I’m just sitting here reading my next three chapters of Reluctant Pilgrim by Enuma Okoro for book club tonight and what I’m reading is really resonating with me. Enuma quit her job for a year to find herself because…
The salary was okay and the benefits were good, but the work was not enough to stimulate my creative energies, while it was busy enough to sap me of any creativity at the end of the day… I sensed I was losing a bit of my spirit each day. I need to write, to try my hand at the passions for reading and creativity that have sustained me since my childhood, always reminding me that I did indeed have passions. (Enuma Okoro, Reluctant Pilgrim, Fresh Air Boos, p. 85-86)
The question I found myself asking as I read that was, what do you do if your whole life feels like that? Where is the line between taking care of your own (especially) creative needs and tending to your responsibilities for others? It’s a tug-of-war that I’ve struggled with for the last 43 years.
This is the very first time I’ve ever been around folks who just love to write for the pure enjoyment of it. And I’m amazed that others actually stop and read what I write. I suppose in some respects this is a “hats off” to Word Press and groups like the Blogging 101 and Writing 201: Poetry classes that I took. You all fill a very important need in my life. I’m feeling more creative right now than I have in 14 years. Your thoughts, your words, your personalities, your comments have pulled me into this community and I am so blessed to have met you all.
As to what I have to do about what Enuma Okoro wrote, I’m not sure how to go about sorting it out, but I know that as long as I hang out on here with all you great folks at least that candle will stay kindled.
Big thanks and hugs to you all.
~Calen
Sam Rappaz said:
Thank you Calen for this heartfelt post. You have plucked some chords that resonate deep within me. I enjoy your writing immensely. I am glad we met here and happy to be the wind in your sail, as are you for me.
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Catmint32 said:
Reminds me of my poem! LOL That tug-of-war is difficult.
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twinflamesrevolt said:
Those emotions resonate with me as well quite perfectly.
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calensariel said:
I guess there’s a lot of us out there, eh? Spent some time on your blog last night. I will be back.
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platosgroove said:
And she was reckoned righteous because when she was called she went out not knowing whither she went. 🙂 Calen chapter 13
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calensariel said:
You have a good memory…
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platosgroove said:
When its important 😉
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