Saturday, August 11, 2007

Follow your heart

Anyone who writes knows there are days when it happens, and then there are days (or weeks, or months) when it doesn't. Friday was one of those rare, golden mornings that arrives streaming light and clarity, swarming with characters and visions solid enough to catch in your bare, cupped hands. This was the day, the first in years, for true, serious, joyful work. Calm, centered, ready, I sat down at the keyboard, placed my hands on the keys, closed my eyes ... and realized I was about to be late for my job. I sighed, and cried, and picked up the keys to the car instead.

I promised the Muse I'd be back tomorrow; I have Saturday off this week. Oh wait, make it Saturday afternoon, there's an appointment in the morning. OK, the appointment got rescheduled for the afternoon at the last minute, and I've just remembered I promised Sunday to someone else. Saturday evening, though, for sure ... except, now there's an offer I can't refuse for that, too. (And why am I not enthused about it, the family asks? It's supposed to be fun. Don't I want to spend time with them?)

Not that it matters anymore. The Muse is a jealous and unforgiving goddess. Turn your back on her, and she's gone. Worse, when she's really pissed off, she throws as many obstacles in your path as she can. It's a love/hate thing that goes both ways.

So. I hereby proclaim Hazy Holiday number three: Follow Your Heart Day. There's no particular date for it; you'll know it when you see it. When it comes, grab it. No matter what the cost.

4 comments:

Carly said...

This entry touced me on so many levels. It brought me to tears. Honestly sweetie... this entry should be read by anyone and everyone, who can remember a point in time when they were standing at the crossroads of following their heart... and doing what they must. Oh boy...the past is wicked place to visit sometimes. And yes, the Muse is an unforgiving goddess. :(

Spencer said...

This post touched me deeply as well. I stood at that crossroad some years back. A job loss, bills to the sky, and nothing but thoughts of suicide and failure.

I always knew which road to take and never took it to happy town. Then, one day sitting on a couch my "Follow your heart" day arrived.

Enough was enough. I grabbed a pen and paper and started designing my perfect life 5 years forward. And then I began moving intentionally in that direction. Everyday is one step closer to my happy town.

http://www.yourperfectlife.com

MyMaracas said...

Thanks, both of you, for your kind comments.

And hello, Spencer. Nice to meet you. I hope you make it all the way to your "happy town."

Vicki

Tammie Jean said...

So true... it's so hard to carve out even a little "me time" to do the things I want to do, and inspiration comes and goes. Sometimes "me time" has to take priority, especially when creativity strikes.