Finding Clarity: Navigating the Journey

"I can't see where the road goes, but that's what makes me dream." - Miranda Lambert

Driving in foggy conditions is a lot like the creative process. You can only see a part of the road at a time, and sometimes, you don't know where you're going until you are close to the intersection. The road to clarity is a journey, and much like writing, you figure it out along the way.

It Will Get Better, But The Road to Make it Better Is Not Easy

"This is the part of me that you're never gonna ever take away." - Katy Perry

Last December, I committed to writing regularly. Having high standards means honoring your commitment even when the words don't flow effortlessly. Writing, like life, requires effort. Inspiration comes and goes, but the remedy for finding clarity is simple: Show up and take action. Simple, but not easy. 

Seeking Clarity: A Writer's Quest

“Let it be, yeah, let it be. Oh, there will be an answer.  Let it be.” - The Beatles

Over the weekend, I faced a creative roadblock, and questioned the significance of the time and energy I have invested in writing. Seeking inspiration, I turned to my favorite educators, and read their writing. Lauren Kaufman was generous and shared perspective. Dave Burgess also posted a quick video with a message about taking action. I felt like he was talking directly to me! 

Lean into the Road: Embrace it All

"It's a beautiful day, don't let it get away." - U2

The creative process is like a road—sometimes newly paved and scenic, other times filled with potholes and twists. Leaning into the road, embracing its messiness, and acknowledging where you are in the journey is crucial for finding clarity. Fiona O’keeffe's words echo this perspective, "Because I did a good amount of training work by myself, I know I can hold myself to the flame if I need to."

Discovering New Perspectives: Unraveling the Mess Along the Way

“And now I'm glad I didn't know, The way it all would end, the way it all would go”. -Garth Brooks

Writing forces us to reach deeper, unveiling new perspectives. It's not just about finishing; it's about unraveling the mess along the way. Journaling, whether in morning pages, goal setting, or to-do lists, is a powerful tool for gaining clarity and navigating the unpredictable journey of creativity.

It Doesn’t Have to Make Sense: Have Hope and Show Up

“Don't stop believin' Hold on to that feelin”- Journey

Hope and showing up don't always make sense, but propel us forward. Just like driving in the fog, showing up adds up, and suddenly, you find yourself at a point where you can see a little more. As Nanea Hoffman says, "Hope doesn't have to make sense. It can be the tiniest, most fragile glimmer in the night sky. Hope gets you to the next moment." There is always a reason to have hope. 

The road to finding clarity in writing mirrors the journey through foggy conditions—uncertain, challenging, but ultimately rewarding. By showing up, leaning into the road, embracing the messiness, and discovering new perspectives, we unlock the true potential.

“Catch that magic moment, and do it right, right now”. - Van Halen

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