The truth is...

view from neahkahnie mountain (diana f+, fuji pro 400h)

The truth is, I don't always practice what I preach, or do what I teach.

The truth is, sometimes I avoid the page, the screen, the words -- anything that requires me to take a stand, make a point, hold an opinion.

The truth is, I believe writing to be a magical gift from the faerie gods of creativity, and I believe it to be a burden too heavy to carry. I also believe it's a fun romp through language. And something so sacred I live in daily terror of being unable to fulfill my duty (and honor) as its medium.

The truth is that I like to believe I'm comfortable with artistic contradictions, but they make me twitch and hide out under the (metaphorical and literal) covers.

The truth is, I spend a lot of time feeling overwhelmed and scared, not just about the amount of things to be done for a graduate degree, for a creative business, and for an everyday life, but also about the desire to live authentically and passionately.

The truth is, I don't write everyday, and I used to think this was a realistic choice, a simple matter of personal preference and the workings of my own creative process. But I've begun to suspect this will have to change if I want to go deeper.

Go deeper.

The truth is: That phrase scares me. But it's the advice my mentor is giving me about my writing. It's the whisper I'd already heard months ago from the still small voice of my muse. It's the same mantra the holy universe chants to me every time I ask for clear answers on who and what and how to be.

The truth is that I don't know how to go deeper. The truth is I don't want to go deeper. The truth is, I know going deeper is the only path available to me right now.

The truth is, I'm not laying it all on the line here. I'm skirting some issues.

The truth is, I tend to mix up the proper use of "lay" and "lie." Also, "effect" and "affect" cause me some consternation.

The truth is that technique and craft and practice will make you a better writer. But at a certain point, you have to dive off of that mountain and trust not just the power of your own arms, legs, and lungs, but also the direction and forgiveness of the current. (And the truth is that by "you," I mean "me.")

Comments

[kelly barton]

your truth and bravery pushes me.
i love that about you.

[Jodi @ Rigmarole]

Now see here, Jenna. You already went deeper, just by writing this post.

"The truth shall set you free."

I believe that's a quote from Anne of Green Gables. ; )

xxoo

[darlene]

*love this and you xo

[kristen]

this post resonates so very deeply with me, at a time when my back is against the proverbial wall and the only place for me to go is deeper.

thank you.

[Amy]

Oh. I can so relate. Thank you for sharing!

And the truth is, we all want more of you so if you do go deeper it will be so greatly appreciated by the universe.

[Nicola]

A wonderful post. There's amazing power in "the truth is ...".

[sarah]

the truth is we only see what we are hiding when we can see that we are hiding. there is no beginning, no end, no in the middle. it is all just this, this is the now and the later; this is the surface and the deeper. allowing your attention to turn towards this has already begun your inquiry. no telling what happens next. may this go on all your life, and that you feel so much support from others (reflected in the other comments here) to value who you are when you feel shaky. clarity and certainty are only part of the light and dark in which we see everything.

thank you for taking yourself seriously and with good humor.

[lisa]

I love this post!

It is a must re-read and re-read for me!!!

Miss you!

xoxoxoxo

[jennifer h]

Jenna, I really appreciate these words. This sentence really jumped out at me, "The truth is, sometimes I avoid the page, the screen, the words -- anything that requires me to take a stand, make a point, hold an opinion." Me too.