I have discovered many bridges in my writing. They come in all shapes and sizes. For such immobile structures, they sure can cause a ruckus in my life. But I have come to realize that it is how I deal with each bridge along the way that helps define the type of person and writer I can become.
This type of bridge is my favorite. Open. Friendly. It invites me to walk across and discover what is on the other side. It offers tranquility to my thoughts and clarity to my writing. All is right in my universe and I open my eyes wide to gather it all in. I like these kind of bridges in my world. They connect me to family, friends, and to my writing audience which constantly reaffirms that I am on the right path.
Sometimes I like this kind of bridge, and sometimes I don't. On cloudy days, this bridge hides things from me. It taunts me with what is hidden just out of my reach and frustrates me with my inability to complete my daily writing task. I never know what is lurking in its shadows and can only rely on my innate ability to keep pushing myself forward until I cross this bridge and can step back into the sunshine.
On sunny days, this bridge brings comfort and shelter from the obstacles that are thrown in my path. Sturdy and unyielding, this bridge allows me to draw on the strength of my writing skills to have a good day at my desk. It doesn't allow me to get distracted by things like email, television, or the phone ringing. I am focussed like my bridge and staying the course.
This is the bridge of my nightmares. A path leading into the unknown where whirlwind thoughts and unrelenting criticism prevents me from reaching my goals. Self-doubts weigh this bridge down and threaten to drag me down with it. I don't come across this bridge too often, but when I do, I remember to look around me and grab on to the hands of other travelers on this road to publication. That way we can form a bond strong enough to pull each of us to the other side!
What type of bridge do YOU come across each day? And more importantly...HOW do you cross it? With shoulders drooped and shuffling step? Or with chest stuck out and a spring in your step? If you are really lucky, you just might run across that bridge and do the victory dance on the other side!
Just watch out for that troll!
Sometimes the troll that lurks below is our ownself.
ReplyDeleteLove what you said: "But I have come to realize it is how I deal with every bridge along the way that helps define the type of person and writer I can become."
Each step of the journey changes us, Donna ;D
I totally agree, LJ! I even wrote a short, personal essay last year about a real bridge that I have to deal with daily and how I was transformed by at last facing my "demon". I'm so happy on this road with so many other writers...it's like being on a constant "high"! Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!
DeleteThis post provoked quite a bit of thought and reflection for me, Donna. In writing, I love the symbolism of bridges, and have used that symbolism in some of my poetry. Bridges in music are necessary connections between one phase of a piece to the next phase, sometimes with a beauty all their own. I hadn't thought of the ways the writing process can be a bridge connecting the journey of a piece of writing from where it's been to where it needs to go.
ReplyDeleteIn real life, too often I have let bridges scare me. I wasn't able to walk very far out onto Westminster Bridge across the Thames in London, although I wanted to. The water flowing beneath me, and the traffic rushing past me, were too much movement for me, even though the bridge was obviously solid beneath my feet. I can see now, with the analogy to writing, that I can perhaps walk across that bridge with confidence next time -- in both the writing and the walking, I need to concentrate on the bridge itself, and on the destination, not on the many distractions that whiz and flow around me. Next time I'm in London, I will have to test that theory! Meantime, I'll try to keep my focus on the bridge of writing and the destination of the story.
Thank you.
Awwww, Beth, what a beautiful comment to my post. I have lost count of the number of bridges, both real and imagined, that I have allowed to stand in my way over the years. I even wrote a personal essay last year about a real bridge that I had to work hard to overcome the fear I had in crossing it. Now, I hardly give it a thought during my daily commute. Here is to the bridges in our lives and may we always have the strength and resolve to search for what awaits us on the other side!
Deleteahhh.. the many bridges of writing, and of life. They certainly shape us alright!
ReplyDeleteI usually approach many of them gingerly, with caution, afraid of heights, afraid to fall, I hate to look down, but I do. It is only when I am halfway across, the end insight I realise, I can do this.... yep I can do this!
Yes, Diane, you can!
DeleteI love this post! The bridge for writing for me, mostly feels like one that has a big gap in the middle. I can see the other side, and I think I can jump...but I am scared. That to me is the best analogy. GREAT post. Thanks Donna!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Loni! I am touched that people are able to take something away from my writing...something that they can relate to and apply it in their own lives. It is this sense of wonder over that fact that keeps me coming back to my blog each morning to see what else I can encourage you with! Thanks for stopping by, and please, come back any time!
ReplyDeleteI love your bridge analogy, Donna, and the pictures. I spend far too much time on that last bridge - the scary hanging one - only mine has way less holding it together and lots of gaps like Diane said! I've been thinking that maybe I need to mind-over-matter it - just pretend the footing is secure and walk along like I haven't a care in the world :)
ReplyDeleteSusanna, I wonder within the world of writing, when we face that "swinging bridge", what would truly happen if we crossed that bridge? For myself, it might mean I won't become a "published" author. But guess what? I'm not one NOW and have never had so many wonderful writing friends to offer comfort and support on my path to publication! I think I tend to make mountains out of a molehills regarding the unknowns in my life. Maybe we just need to run across that bridge together? ;0)
DeleteIf all else fails, we crawl across the way my uncle crawled across a suspension bridge in BC. He made it across, but it wasn't easy. But, he had that triumph of making it across.
DeleteIn all reality I could not have done what your uncle accomplished. I've placed one foot on a suspension bridge one time and NOTHING could entice me to be able to cross! How sweet THAT journey must have been! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteHa--I'm the crazy writing adventurer who thinks the last bridge looks the coolest! Kind of makes me think of taking chances and being convinced what you're doing is right. But the second bridge is probably the best place...where things are mysterious, but not seemingly impossible.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Heather! If we ALL liked crossing the same type of bridge, we would only have cookie cutter books and what fun would THAT be? Your comments make me wonder what interesting stories YOU write! Come back and visit any time!
DeleteI absolutely loved this post! It was very inspiring.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Annie...and thanks for stopping by! Come back any time!
DeleteDonna, you have such a way with analogies. Thank you for sharing your idea of the bridge. I will definitely be more intune to how I cross those bridges in my life.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words, Marcie. I really don't know where I get my ideas...they just come to me...usually in my dreams...and I wake up with what I'm going to write that day. I don't question it any more...just try to get out of my head and down on paper before I forget it! Lol...thanks for stopping by...come back any time!
DeleteYikes that's a scary last picture. I think we've all crossed bridges like that.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Hannah! Thanks for stopping by...come back any time!
ReplyDeleteI think I found your blog in the Deja Vu blogfest, but you're welcome to check mine out at http://www.bookinamonthmom.blogspot.com.
ReplyDeleteThat way you can keep up with my writing and the way I teeter along on that third bridge! Ha. I can't tell who all my followers are, but if you're already a follower, just disregard this! I enjoy reading your posts!
Thank you, Heather, for giving me your blog address...I now am eagerly following you! And congratulations on the two books! I am glad that you are enjoying my posts as well!
Delete