When fear of writing comes to your door wearing a mask, will you recognize him? His masks are superb! Unmasking is tricky and first requires recognizing the boo! face the mask is hiding.
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We're familiar with obvious fears of writing—rejection, criticism, perceived failure, the blank page. But what of those fears that are so sneaky they block us from writing without our realizing it?
Do you suspect your fears might wear masks such as these—
- perfectionism
- procrastination
- boohoo a.k.a. depression
- too busy
- rationalization
Identifying fears that lie underneath enervating attitudes can be as tricky as recognizing the real you in a fun-house mirror. But it can be done! Try relaxation and deep breathing, then making a two-page list following the words, I can't write because.......After you do that awhile, something will pop out at you and shout, Boo! Here I am!
Another trick would be to relax, do deep breathing, and pick up a pencil to sketch the true face of what lies beneath your masks. Are you really too busy to write? Must your story be perfect before you can move on? Or are those cover-ups for deep-seated fears such as self-doubt. One Moo writing student said she fears looking foolish.
In many cultures, this time of year is one of honoring the dead as in the Celtic festival, Samhain, the Christian Allhallows Eve, or the Mexican Day of the Dead. Perhaps the wise writer could take a clue from these traditions and honor her fears.
Fears exist for a reason. Probably they are trying to protect you based on some halfway forgotten past experience. Fighting them will convince them they must grow stronger to overcome your foolish courage! Instead, talk to them gently. Say, hello, fears, I recognize you, and I am taking care of your concerns.
They won't disappear, of course. They'll lie dormant. That's why it's good to dream up an affirmation or two that you can repeat when they raise their pitiful heads and hunt ruthlessly for new masks to trick you with. An affirmation is a positive thought in present tense that addresses an issue. For instance, if your fear masquerades as procrastination, you could create an affirmation such as: I enjoy making time for writing freely every day. But also dig deeper and address the hidden fears.
You could dress up like the foxy lady that you are, and invite your fear to a masquerade ball. Dance, anyone?
How about writing a poem or a short story about you and your fear kicking up your heels at the ball? OMG! Is there a whole bunch of them clamoring to dance with you? Whisper in their ears that writing is as much fun as dancing.
Boo!
Happy writing!
Nan Lundeen
http://www.mooingaround.com/
http://www.nanlundeen.com/
Nan Lundeen's book of poems, The Pantyhose Declarations, is available at amazon.com. She is seeking a publisher for her handbook, The Moo of Writing: How To Milk Your Potential.
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