Quote of the Day: Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature…Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing. Helen Keller (I’m always admired her moxy and perseverance.)
It’s the first Wednesday of the month. Time for another posting for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. Time to release our fears, offer encouragement, and persevere. It snuck right up on me this month. I opened up my computer and saw others with the sign IWSG, and got busy. The Biker Chef found me this quote in the Aerostitch catalog for motorcycle gear (that’s where we got Mr. Happy.)
Hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh, click his name to read more about it, and to find other insecure writer’s posts.
In a moment of insecurity (i.e. when I was examining my bank account), I questioned how I spend my days. I’m a freelance writer, blog reviewer for theatres near and far as well as other events, and I’m a piano teacher. During my moment of insecurity, I was sitting in the radiology waiting room, and I thought, I should have been a medical technician. I would have been a friendly face as people walked in to have their procedures. The mamogram gals are always kind. They usually relax me by chatting about kids, books, the weather… I could have done that. I would have enjoyed the good and steady pay, and I would be much better off with health care benefits. I wouldn’t have to stress over asking my piano families to pay me, regularly, and not quibble because they missed for this or that reason. I wouldn’t have to worry about the next writing assignment.
Of course, I wouldn’t have time to build my writing career. I wouldn’t be able to go to the theatre so often. I wouldn’t have days where kids with bright, eager eyes sit at my piano, turn the page to the next song and say, “Ooo. That looks fun!” I wouldn’t be making music videos with the piano students, encouraging them to play off the page, or have the freedom to teach classes on writing and theatre.
BTW: My sister and I are offering Theatre Classes for Kids, Saturday morning, April 12-May10. Click over to Primo Art Spa for more details. I’ve already heard that some of these writers and actors are excited to sign up!
Mary Aalgaard teaching Kids and the Art of Writing, offered again this summer through the Crossing Arts Alliance
So, after talking it out with Mike Paulus, Business Consultant and writer, and getting affirmations from Krista and others, I realize that I am doing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing. I also need to be strong as a business woman, stop giving away my time and talents for free, and continue to…
Go. Create. Inspire!
Journaling Prompt: How about you? Do you feel like you’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing? How can you make it better?
I think you chose the right path in life. You have so much creative freedom now.
Thanks, Alex!
I envy your creative freedom, but I’d argue that security is more than just a superstition. While there are no guarantees in life, and a career can fall apart in a second, there’s less day-to-day risk involved.
Having said that, if I were single again, and didn’t have a wife and kids to provide for, I think I’d welcome the chance to have that kind of freedom.
Glad it’s working out for you! 🙂
It’s a struggle. We need to eat, to take care of our families, and also, to feed our souls.
Wonderful post. The freedom to write is something worth pursuing if possible. Good for you. And I love the Helen Keller quote you open with.
Thanks, Silvia!
Saying Hi. New to IWSG. Never give up on your dreams. Sounds as if you are living them. Enjoy the post.
quote: “It’s impossible, said pride, it’s risky, said experience, it’s pointless, said reason, give it a try, whispered the heart.”
Juneta at Writer’s Gambit IWSG post
Love your quote, Juneta!
I have been going through this too. I keep testing the waters, applying for part-time jobs but none come through, and then I realize how relieved I am they don’t!
I will sometimes (lots of times) have that same insecurity. I’ll think…if I spent as much time doing X, Y, or Z…I’d have so much money. Then I’d think, man if I had that much money I would…write books! Oh wait, I am doing that. So, maybe we aren’t rich, we are living life the way we want to. I mean, money is nice, but you truly cannot take it with you.
Great response, Elizabeth. So true. Carrying that in my heart.