Have you ever felt spiritually compelled to do something? This experience can feel like a gentle inner nudge, a reoccurring thought, or as though the Universe itself is holding a megaphone up to your ear and issuing a clearly stated directive.
My own experience with writing and sharing my story has gone through each of these stages. It began, many years ago, I should add, with a thought scribbled down in my art journal. “I could write a book with all of these ideas.”
A few days after my paint coated idea hit the page, a friend suggested I consider writing my story.
“Funny you should say so.”
This was back in the day when I still believed in coincidence and found the timing of her comment ironic at best.
I did not start writing.
Noting my resistance, The Universe began to then enlist random people, some of whom I had just met, to encourage me to write my story.
Eventually, I caught on. I began the writing process.
Slowly.
Reluctantly.
Cautiously.
To encourage myself to keep writing, I convinced myself the writing was just for me. I don’t need to publish it.
Apparently, the Universe thought that was cute. I’ve somehow managed to get put on the call list for a publishing company who have my name, phone number, and the title of a book I’ve never written. Even after explaining that there must be some misunderstanding, they have been calling me for over 15 years!
Since the publishing company first called, I have moved four times, completed my master’s degree and launched a non-profit arts organization. I have NOT finished the book.
Break out the Universal megaphone.
On a drive home from church, my teenage son turns to me and out of the blue says, “I think its funny how people can feel spiritually compelled to do things. Is there anything you have felt spiritually compelled to do, but haven’t done?”
Immediately, I answer, “finish writing my book.”
“What is keeping you from doing that?,” he asks.
I go on to list the fears holding me back. My feelings of being vulnerable. Feeling like an imposter – who am I to write, I am an artist? I’m afraid that once these ideas are on paper it will be like they are written in stone. Yet, my experience is that ideas do change.
Without pause, the wise soul in a teenage body next to me says, “Then why don’t you write that at the beginning of the book?”
D’uh!
When we pulled into the driveway, my son started laughing to himself.
“What’s so funny?” I inquire.
“It’s just that I commented on how funny it is that people can be spiritually compelled to do things and I am pretty sure I was just spiritually compelled to tell you to finish your book.”
Since then, I’ve pulled the dusty draft of my manuscript back out of the closet.
For a 40 day period, I am committed to being in conversation with the creative writing process. No guarantees. No expectations. No judgements. We will see where it goes from there.
Two of my close friends have agreed to be my accountability partners on this journey. In return, I am holding the high watch for them as they embark on their own creative adventures.
I’d like to invite you to join us as well.
Grab your journal and reflect on the following questions:
- Have you been receiving sweet, gentle whispers from the Universe or has the Universal Megaphone been pulled out?
- What idea is tugging at your heart?
- What blocks are holding you back from taking the next step?
- What simple answer would your inner-teenager give you for removing those blocks?
- Are you willing to dedicate yourself to the creative process for 40 days?
Let me know what creative project you are feeling called to in the comments below. We can be accountability buddies. I’ll hold the vision for you and cheer you on from the sidelines.
