Thanks for the Resistance – Again!

Now that’s Resistance!

If this Thanksgiving post sounds familiar, it’s because I’ve published it before. It bears repeating.

As a writer, what do you give thanks for? Your computer? Teachers who taught you to read and write? Writers who inspire you? Your vision and the flexibility of your fingers and brain?

Do you give thanks for your resistance?

When we feel resistance, we both want and don’t want to write, usually because we’re afraid. Or we want to write, but there is something holding us back.

The fact that you still want to write shows your courage and the depth of your creativity. The fact that you need to move through resistance to write shows that what you’re working on is worthwhile.

Writing what you resist challenges you to step beyond your comfort zone and gives you opportunities to grow as a writer and as a human being.

Respect your resistance. Consider what it has to tell you. Usually we’re resistant because something vital is missing – time, inspiration, research, reassurance, support, witnesses, illumination, respect.

Ask your resistance what you need to move forward. Give yourself that even if it seems silly or irrational.

Give thanks for your resistance. It is a normal, natural part of a writer’s life. Give thanks for the insight and courage you’ve been given to move through resistance. Give thanks for the Divine light shining within that drives your desire to write.