My computer is in the basement. The basement that I cleaned twice last year. The basement that was empty because I moved everything that was stored in the basement to the garage. At the end of summer I wanted to park the cars in the garage so I moved all the boxes back into the basement. I have to walk past the boxes to get to my computer.
I hesitate as I walk past the boxes, the fabric scraps on the floor, and the dog hair that needs to be swept. I should really sweep the floor. I could clean the basement today instead of write. I would really like to avoid what I am working on at the computer. I walk past the boxes, fabric scraps and dog hair and sit at my desk and stare out the window.
I am taking a writing class, Tribewriters, by Jeff Goins. The assignment I am working on today is to write a Manifesto. I am supposed to “create something powerful, something stirring deep within me. To pick a fight with an issue or cause.” I have a rough draft started , but I am editing the words before they get typed. The inner critic is laughing again.
“Hey Hodges, who are you to write a Manifesto? What makes you think you can declare anything. Why do you think you can? Who do think you are?” The voices are from my past. The voices of teachers who said, ” You are not a good writer. You are not a good artist.”
I want to go upstairs and rearrange the living room furniture. I want to move the boxes to the other side of the basement. I want to sweep the dog hair. I want to take a bath. I want to do anything to avoid writing.
But.
I will write my Manifesto today.
I will not go upstairs and move the furniture. I will not move the boxes to the other side of the basement. I will not sweep dog hair. I will not take a bath.
And, ” Hey Inner Voice, be quiet! I will write a Manifesto. I will not listen to you. I am sick of you discouraging me. I will not believe your lies. I will do my best.
And that is enough.
———
I would like my friends to read my Manifesto when it is finished, before I publish it. If you would like to help me make it better, please send me a note in the contact section of my blog, or give me your email address in the subscribe box and I will send you the first draft.
Disclaimer: The Tribewriter link is an affiliate link. It won’t cost you anymore, but it will help me buy kitty litter.
