The Best of Intentions.

I started this blog with the best on intentions: I would finally pursue writing on a regular basis (something I have long dreamed of doing), I would inform, enrich, and entertain readers (hopefully), and I would learn a lot about myself in the process. This effort of writing would force a reflective process. I feel I have managed perhaps one out of three so far.

What I have noticed has been fascinating; despite my best efforts I have not been able to sit down and write in the manner I had planned. Given the busyness of running a practice, raising a family, maintaining relationships, studying my craft, eating, sleeping, and doing chores I have discovered that there is not much time for anything else. Then I discovered that worrying about not getting my blog written was creeping into my life and causing stress.

Not long ago I had watched a video on the internet of a speech Elizabeth Gilbert, author of the popular novel "Eat, Pray, Love" gave within the last year in which she explains that a writer,s job is to show up for the act of writing. The inspiration, the creativity, will show up and make itself know when it is good and ready and it is not the writer's job to worry about that. The writer is to show up to write. Boy, that takes a lot of pressure off, which is exactly what Ms. Gilbert wants given that she has to follow on the outrageous success of "Eat, Pray, Love." ( You can view the video here. )

Now, I get that creativity arises within the artist of it's own accord, but how does that work when I cannot even find the time to write? Well, that leads me to an axiom I often respect and encourage clients to be mindfull of, especially in relationships; "Is it given?"

Stopping and thinking whether time for writing has been given in my life has allowed a pause, a reflection. At this point it does not seem to be given, at least not yet. But it is useful to look at what IS given: meaningful work, family, friends, relationships. And in stopping to notice and accept what is given comes a sense of peace, of contentment.

I have often felt that courageously turning to acknowledge what is given in our lives is the spark that can ignite the creative spirit within us. And in doing so we can come to live our lives more creatively; to make our lives the canvas and to paint on it liberally.

Thank you for sticking with me during my dry spells. It seems it is part of the process for me to come to a life lived creatively.

As always I appreciate your comments. Also please feel free to visit my website at www.koipondcounseling.com

My best during this holiday season,

Brian