Being a writer is fun, yet frustrating at times. Just like real life. Interested now?
True Story Ahead
I’m learning to sit down at my computer and just start writing. I write whatever pops into my mind. It helps get the juices flowing.
Tonight, I practiced this approach.
Eight short sentences, almost poem-like, ended up on the page.
And then I heard, “Now that you got that out of your system.”
Bahahaha! 🙂
That didn’t take long for an interruption.
Apparently, I needed to get those eight sentences out of me so that I could focus on what God really wants me write about today.
Ironically, that is what He wants me to write about today: what the title says.
Get to the Good Stuff
As I ponder that response from God Himself, I realize this isn’t the first time I’ve heard Him or others say that to me. And I know I’ve said it to others myself.
“Now that you got that out of your system…”
Sometimes we need to release the not-so-good stuff that’s cluttering the space inside of us so that we can get to good stuff.
It’s like Anne Lamott’s “Shitty First Drafts” or as Brené Brown refers to them our “SFDs.”
I think it was Henry Blackaby who wrote that we should not take seriously someone’s first reaction because it’s not usually their true feeling or thought on an issue or even their best response. Don’t quote me on that because it’s been a few years since I read Blackaby.
The point is, we all need to release stuff (SFDs) from time to time so that we can see more clearly, hear more clearly, think more clearly, speak more clearly and yes, write more clearly.
I know, that’s a lot of “clearly’s.”
Let me be clear on this.
It’s okay to have SFDs. Why do you think I journal so much? I’m decluttering an awful lot with God.
Today, I could have written way more of my SFD and He knew it, which is why I’m convinced He interrupted me after only eight sentences. He knew I’d gotten rid of enough insignificant writing.
My Communication Advice
I know we’re pretty busy this time of year. There’s lots of stuff to think about and accomplish. Maybe we should be gracious to each other like God was to me tonight, and just let each other get stuff out of our systems for a short bit so that we can help them see what really matters.
There’s nothing quite like being able to get stuff off our chests with another person who is gracious enough to listen and truthful enough to direct us when it’s time to get to the good stuff.
But don’t say it in a sarcastic, nasty tone when you finally do interrupt someone. Keep it simple and light-hearted just like God did with me.
“Now that you got that out of your system.”
So that I don’t get interrupted again. I bid you adieu. Now that I got that out of my system.
Michelle, I couldn’t help but think about the massive amount of decluttering needed in my basement when I read your post. I’ve been learning over the years how the physical influences the spiritual (which I suppose should have been obvious to me, but wasn’t). Thanks for the inspiration for cleaning! Too bad I’m on vacation and can’t take advantage of it. Lol
Pearl, I also have spaces in my home that need decluttering. It’s not just my mind when I write. I wish the clutter once cleaned up would stay decluttered 🙂 Now if I can just figure out how to do that, I’d truly have discovered something magical.