in your comment were beautiful, but these are... astonishing!
my dear, you're gifted!
xx
A person who actively and vocally considers another person's work "awful" and "embarrassing" is clearly not coming from a place of, I want to say authenticity but I don't know if that's exactly the word I'm looking for. Anyway, whether they know it or not, they've obviously got their own demons to work through.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a good reminder of how important it is to be conscious of our true motivations and how they in turn can effect outcome. I love that you've stopped and noted this negative motivation and are using that energy as a catalyst to redirect yourself back to a place of true self-motivation, it's all very tricky isn't it?
In catching up on your posts I've noticed the recurring theme of opening up and "letting in the light". I think sometimes negativity can act as a beacon reminding us exactly where we might need to do just that.
Also, I just wanted to add that you write so honestly and beautifully about things that we all go through or have gone through at some point in our lives. I think it's brave and as you're letting in the light you're also sharing it, so thank you :)
Beautifully put and so very true!
ReplyDeletexo
cortnie
very nice!
ReplyDelete