The same way I get that raging chocolate craving every darn night after the kids are in bed, is the same way I crave writing every single day. But doubts and time-constraints kick in...
"What would I write?" "Who would read?" "My life is sooooo boring!" "I'm not a "writer"! And the most common voice I get is, "Oh I don't want to be out-there or vulnerable!".
Instagram has actually filled a small part of the writing need for me. I am a "noticer" of all things and a sharer, too. Much to the annoyance of my family, perhaps.
Observing details in life (as my Honors English teacher, Suzan Lake taught me) helps me feel more grateful every day. It anchors me in the present moment, too. When I aim to notice, I have to dig deep in boring or dull or hard situations to find the good, the interesting, the funny, or the weird.
For now, this little blog will be that safe place where I can notice and share, and do it without a "word limit"...and without clogging any Instagram feeds!
One of my writing idols--Glennon Moyle (of Momastery) visited Nashville this week and I went to hear her speak. She is all things real and true and authentic and hilarious! Man, can she tell a story! I started reading her book, "Carry on Warrior" tonight. That is why, at 11:33pm I started a blog!
Because in her third chapter, titled "On Writing and Dancing", she describes that writing, for her, is like "dancing sober". This chapter spoke to me and made me get out of bed and write, dangit.
Glennon used to be a raging alcoholic (among other addictions). After her commitment to sobriety, she found herself at a wedding party watching her boozed-up friends dance. Meanwhile, she sat on the sidelines sober, feeling isolated, dull, and "loserish"with her inhibitions. But then she realized her only inhibition to dancing was herself. So Glennon got up, danced to her heart's content and let herself go.
She then compares this feeling of dancing sober to writing. You don't have to be good at it, but just need to desire it. She says, "Writing is not about creating tidy paragraphs that sound lovely or choosing the "right" words. It's just noticing who you are and noticing life and sharing what you notice. When you write your truth, it is a love offering to the world because it helps us feel braver and less alone."
It's funny to title this blog "Dance Sober" when I've never had a drink of alcohol! But I have found myself sober at countless parties, dances, dinners, or girls-nights. And I longed to be careless on the other side without the inhibitions, the perfection, and without the thought reel in my head. But as my friends constantly reminded me, "Liz, you don't even need alcohol!". SO TRUE. And this applies to writing or ANY passion or interest we pursue. We don't need perfection, just our true, authentic and "sober" selves.
