The other day I went for my first psychic reading and there were many moments during the hour that I was completely blown away by her uncanny knowledge of me and my family.
Okay. I know that half of you are spitting chewed pretzels into your hand as you laugh hysterically. Don’t burst my little bubble here. Just go with it. I also know the other half of you are nodding your head quietly. Either you’ve had a reading or you’ve always wanted to.
I’ve always wanted to. I’m a very head oriented person so I bring a healthy dose of skepticism with me, but I also grew up in the New Age 80’s near Takoma Park, MD and went to the Western hills of North Carolina each summer. (Yes I had a pouch with crystals and spent some time in a sweat lodge.)
As I’ve aged into Motherhood, and adult responsibilities I’ve grown out of those practices. According to the psychic– I’ve also lost my intuition and my joy.
My intuition helped me make decisions that led me on the path to joy. My decision to go to VCFA was very intuitive. It was completely the right thing to do. I looked at Ingrid’s Notes the other day and saw her amazing list of accomplishments. A year out of school, intensely focussed on revising and marketing my manuscript, I had to remind myself that just last year I had a similar list. VCFA doesn’t talk about the market. They don’t talk about agents or publishing if they can help it. Coming into the school I hated the practice. What was I paying for if not a route to publication? Now I pine for the focus on craft, the feedback of trusted advisors, the regular visits with people I love and trust. If only I could have that safe space again.
As much as I might want to, I can’t go back to VCFA as a student. (I’m still paying off loans.) What I can do is remember the joy of writing. I can believe that I have all the resources I need to be successful. I can let go of my fear and anxiety. Write more. Trust my intuition (muse) in my work.
How do you rekindle the joy in your work?
Creative Chaos 
What a brave and wonderful post. I hope you find your joy soon soon soon!
Thanks, Kami. I have a lot to be thankful for. My joy seems insignificant compared to the folks in Connecticut right now. Amazing how much can change in a day.
I re-read the books I love (the ones that made me fall in love with writing)! I fall in love with my characters and I don’t write fast. I dig until something resonates. That’s the pulse that keeps me writing. (Thanks for mentioning me in your post!).
Great suggestion, Ingrid. Rediscovering the path that led us to writing in the first place is inspiring.