Commentaries by Cynthia

(Note: This was written and published a year ago.)

“Are you still writing?” some of my readers have asked, noticing that I have not published a column for several weeks in a row.

Actually, I have been writing a lot. Roughly a year ago, I began working on a book, recounting a very interesting and turbulent period in my life. And as most writers know, when inspiration strikes, one must ride the full wave to completion. This means drafting the outline, researching and writing the book, then editing the content and making any needed revisions, perhaps more than once.

All this so-called “work” requires a great deal of solitude in front of a computer screen. And family and friends don’t always understand. They wonder why I’d rather stay at home on a Saturday night, working on a book that may or may not be published, when there are movies, parties, and dinners I could attend instead.

True, there are no guarantees, not in writing, not in life. But I don’t argue with inspiration when it shows up; I welcome it with open arms and a willing spirit.

Just the other night, as I was drifting off to sleep, an idea about a new angle for my book came to me. I bolted out of the bed (something I rarely do) and grabbed a pen and notepad. As if by magic or a divine force, the words flowed effortlessly from my mind through the pen and onto the paper. For almost an hour, I was in writing ecstasy, my creative energies surging with delight, until finally, I placed the pen and notepad down, thoroughly spent.

If I sound passionate, it’s because I am.

When you are actively engaged in a creative endeavor, be it writing, painting, decorating, gardening, pottery making, playing music, etc… and you find yourself oblivious to everything except what you are creating, you are fully living in the moment. And nothing is quite as rewarding as getting lost in the beauty of the moment.

I’ve heard it said that when we create something – anything – we are in touch with the part of us that is most God-like. And I believe it’s true. God, the ultimate Creator, has blessed each of us with certain talents and abilities. When we tap into those creative forces, I believe we are connecting with our Maker. At least, that is the way it feels to me.

After my enthusiastic late-night writing episode, I awoke the next morning and retrieved my notepad. Would my ideas still seem that great in the harsh light of day? I objectively read over my words, trying to maintain a sense of personal detachment. I saw hope in my scribbled sentences and I also saw some room for improvement.

So, it’s back to the drawing board, as they say. But I’m not discouraged. If you love doing something, then it can’t really be called work.

As far as perfecting a creative project goes – call it a passion, a pursuit, or a purpose. But never, ever call it… work.