On various creative writing programmes I’ve taken, the most oft quoted mantra is “show up”. This was quite frankly genius to the novice writer on her first course (taken in 2004), so simple, and so important. It’s not always that easy! As I move through my writing apprenticeship, other lessons sink in, but this is one of the ones that I will say as I walk up the stairs into my garret.
My friend Ania posted this photo today on Facebook. She’s a go-get kind of woman, and I admire her hugely. I like this version of the “show up” even more. I like the positive action of dressing up to show up, because if you feel the part, you’re more likely to act the part. Aside, but linked: My husband and I heard Barry Humphries as Dame Edna Everage on the radio yesterday. We mused whether Barry was in full scrubs for Dame Edna, or whether he was sitting in Barry’s clothes. I felt that the character needed the clothes in order to perform, so I pictured the full bejewelled version, wig and all.
Perhaps Ania’s quote is another synchronous moment, because the notion of dressing for the part was in my consciousness yesterday, she’s just put some gloss and glitz on it. Thanks Ania!
What I like even more from this quote is the “never give up”. Show up and never give up. The simplicity has potency! It’s a great mantra for me to take as 2013 fades and I begin to look back over the year, and think about what I want to do more of, do less of, or try something else altogether. I’m not really a believer in new resolutions for the new year, but I do like to take the opportunity to check in and see what needs shaking up. This year, I am going to major more on stickability, and this inspiring quote might just help me along the way.
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