Just Write (another version)

Another day, another blog with how to push through writers block.  I have book marked many sites, articles, blogs, even classes on writers block or being blocked.  Sitting at table, desk, porch, airplane seat, in class reading about writers block.

Mostly what I read says "just write".  Even if it is the same word, or gobbledygook and unreadable.  Show up and write.

I read or listen to books being read - I recognize good writing.   I understand or believe, like I have read, that being a reader makes good writers.

So when I am distracted or unable to sit in front of the blank page to write - but am able to read - I think it is part of what makes a good day.

The day is not a failure, if I can at least read.    So I make a list, of what makes a good day.  Most of the items on the checklist on what makes a good day is about did I write something today? Did I create something today, did I scribble on paper?  Often are the last things on the list, and sometimes forgotten.   But it is like an itch or a silent sound of "pick me, pick me" -   to be on the list of what makes a good look like.

How we spend our days is how we spend our lives.  Remember to ask the question - if I can't do everything I want to do - what would make a good day?   What would I do?   Remember, to ask - what would make a good day, for myself, or for someone who is ill, or who it appears to be passing, what would a good day look like?

Back to the blank page or writing through the fear of facing the blank page.  

Why is it so difficult to face the blank page?  What is possible today?  Does it matter?   I could say I am a writer because I write.  I am an artist because I splash paint or ink on paper.    Sometimes.

I know that real writers writer because they must write, same with creating art. 

At times, I think of having a writing project.  Write a novel, a book of poems, a memoir perhaps?

But I am not driven to write any of those things.

Almost daily, I do write something,  Morning Pages done often later in the day.   The weather report, or words repeated, words made up, scribbled half sentences.    

Beside "just writing" others suggest other strategies.   Certainly I have tried some of these over time.  Just write, timed writing like writing 250 words at a time, or maybe every 1/2 hour?     Step away from the desk, take a walk.  I remember hearing about many writers write or push through block while walking.  Creating a writing ritual, time, place, coffee or tea, perhaps.   Write to one person - that one may work for me - like writing a letter.  Maybe a letter to someone that could be shared.  Sort of the Joe Costello Jr. strategy,  everyone in my family has received a "letter" from Joe.   Or when in the period of time when there is so much to write - stop (Hemingway called it "hoarding") save some.   The being that if you stop before all of the excitement or promise of writing can be marshalled over time.

Part of facing the block - or writing through the block is to be present.  To be able to sit still, be calm and to be present.   Not be caught up in what is always passing.  Be accountable, but acknowledge everything is passing away and becomes, not less important but less of a driver to what is real now or what makes a good day, right now.

I also give myself a break.  I am accountable, but I cannot fix everyone.  I can listen, but I cannot make anyone happy, or fill them up is they are empty or looking for something that comes from within.   After studying this via AA for many years in sobriety, and becoming more comfortable or clear, or accepting with the paradoxes of practicing being a human can help me push through the blank page. 

I own the blank page - it is mine, part of my practice,  the old adage more shall be revealed. 

Important, not to compare, but to be open and receptive, be comfortable with the leap or faith and for not being perfect.

Act (write, paint) when it is the better option than not, live with the consequences.