Wednesday, May 16, 2012

What if you couldn't write?

Writing is what I do. Unless I’m going through a dry phase, like now. But, that will pass.
A writer is who I am. It’s part of my identity. Few days pass, if any, where I don’t think about writing in some form or another.

So, if I couldn’t write anymore what would I do? Like writing, Multiple Sclerosis is part of my every day. Lately the fingers on my right hand have begun going numb. It’s just part of the disease, and something that comes and goes, but could one day decide to stick around. Typing isn’t an issue right now, no problems there, but I am right handed and it’s begun to make writing slightly difficult. Yay for my handy computer. :)

But, back to the question! If I couldn’t write anymore, just what would I do? The short answer is I would be devastated. I’m not sure I know the full explanation of the long answer yet, but I am working on that. For starters I would spend more quality time with my music. There are very few genres of music where I can’t find at least one song I like. Nothing like a beautiful melody to sooth the soul.

Writing is a gift and a joy that I cherish. I hope to hold onto it for years to come, but I also plan to delve into new passions.

What about you? What are you other passions? What would you do if you couldn’t write?

17 comments:

  1. I love the optimism of this post, the determination to find joy and passion in life, the recognition that it's possible to do so even if our current passions are taken from us.

    It's a very good question, Lillie. I don't know yet what I'd do if I couldn't write, but it's a question I'll be pondering now.

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    1. Thank you Kern! Finding special joy in each day is one of my favorite things to do :)

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  2. I hope you never lose writing Lillie! I know how devastating that would be for me...writing is a compulsion, something we just have to do! Like Kern I don't think I can answer the question...makes you think...

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  3. For many years I wrote for television. My last script was written in 2004. After that I was so burned out, I didn't write a single word until 2009 when I discovered blogging and the wonderful freedom of expression it gave me. Now, like you, I have dry spells, but I feel a real emptiness if I don't at least interact with other writers even if it's just through comments like this.

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    1. I agree! Finding writers through Twitter and blogging has been so much fun and helped me tremendously :)

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  4. Just because you physically can't write, wouldn't make you less of a writer, Lillie. It's in the way your mind works, and your choice of words and perhaps, (if God forbid worse came to worse) you'd simply have to hire me (for pennies and coffee) to take dictation for ya!!

    Life may take the pencil from our hands, our fingers from the keyboard, but it can't take the poetry from your soul. And that poetry comes out and touches me in nature, little kids' birthday parties, weddings, animal rescues, Starbucks and lots of other places. And that inner poetry is my true passion. That's where the writing comes from.

    *steps off soapbox and eats a chocolate cupcake*

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    1. You are absolutely right! I'd hire you and throw in chocolate cupcakes to go with the pennies and coffee :)

      Inner poetry is such a lovely way to put it!!!

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  5. During times when I couldn't write because of personal constraints, I'd quilt or crochet or bead but you can be sure there was a story to every piece I created.

    Looking ahead, if there came a time I couldn't write, I'd want to be part of a group that helped teach others to write - that way I'd still feel part of the writing community and be able to pass along what I've learned of the craft and have the joy of helping others write!! :)

    I think that in a way, you are way ahead of the game because you have already built the FSF crew and have so many many many writing friends that you are in the thick of the inkwell! :)

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    1. Ooh, I like being in the inkwell!

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    2. Me too! I can just picture us getting our inky hand-prints and feet-prints all over the place and giggling up a storm!! :)

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    3. That sounds like such fun :)Count me in!!

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  6. This is an excellent post. I would be super sad if I couldn't write/type. Wow. Tough to think about.

    I have many other hobbies. Soccer, softball, reading and music, but I wouldn't be me without writing.

    The voices in my head would get really loud and annoying if they couldn't come out...

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  7. I'm a little late on this post but thought I would comment anyway. This really hit home with me, because writing is my passion also and like you I have a disorder that can at times be debilitating. It comes and goes and there are days when I want so badly to write but my body and mind just aren't working right. So I know exactly what you mean and I often feel the pangs that come with wanting to do what you love and not being able too.

    During my search for information on my disorder and ways to treat it I came across a book by a woman with M.S. that might be of interest to you. It's called Curing the Incurable by Jacque C. Rigg. Her story and how she cured herself of M.S. is amazing and has inspired me to find my own way. You should check it out.

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    1. Thank you for the comment! I'll definitely check out that book.

      It's all about finding the bright side, right?? :)

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  8. Finding the bright side definitely helps. ;)

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