I’m going to be joining a writing group! I really couldn’t be more excited. I’ve been looking for a writing group for a while now; even toying with the idea of starting my own. Coming as I do from a theatrical background, it’s hard for me to sit alone with my creativity. I miss the community of a cast, the immediate feedback from fellow performers, directors, the audience. To be part of a group of writers will give me some of that back. So, as I said, I’m really excited.
When my friend contacted me to see if I wanted to join this group, my immediate reaction was to list all of the reasons why I couldn’t possibly do it.
What is up with that?
Fortunately, I caught myself, and came up with a way around every roadblock I had erected. But it seems like whenever I’m presented with something I really want, a similar thing happens. And it’s not just me, apparently (thank god – I’m not completely crazy). I hear it coming from clients, friends and co-workers, too. ‘I wish … but I couldn’t possibly.’
The thing is, we all can. Whatever it is, we can have it/do it/be it. It depends on how much we want to put into getting it. And how open we are to the idea that we can have it.
I’ve come to believe that ‘can’t’ is a perspective. Take a step to the right or the left, back up a little, whatever, and the perspective changes. A new way forward presents itself. Really. Try it.
Here’s an example:
Original position: I can’t get the dishes done or vacuum the floor today, I don’t have time.
Change in perspective: (phone rings) Hi Honey. You’re bringing who over to see our place?!
Shifted position: I can to do the dishes and vacuum the floor while I'm waiting for the laundry.
Okay, it's a simple example. It's about shifting things around on the to-do list, not deciding to believe that you can win a Nobel Peace Prize. But isn't deciding to win the prize also about shifting things around on your to-do list - hence changing your perspective on what is important?
Just a thought.
I'm going to watch how many times 'can't' comes up for me this week. I'll bet there's a way around it.
I'd love to hear your stories, too. What have you accomplished that you originally thought you couldn't?