Bridging The Distance
I had a dream in which a friend invited me on a journey. In front of us was a deep, wide ravine with treacherous rocks below. “Come on!” he said, scampering to the edge and climbing down. I was terrified to slide down the steep ravine walls, clamber over razor-sharp rocks and climb up, but still I followed. A few times I slipped and my heart leaped into my chest. Even on other side, I couldn’t stop trembling, knowing I had the return journey to make.
“Why,” I asked, “do you not have a bridge?”
“Because this is more fun!”
“I’d have a bridge,” I muttered.
When I woke up, I felt as if I’d discovered a metaphor for my writing life. Every time I sat down at my keyboard, I felt like I was facing the treacherous ravine. I’d dive in, frightened the whole time (what if I’m not good enough? What if it sucks? What if I get writer’s block?) and then, reaching the other side, I despaired, knowing I’d have to do it all over again. But I wanted it to be fun! Like my friend experienced.
That’s when I realized his version of fun was the climb. My version of fun would be to walk across a bridge.
That’s what I’m doing now. Building a bridge over all my fears and anxieties. They’re there, underneath, like the rocks, but I can bypass them. And without constantly being weighed down by fear? I’m enjoying a much smoother journey. 🙂
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