You don’t have to know what you know or do not know.
You don’t have to trust your instincts. “
I could definitely feel the power in those words. The way I receive the words-- relating to both artistic processes and life -- is as a permission to take chances and make choices that make sense to us in the moment. I am a long time sufferer of “analysis paralysis” ... but practice of words/mentality like you present here has been a way forward for me (and I really needed the reminder today.)
I am sorry for your loss of Finney... what a beautiful soul to be by your side for this season of your life. ❤️
What a relief. What a breath of fresh air to finally hear one writer/creative/human tell the truth about "trust" minus all the mumbo jumbo flippant instructions, directions, and "guidance" - and without all the "just knowing" oversimplifications for those of us who for a wide array of reasons do not often or consistently "just know" or "just trust." So amen to your post!!! and many many thanks for voicing so well what I have felt for decades and been so frustrated and shamed by!
I am so sorry to read about Finney. I'm new here, but have my own pup companion and, well, I'm very sorry.
I'm also a neurodivergent writer and I'm so grateful you shared this unfolding of "trust". I hadn't thought of this relation to "trust" and masking, etc., but in different language it's something I think about a lot. How half a lifetime of masking and disconnection from my own needs/wants/desires and trauma has affected my relationship with intuition. Can I trust myself? Generally speaking.
I liked this line: For some of us, writing is the place where we are practicing toward something like trust.
Practice first. Yes. I'm so on board. I've been working on that for a few years now. Glad to have found a likeminded person.
I'm a poet, 79 +, have called myself a poet for 63 years. I believe you have said something important about trust. Far too many treat the word as if it means, "You don't have to think any more; just do whatever comes to mind and say you have a 'gut' feeling." Trust must be earned, and must be learned. You are eloquent and correct with regard to the value of doubt, skepticism, observation, and thought. Thank you.
With regard to Finney, I have both helped a beloved animal to die, and have waited too long, thus unintentionally allowing my companion's suffering to go on too long. It is never an easy decision. It always hurts. For what it's worth, I have come to believe that there can be more than one "one-in-a-lifetime" cat or dog. Decide for yourself, but if you find someone who matters as much to you as Finney has, I hope you will not blame yourself as not being "faithful" to Finney. Being open to loving another creature is the greatest compliment you can give him.
What a wonderful helpful letter you have shared. You gave me something to think about regarding 'trust the process'. Thank you.
I was especially struck by your words here - which for me, says it all regarding writing. Thank you!!
"You put one word after the next, and the possibilities widen. Whether you trust them or not, as long as you write them down, you’ll have something to work with."
I remember when you first got Finn and had him on your lap, at your elbows, on the floor staring at you and looking for a moment of connection. What a beautiful gift that you had that time with him. I'm so sorry for your loss. Truly, deeply sorry. I know you made the right decision. I just know.
Please know that I cannot pledge support not because I don't want to or don't feel it's perfectly appropriate, but that I am living on Disability and Govt. assistance to just scrape by financially - I was told Govt. income was below poverty level - so I am so sorry this is not possible - I would like nothing more than to support your writing financially!
“You don’t have to trust anything to write.
You don’t have to trust your voice.
You don’t have to know what you know or do not know.
You don’t have to trust your instincts. “
I could definitely feel the power in those words. The way I receive the words-- relating to both artistic processes and life -- is as a permission to take chances and make choices that make sense to us in the moment. I am a long time sufferer of “analysis paralysis” ... but practice of words/mentality like you present here has been a way forward for me (and I really needed the reminder today.)
I am sorry for your loss of Finney... what a beautiful soul to be by your side for this season of your life. ❤️
What a beautiful soul. I am so sorry for your immeasurable loss.
What a relief. What a breath of fresh air to finally hear one writer/creative/human tell the truth about "trust" minus all the mumbo jumbo flippant instructions, directions, and "guidance" - and without all the "just knowing" oversimplifications for those of us who for a wide array of reasons do not often or consistently "just know" or "just trust." So amen to your post!!! and many many thanks for voicing so well what I have felt for decades and been so frustrated and shamed by!
Oh thank you for this. For sharing Finney with us, but also describing your tussling with trust. This is helpful in so many ways.
I'm so sorry you lost your pup. Thank you for sharing something so heartfelt and vulnerable with us <3
I am so sorry to read about Finney. I'm new here, but have my own pup companion and, well, I'm very sorry.
I'm also a neurodivergent writer and I'm so grateful you shared this unfolding of "trust". I hadn't thought of this relation to "trust" and masking, etc., but in different language it's something I think about a lot. How half a lifetime of masking and disconnection from my own needs/wants/desires and trauma has affected my relationship with intuition. Can I trust myself? Generally speaking.
I liked this line: For some of us, writing is the place where we are practicing toward something like trust.
Practice first. Yes. I'm so on board. I've been working on that for a few years now. Glad to have found a likeminded person.
Thank you for this thoughtful and poignant share. I’m very sorry for loss you must be feeling. 🌈
I'm a poet, 79 +, have called myself a poet for 63 years. I believe you have said something important about trust. Far too many treat the word as if it means, "You don't have to think any more; just do whatever comes to mind and say you have a 'gut' feeling." Trust must be earned, and must be learned. You are eloquent and correct with regard to the value of doubt, skepticism, observation, and thought. Thank you.
With regard to Finney, I have both helped a beloved animal to die, and have waited too long, thus unintentionally allowing my companion's suffering to go on too long. It is never an easy decision. It always hurts. For what it's worth, I have come to believe that there can be more than one "one-in-a-lifetime" cat or dog. Decide for yourself, but if you find someone who matters as much to you as Finney has, I hope you will not blame yourself as not being "faithful" to Finney. Being open to loving another creature is the greatest compliment you can give him.
Emily -
So sorry for your loss.
What a wonderful helpful letter you have shared. You gave me something to think about regarding 'trust the process'. Thank you.
I was especially struck by your words here - which for me, says it all regarding writing. Thank you!!
"You put one word after the next, and the possibilities widen. Whether you trust them or not, as long as you write them down, you’ll have something to work with."
I remember when you first got Finn and had him on your lap, at your elbows, on the floor staring at you and looking for a moment of connection. What a beautiful gift that you had that time with him. I'm so sorry for your loss. Truly, deeply sorry. I know you made the right decision. I just know.
Emily, Your share moved me to tears and beyond words. So sorry to hear about Finney.
Please know that I cannot pledge support not because I don't want to or don't feel it's perfectly appropriate, but that I am living on Disability and Govt. assistance to just scrape by financially - I was told Govt. income was below poverty level - so I am so sorry this is not possible - I would like nothing more than to support your writing financially!