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NANOWRIMO DAY 12

WRITER’S BLOCK: 

Can I enjoy this process?

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Can I enjoy this process?

This is a really interesting question because it kind of ties back to this myth that writing and art should be painful.
There's a reason why artists pursue their art, is because it brings them joy.
So when something brings you joy, we have this weird stigma that it's only worth it for society if it comes out of blood, sweat, or tears.
Now, I've been through a lot of crazy or intense events in my life, that included blood, sweat, or tears – and I would not want to wish that on anyone.

So what I'm trying to say is that if you feel joy from your art then that's okay because your life should not be lived with constant stress or worry or pain.
In fact, if writing brings you joy, I encourage you to pursue it with all of the joy that you have in your heart because your life is meant to be lived beautifully and happily.

And if there's someone along the road who told you that your writing should be painful or give you the impression that you're not doing it right because you're having fun, then forget them. Forget that they said that – because unless they're showing up to writing as you are, then they have no place inside your creative mind.

One of the things that I heard that sticks with me to this day is "do not take criticism from someone you would not take advice from."
And I think that that is very true for all aspects of her life. If you would not go to this person to ask for advice and to help yourself get better, then don't take criticism from them.

So if you feel hesitation because you feel you shouldn't be enjoying this so much, I want you to think back and all those people who have showed up for the work and they didn't do it because it was painful – they did it because there was joy and they wanted to pursue that joy. Sometimes there are parts of any creative process that might not be super pleasant, but the overall project gives you joy and that's what matters.