Sunday, October 21, 2012

As the great Little Richard sings, "Great Gosh A'Mighty!", because my first blog entry has definitely been a long time coming. I set this page up close to two years ago and have been paralyzed ever since by my self-imposed standard that it be perfect. I have so many interests--politics...the arts...food...fashion...travel...social activism...religion...design...lifelong learning...sports--and I want to share my thoughts about all of them while giving each of them the attention they deserve. So, I've been stuck, because I had no idea where to start.

During this time, a few brief but key conversations (along with a steady chorus of encouragement from my dear friend, Penny Law), have ensured that I never abandoned my baby. At a mutual friend's birthday party last year, a talented singer-songwriter with whom I have the pleasure of being acquainted, Lynn Blakey, told me to "just start writing, because people need to hear what you have to say." There is no way she could know how much those words, coming from someone as talented as she, meant to me and helped me to stop doubting myself. I interact a good deal with Lynn on Facebook, and several other Facebook friends (hello, Mandi Thomas!) have encouraged me as well, both directly and indirectly.

In particular, and I'm sure unbeknownst to her, Dr. Elizabeth Howie was a major catalyst, thanks to her conversations with the biggest supporter of my writing, my husband. When Elizabeth shared with him that she thinks I am a good writer, he replied by telling her that he has told me many times that is where my true talent lies. When she asked him why I don't pursue it, his answer was succinct and spot-on: "Because she is afraid."

He was exactly right. I was letting fear of not being perfect(!) keep me away from the keyboard, and all the while, a kind of self-loathing from that fear was growing. Mind you, I am always encouraging others, cheering as they pursue and achieve their dreams, reassuring them that they have all the resources they need to excel in their endeavors. But, sadly, I wasn't buying any of it when it came to myself.

Well, no more.

Life is short, and the first half (and probably more) of mine is behind me. I don't want to spend the rest of it accumulating disappointments and regrets, which is exactly what will happen if I don't start pursuing my dreams NOW.  So, finally, I'm pushing off from the safety of the dock, setting my sails and letting the winds and waves of my interests and imagination lead me where they may.

Over time, my blog will be a place that touches on the many topics which interest me; hopefully, you'll find that some of them speak to you, too. And I'll try to use that pesky perfectionist streak of mine to offer you something of quality that you will find worth your while.

I hope you'll join me, interact enthusiastically, disagree agreeably and most of all, enjoy the journey. And to all who have helped me reach this day, a heartfelt thank you.




7 comments:

  1. looking forward to checking out your thoughts on your journey!

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    1. thanks so much, iowan! i've always wanted to know...is that what i should call you? you are among the many whose strong voices on fb have inspired me, so thank you again.

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  2. Congratulations on getting your blog up and off to a PERFECT beginning! I agree with your husband, Dr. Howie and I am sure, many others - you are a good writer and I for one will look forward to reading your blog. Now - don't be scared. Just write what you believe, what you know, from the heart and from the mind. "Don't worry about a thing. 'Cause every little thing gonna be alright." ~ Marley

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    1. dwayne....

      to the tune of "1999" (which i'm sure you'll appreciate):

      "i was cryin' when i wrote this, forgive me if i go astray."

      seriously, i was weeping as i wrote my entry, and welled up again when i read your email. thank you so, so much. i've waged a lifelong battle when it comes self-confidence, and as small as it seems, finally making this first entry is a huge step for me. thank you again for the encouragement!

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  3. Excellent! While I only knowing you "virtually", you have often stirred my soul & I am looking forward to more of that & so much more! Hope it will not be 2 years between posts...

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    1. thanks, claudia! like iowan, you are among my fb friends whom i've not yet had the pleasure of meeting, but have nonetheless made a real and positive impression in my life. and it will most definitely NOT be 2 years between posts...i feel like i've gotten the hard part out of the way! :)

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  4. Lisa you're a wonderful writer - don't allow the perfect to get in the way of the good. What's most important is not the perfection of your expression, but the fact of expressing yourself. Period!

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