Committed to Our Calling
My intention when I created myhealingjournal.ca was to send out monthly messages to all you lovely friends who signed up. That was the end of March. How did almost months fly by? And why have I not followed through?
Ah, an awkward question. Haven’t we all felt called to express our creativity, inspiration, or a dream yet something faltered?
Maybe you too have tried ways to push through the stuck-ness. Within my journal I’ve prayed for guidance, talked with my inner critic, faced my self doubt/not enoughness/fears of failing/being shamed to overcome these hurdles. Still…it a sticky place.
I may feel blocked writing my monthly message or more articles for my website yet, I am faithful to my morning journal writing (as I have been most of my life). Within my journal, life’s challenges written at times in anguish are - pages later – transformed. Through rereading and reflection, I realize I’m called to be more, to deepen and open myself, accept life as it is without wanting it to be different, to trust in God’s unfoldment of life (insert the God of your understanding).
Challenges and hurts are written of and healed within my journal pages. Too, I try to capture life’s goodness and grace by recording daily joys: “Precious Charlie (my granddaughter) saw me this morning in my new $1.00 thrift store, beaded T-shirt. With four-year-old enthusiasm and awe she exclaimed, “Nanny, you look sooooo Beauuutiful!!” Not my shirt – but me - the beauty.
Tough times. Magical moments. Hills and Valleys. Heaven and Hell.
Journal writing the grist of my life each morning reinforces my personal learnings as I reread entries from the day before. (Also, I reread the week’s entries as my Sabbath morning ritual. I do the same with my dreams after sitting with them and mining the messages.)
In the reread I highlight, title, and place post-it notes on valuable lessons, ah-ha’s, miraculous moments, or guidance to later review. This intimate process of writing my daily life – for myself – helps me navigate life’s endless changes.
By creating sacred space for my journal writing each day I am honoring, valuing the process AND my own life.
As I write about my journaling, I see my daily commitment of time and attention to this art has caused my creativity to bloom. Likewise, I recently committed to “writing time” every day (just as I do with my morning journal writing) and, here I am, writing my monthly message to you.
So, the key to overcoming artistic hurdles is valuing our creativity enough to give it our time and attention daily. It makes sense. We know giving our time and attention to our garden, kids, grandkids, friends, work is what makes them flourish and gift us in return.
Also, after decades of observing myself, I strongly suspect we will never overcome our fear around fully expressing our creativity/calling. When the inner critic erodes our good intention, we can boldly say, “Oh you old ghost…you no longer scare me…” and stay true to our commitment even on the dry days.
Hmmm…so far, so good. I will keep you posted how it continues for me and my writing.
Until next time friends…may you cultivate your inner knowing, guidance and healing for yourself and the world… one page at a time.
