A picture came to light yesterday.
There is so much to unpack in this single image (Yes, those are clip on ties)
Taken at age 4, I recall this event quite well–the sweater was pink and of itchy wool. The necklace, produced from my mum’s “jewel box” has now passed through four generations. I’m certain the facial features of the bro on the right maintained that juxtaposition for less than a week but hey, our eyes are all open and that’s what counts. A coupon was involved.
At this point you won’t be shamed for asking, “What the heck does this have to do with writing?”
There are two points in particular that can be brought forward:
- No clucks were given when I decided those bangs (fringe) needed to go. Photographic evidence indicates this was a reoccurring event.
- This picture was blown up to an 8 x 12, displayed prominently, and sent overseas in a smaller version. Also for display.
My first thought is that our young selves place no limits on our abilities, there are no internal critics (or critics we have internalized) to say ‘”I think that’s above your skill level dear.” We see the crayons and a blank canvas, that may or may not be the dining room wall and go for it; unleashing the tempest of creative genius.
Allow yourself to sit and dump words, all your words, onto a page or keyboard. Later, eliminate the pointless ones. This FREEFALLactivity is liberating so lean in to it. You are 9 again and the pedals of your bike spin too fast for your feet as you tear down the hill. I should apply the breaks, you think. WRONG—you are 9. Those feet are held up allowing you to freewheel into whatever comes next.
Note: Originated by W.O. Mitchell (Mitchell’s Messy Method) Follow the flow, don’t stop; don’t fix keep going until something shifts and your story bubbles up.
Secondly and equally important, seek out and embrace folks who will blow up your handiwork and send it far and wide with no apologies. (And no Photoshop) Many of my favorite writers confess to looking back at their early stuff, published or otherwise and tut-tutting to themselves.
About 30 years after this picture I learned a life hack that enables me to successfully trim my own bangs. In subsequent years when work and life have me in a punishing schedule I employ it confidently; reinforcing the notion that practice perfects all things. As in writing.
