When You Should Be Writing
The power of living your Ikigai
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
“It’s very psychically wearing not to write—I mean if you’re supposed to be writing.” Fran Lebowitz
Author Fran Lebowitz went through an extended period of writer’s block. When asked in an interview what she did about it, Lebowitz answered, “I sulked. Sulking is a big effort. So is not writing. I only realized that when I did start writing.”
Ever been there in your life? Wanting to do something and unable to do it for any number of reasons?
I have, and I’ve done my share of sulking.
Here’s what Lebowitz discovered when she commenced writing.
When I started getting real work done, I realized how much easier it is to write than not to write. Not writing is probably the most exhausting profession I’ve ever encountered. It takes it out of you. It’s very psychically wearing not to write—I mean if you’re supposed to be writing.”
It’s PSYCHIALLY wearing not to write if you are supposed to be writing.
That thought lept off the page when I read it for the first time.
“That is Ikigai,” I shouted.
It’s psychically draining not to be doing X, if X is your Ikigai.
💥 It is just as psychically draining when you are doing something you shouldn’t be doing instead of what you should.
Frame it any way that works for you.
You are here for a reason. Find it and live it.
When you do, suddenly, life becomes richer and perhaps paradoxically easier.
Not necessarily easy…easier.
Writing is hard; not writing is harder.
I share my stories about running, coffee, my grandkids, and many other things I’m passionate about, in this case, writing.
As with all those other things, the examples are meant only as illustrations.
You don’t have to be a runner, a Marine, or anything else I’ve been. Substitute your passions and interests.
Try it here.
It’s very psychically wearing for me not to X—because I am supposed to be Xing.
or
It’s very psychically wearing for me to do X—because I am drawn to be doing Y.
