I once read in a book written by the author of First Blood or Rambo that a writer writes. A true writer does not say, "In 20 years, when I retire, I think I'll write a book." A writer has writing in her blood. If she doesn't write, she'll eventually die.
A bit drastic? Perhaps.
But if I were to say a basketball player either plays basketball or he isn't a true basketball player. Most of us would agree.
So why does it makes sense for a basketball player but not for a writer?
I think, perhaps, the answer lies in the fact that many would not consider writing to be a true profession. In fact, I know few parents who would actually encourage their children to become writers. But if their child showed talent in basketball at an early age, most parents would think "college scholarship". Yet, if that same child came to his or her parents and said, "I want to be a writer." The parents would most likely respond, "That's nice, but what do you really want to do to make a living?"
I am one of those strange people who have come hardwired into this world to write. I love writing. I believe I am at my best when I write. Communication comes much easier for me in writing than in speaking. My mother even tells me when I was angry or upset, I would write her a letter. When I was sad as a child, I would write poetry.
As many of us, I have let life get in the way of my writing. In the past several years I've written a young adult fiction romance novel, a middle grade historical fiction and several children's books. I even took an entire year studying the art of getting published and querying literary agents and publishers. While I've not given up the pursuit into getting published, I've taken a detour.
Meanwhile, I will continue to write.
Writing this blog, is my way of holding myself accountable to writing. It's a way of honoring that burning desire to communicate in this way. And through the discipline of writing a little each day and perhaps inspiring others through what I write, I will allow my true nature to come through.
In the end, getting published is not what makes a writer a writer.
A writer is a person who best communicates through the written word. And through these written words, the writer moves people, inspires them, and helps propel them to higher heights toward living his or her dharma. That's all.
As such, I hope to accomplish these tasks. Even if I don't, I will be honoring myself and my inner flame.
May you honor yours.
Wishing you peace, harmony, laughter and love,
Michelle
HELP! I THINK MY LOVED ONE IS AN ALCOHOLIC
ReplyDeleteMy review of one of the best books I have had the opportunity to read in a long time.
First I have to start this book review with a clear head and a clear conscience. I had to wait and be honest with myself awhile before I picked up this book to read. I was not interested in the title until more and more it really felt like I found something I have been looking for my whole life and it was staring me directly in the EYE. I could not put this book down until the last page. In drinking terms, til the last drop!
Having been dealing with alcoholism for over a decade through family, friends, loved ones, and yes personal experiences I say with an open heart that this book touches all levels in alcoholism for the alcoholic and the loved ones dealing with it. Not only did the Author take a professional perspective, she also took a personal approach to the disease. Alcoholism!
This book covered research with psychologist, therapists, 12 step meetings, meetings for loved ones, rehabilitation centers, jail (That ugly word no alcoholic likes to hear), meditation therapy, prescription drug therapy, yoga practices (Yes, I say YOGA!), sponsors (a person who holds the alcoholic and loved ones accountable), plenty more not mentioned, and most of all YOUR HIGHER POWER.
Why do I say higher power? I do believe that after reading this book and the experiences I have gone through my entire life with others and myself, I realized I was just going through the motions of spiritual beliefs and not really practicing them as I preach. You ever heard that saying, Practice What You Preach? Well, I was one that did not heed from that very famous statement.
Alcohol is everywhere and you have to deal with it. Whether is rears its ugly head or beginning to destroy the very lives around you. Picking up this book to read will guide you to understand yourself about love and alcohol. That’s all this book was about.
Now I share my experience. I hope you have a chance to share yours. Alcoholism is a progressive disease. With treatment this disease can be strange at first, but with compassion and being a HARD ASS; as the Author stated in the beginning of the book, can be worth your life and the love ones that care.
Having known the Author for half a decade, she takes a positive approach on the alcoholic and the alcoholic loved one, which makes you realize that there is another life outside of alcohol. This book does not make you a new person, it simply tells you that you were always who you were but hidden beneath that alcoholic behavior. You will grow with the knowledge this book has to offer.
I am here to say for the loved one and the alcoholic that you do not have to lose this battle. It’s a disease. Working the program and through your higher power you can achieve greatness. The only thing you will lose is your ego and your selfish behavior. If that’s the only thing you lose then that’s great. LIFE IS GOOD!