I just saw a Marie TV episode about RESISTANCE which instantly took me out of a rut and propelled me into motivated and inspired action.
In Marie’s interview of author, Steven Pressfield, he describes RESISTANCE as the very real negative vortex that sabotages your creative works and dreams. It is there any time you are trying to achieve a higher version of yourself whether you are trying to lose weight, meditate or write a book. It changes forms, appears at every stage, and never goes away. It comes in the form of distraction, drama, illness, self doubt, fear, perfectionism, procrastination, and a thousand other faces.
I have known RESISTANCE intimately and have overcome it many times. I have published two CD’s, written and produced a One Woman Musical, launched a Solo Show Coaching Business and have recently embarked on my second Solo Show Musical with Director Jonathan Cerullo from New York City.
However, RESISTANCE has gotten the best of me and beaten me just as many times. I quit music for 14 years. I have gone into huge retreats after putting a big work out there. I make excuses for not performing live by telling myself that I’m more of a song-writer. In terms of putting my business forward, I convince myself that marketing myself is a dirty thing. All of this just covers up the fear and self doubt and legitimizes my hiding.
After reading Steven Pressfield’s book, The War of Art (a must read for anyone), I realized that I have been in a state of RESISTANCE about being an Artist for my entire life. After all I’ve accomplished I still feel uncomfortable calling myself an “Aritst.” Why? RESISTANCE. I also realized that most of the anxiety I have felt over the years has come from the times I have denied the call and succumbed to RESISTANCE.
But in reading Pressfield’s book, I felt a breakthrough. Never has RESISTANCE been so named and identified.
Ironically, the answer to this great adversary is really quite simple. Show up and do the work. Pressfield says that the difference between an amateur and a pro is not in getting paid for your work, it’s in how you deal with RESISTANCE. A pro does the work despite the challenges, and the enemy voices within. An amateur gets thrown around by RESISTANCE like a rag doll. A pro learns how to be a good boss, providing good work structure, and self validation. An amateur waffles around working when the mood strikes and caves to the lack of external validation.
I’m tired of the emotional roller coaster and I’m tired of looking for the world to define me or validate me. I find RESISTANCE exhausting. But something broke free inside of me. When something is named so clearly…when light is shed on the darkness – something happens. The shadow becomes smaller and less of a force to contend with. There is a sense of freedom and empowerment.
Pressfield’s voice called out to me. “You are not alone!” The Artist’s path is difficult. But there are strategies to navigate. I can help. You can do it.”
I write these newsletters to do the same. To call out to my fellow creatives. I am walking the path with you. I understand your struggles, your path, your obstacles. You have the strength to find the way. I never know who hears my messages, just as Pressfield didn’t know his great impact on me. But I will keep showing up for you and showing up for my art.
Cuz I’m a pro…and so are you!
Linda
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Thank you !!