Thinking Artistically

I’ve never really thought artistically. Not in my writings, not in my paintings (I don’t draw), not in the pictures that I take–it’s just a mode of life that I’ve hardly ever really tapped into. I’m beginning to try and challenge myself to not only explain the things that I say, but to take it to a whole nother level–bring it to artistic life. It’s a tough challenge. I’m used to being able to communicate clearly, but now that I’m trying to take it to another level by communicating on an artistic/metaphorical level, it’s a whole new “mindset” that I need to take on when I engage writing articles. It’s foreign. I actually have to be conscious about what I write, and *gasp* I have to look back and edit my content. I can write essays…but it’s hard for me to write stories. But I know that I want to tap into the endless myriads of undiscovered analogies, metaphors and similes that are waiting to be dug up from the vast pool of literary creativity. So I begin this pursuit.

I want my writing to be more than just factual–I want it to begin to come to life in a new way–to not only articulate the message being communicated, but to flow in an elegant and artistic manner. It’s going to be hard. Bear with me. This small post obviously wasn’t the beginning of my journey into the world of artistic expression–but, this is a precursor, a warning of sorts, that my following posts may take on a whole new manner. You have been warned.

Conclusion

Today I came to a conclusion. It was one that was delayed in coming–for years, I’ve always wrestled and struggled with fears, fears of failure, fears of coming up short–fear. It had me hostage to its purpose, immobile through bondage–fear. Fettered so closely to it–what if I try my best and don’t succeed? What if I pour my passion, my heart, my soul into something and I can’t make it? What if I try, and I fail? Ugh.

I’m sick and tired of you, fear. I sick and tired of you, constantly keeping me within the realm of mediocrity. I’m sick and tired of you–you’ve kept me here long enough! Everyday I wake up, and I’m confronted by you–I live through life, and you’re always there. Intimidating, scaring, constantly telling me that I can’t succeed. Constantly telling me that God’s not here, constantly telling me that God doesn’t care.

You don’t have a say anymore. The hell with you–get out of my way. I’m sick and tired of letting you run my life. I’m sick and tired of letting you call the shots. You see because I know that I’m created to be creative–I know that once I step beyond you, there’s a whole new world out there–one that I’m ready to embrace.

You’re the reason I underachieve. You’re the reason I’m scared to try and succeed. You’re the reason I settle…but starting today, I’m not going to settle, anymore. You’ve had your say. You’ve had your day. You called the shots–but it’s done. I want my life back. And so this is my stand. I’m taking it back. You can’t have my life, anymore.

I’m breaking through the doors. I’m pursuing my dreams and my passions, and you know what? I don’t care if I don’t succeed, cause I know it’s not about that anymore. It’s about this–you don’t have the final say in my life. God does. I do. And I’m not letting you decide for me anymore what I can’t or can do.

So this is me. Fearless. Busting through mediocrity, unfettered by reality. I’m going to pursue my passions. I’m going to follow hard after God. I’m going to change the world–I’m going to make a diffference. You know why? Because I’m not afraid to, anymore. So YOU better be afraid of me. Cause here I come.