“The relationship between commitment and doubt is by no means an antagonistic one. Commitment is healthiest when it’s not without doubt but in spite of doubt.” Rollo May

Isn’t that a great way of looking at things. Does it pop out at you like it does at me?

Rollo May’s quote literally jumped off the page at me this morning. Provoked an instant triple reaction: solar plexus – bumphh whizz!, brain – thank you! Yay!! heart – melt, weep, gratitude.

Let me explain: you know that thing where you’ve been going over something in your mind for hours and then validation of the conclusion you’ve reached comes and pops you on the nose? It was that.

I’ve written about the need for recognition, validation of what we do. Recognition reinforces my decisions, boosts my confidence and gives me the little push I need to go to the next stage.

What I’ve noticed of late is that I’m starting to have an autonomous firmer conviction deep inside, of what is right for me.

It ties in too with a notion I’ve had about the fight to allow time for creativity, it’s a visualisation really: instead of trying to make myself be creative, to constantly do battle to allow time, to find space for creation, instead of that, I simply acknowledge that my creator (the me who creates) is the real me, and allow that me to be first. Not easy, but powerful. At least, it hits the spot for me right now.

Effective? Don’t know yet, I’ll let you know.

And so,

I’ve been experimenting of late, trying out new ways of using my camera, creating abstract images, impressions; playing too with words, creating something which I am almost able to call poetry. This work, tentative though it is, appeals to some aesthetic value I’m as yet unable to name. I’m glad of it, secretly proud of it. (Is any of this resonating for you, does it remind you of your growing, of your secret longings?)

And hardly anyone has noticed. With a couple of important exceptions no one has fed my need for recognition. And I’ve noticed that.

Shall I retreat, ashamed, mortified, eyes fixed on the floor, feeling foolish, flushed red, run, escape, then, relieved, press my back against the solid wall of ‘safety’?

Or carry my doubt carefully in my cupped hands, interwoven lovingly with my commitment to being first and foremost a creative being?

What do you think? What would you do? What will you do?

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Trust that still, small voice that says, “this might work and I’ll try it”. Diane Mariechild

The photograph is another from a set taken at Cambo House. I am exploring the possibilities of creating impressionistic images by deliberating blurring photgraphs. Click to see more of these shots on Flickr.

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Every wave transforms, covers, washes, gives and takes
The tide, the rhythm of the moon, night and day
The waves of our lives, of light, of dark, of dawn, of dusk
Gently, mostly, bringing those small changes.

Look back, you looked the same, yet you are changed
By the waves.

And on this, layer what you will
You are not the sand, the rocks, the pebbles, seaweed, shells
You are a sentient, creative being
Yes, lie there, do, lie in the waves for a time, bathed by sea and sun
You need that rest, but then
Rise up and Be

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