11 February 2010

Trapeze lessons

I'm struggling with the need for money versus the need to feed my creative soul. I don't think I'm special. Everyone who creates in some way knows this dichotomy. Although I'm a wee bit spooked by swinging on the trapeze without a safety harness I'm about to leave the edge and do it. I've got three more weeks on the teaching contract I've taken on and then it's sink or swim. The teaching safety net is there, but it's a long way down and to be honest I'm hanging on tightly to the bar. I want to be up here. I love swinging through the air and kicking out this story and that. I love the idea of letting my stories support my life. I love the idea of doing something on my own terms without a ringmaster.

But there are people, creative ones, who've been teaching me how to hold on. I'm not sure if they even know who they are or what lessons they have taught me. Some of them are bloggers or colleagues or writers or photographers who I've been in touch with for a long time. Some of them are family or friends. Some of them are people I've met recently and have maybe even only had the briefest of interactions with. Many of them I have never met in person.

Is it in our nature to look for ourselves in others? When I find someone who holds the same things dear that I do and they are doing what I want to do, I'm inspired. I'm lifted.

She is doing this thing?

Then I can do this thing!

Lately there have been many of these people. I don't know where they are coming from or how they are finding me (or am I finding them?) but I'm extremely grateful. I'll thank each of these people in the little ways that I can, but until I can get round to all of my amazing teachers, thank you. Thank you for your the trapeze lessons that you don't even know you've taught.

10 comments:

Richard said...

There's nothing better than being able to get by doing the things you love. Good luck with the leap - the audience watching is rooting for you.

Ann said...

Life without a safety net....it is a scary thought. Sometimes though the thinking about it is worse than the actual reality of it. I hope that is the case for you.

shantiwallah said...

Thank you for the support!

julie said...

You CAN do it. The amazing dynamic of taking this flying leap is that when you no longer have the "security" of a regular paycheck, you do whatever you have to do to stay afloat. And the doors always, always open. As many times as I've experienced this, I'm still always amazed and grateful every single time. I'm so excited for you, Marie, and here to offer support however I can.

shantiwallah said...

Thanks Julie. You've been such a great support already. I also believe that things happen when they are meant to and I think this is a great year for writing for all of us. Something just feels right. I'm glad I've discovered your blogs because you've got some great advice on there, not to mention some great writing full stop. Keep doing what you do!

Tricia said...

It's really such an amazing adventure, not for the faint of heart, but you have both the skill and the fortitude and will be fantastic!!!

mattsclass said...

it's ok to let go...
u got wings!!!!

shantiwallah said...

Thank you so much. I really am blushing now!

niamh said...

Good luck! I'm sure it will work out, sounds like you are going about it the right way. Swing high:)

shantiwallah said...

Thank you, Niamh!