The final installment of my series, Unpacking Your Creative Life, is up on The Gift of Writing. It was my favorite one to write, focusing on the importance of connecting with other writers and sharing your work.
Writing is crucial to success, of course, but if we don’t have company along the way, we are more likely to walk away.
“It is deadly to be without a confidante, without a guide, without even a tiny cheering section.”
– Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés
I am so grateful for the community of writers I’ve met online, here and beyond, some who I’ve never met, but feel as dear to my heart as those I’ve known for decades.
Yes, it is vulnerable to put your work out there for others to read (and in this day and age, instantly respond), but that’s why having supportive friends is crucial. They will be there to lift you up when the world pushes you down. They will remind you of what’s important – your story, your truth – and to ignore the white noise of those who don’t understand or enjoy stirring up trouble.
In the spirit of sharing, and most certainly vulnerability, here I am at the 2015 Listen To Your Mother Lehigh Valley show.
writing at the table 
Thanks for continuing to inspire other writers! You are one of the “supporters,” even to people you don’t know. And that’s a wonderful thing to be.
LikeLike
Oh, Ann, thank you! This comment made my day.
LikeLike
Oh Dana. You did such an incredible job reading. I’m in awe of your story and your heart and that you were able to complete your entire piece without crying. Beautiful words, delivery and sentiment. I feel lucky to have watched this today. Thank you for sharing.
LikeLike
Oh, thank you so much Kristi! I really appreciate this. I loved your essay as well. As you know, it’s VERY hard to read without breaking down, and I practiced so much at home until I practically had the piece memorized. I worried I would cry, even though I know there’s nothing wrong with that and in fact loved some powerful pieces spoken through tears, but I really wanted to get through without if only so every word could be understood – ultimately, by my children when they’re old enough.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s uncanny that we have made some of the same connections in our reflections about motherhood. I struggled all year to put words to my thoughts about how I felt that the experience of labor in childbirth and the process of dying were related. I finally came up with this: https://becomingmotherblog.wordpress.com/2015/07/06/what-labor-and-death-have-in-common/.
LikeLike
Sharon, this is wild! That post you wrote could have come right out of my brain. We both witnessed a parent’s decline and death, and gained strength and a powerful sense of mystery and wonder. I wonder what else we have in common 🙂 So glad we have connected!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too! Looking forward to more of your posts!
LikeLike
Oh Dana, what a story.
I’m in awe of this story – and the way you speak about birth, life and death.
I love the idea of relief on her face. I love the idea of cheering her on, not because you wanted her to die, but because she was working hard to complete this task.
This might be the most beautiful and sad, but beautiful thing I’ve heard.
LikeLike
Tamara, thank you so much for this lovely and heartfelt comment. The labors of birth and death shared certain similarities including power and a strange painful beauty. That smile on her face meant so much to me, too.
Sent from my iPhone
>
LikeLike
Dana, That was so beautiful. As someone who just witnessed my father pass in hospice from Parkinson’s disease, it really hit home. Your mother is there for you always. What a beautiful tribute to an amazing woman. Laurie
LikeLike
Thank you Laurie, I know you understand. Your piece about your father was so moving. Your kind words here mean a lot to me.
LikeLike