Now for B! The first thing that popped up for me (repeatedly) when I thought of B is the phrase Bottom Line. The dictionary defines it as 1. The essential or salient point, 2. A line at the bottom of a financial statement that shows the net profit or loss. 3. The most important consideration.
In considering a truly creative life, here is my bottom line:
Live by my intuition... if it feels right, go for it, no matter my anxiety. If it feels wrong, don't do it, even if the choice seems glittery and golden.
I have followed my intuition in editing a manuscript and sensing when it's done, in choosing an agent, in choosing a gallery, in using or not using manuscript critique suggestions, in choosing friends, even in buying a car or a piece of real estate. If an artist or writer cannot trust his or her intuition, he's working without a rudder.
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| The medieval cups are symbolic of intuition |
To help me in this path, I often meditate before I face an onerous decision, or if I find myself unsure and waffling. This always helps. I might find that my gut is saying wait, you're not ready to make that decision, or it might tell me get on that phone now and stop procrastinating!
In your creative life, what's your bottom line?
Intuition, I like it! I do go on gut feeling a lot. I think there's a lot to be said for it.
ReplyDeleteSounds great to me. I often rely on my gut instinct, so I can relate!
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely an analytical sort of person. I need to see all my options laid out in an easy to read format. I find I sleep better at night when my choices are made this way.
ReplyDeleteI wish I was more capable of going with my gut. It would make decisions a lot easier!
Bottom line: Well, there are two. In the spirit of A-Z, A: SIT DOWN AND DO THE WORK. B: Respectfully acknowledge the voices that tell me I'm worthless as a writer, feel the feelings they generate, and turn to something that feeds me as a writer...these things are too many to name, but they include reading encouraging blogs :-)
ReplyDeleteI like this definition of bottom line, Catherine,: The most important consideration.
ReplyDeleteI believe intuition can help us define our bottom line too. It also helps us steer ourselves to follow our heart - and that's a strong rudder.
And the reason for B (above) is that those voices can play havoc with my intuition. And intuition is indeed key.
ReplyDeleteMy bottom line: If it ain't fun, don't do it!
ReplyDeleteIf it feels right, go for it. I'm trying to live this way more often and by extension beat my anxiety.
ReplyDeleteInspirational!
Bottom line? Great thoughts, Catherine. I guess I think about consequences too much. If I do such and such what will be the result?
ReplyDeleteAw, Allison, you'll find it again. Yes, Lee, I'm on the lookout for more fun in my life too!
ReplyDeleteMy intuition: Write and edit later! Just enjoy writing.
ReplyDeleteGoing with your gut is a great idea!
I like the idea of trusting intuition. There's a reason we have it, we just need to listen!
ReplyDeleteYes, Adrianne, good point. It's there for a reason.
ReplyDeleteFollowing your intuition is the best advice.
ReplyDeleteGlad to meet you #672. I love it that you gave your number. I looked up mine again. I'm #347.
Love the challenge of blogging from A to Z!
Cheers!
Mary
It is important to have a bottom line, and I like Lee's idea! Nice to meet you through A to Z! Julie
ReplyDeleteBottom line so often conjures hard rational thought. All the more reason to appreciate your out-of-the-box intuitive approach. Where would we be without it?
ReplyDeleteThat's a great philosophy, for a great B term!
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't take intuition to know truth when I hear it! This is a perfect post, and one that could not have been more perfectly timed. But I need not even say it, you already knew...
ReplyDelete