We so often talk about centering ourselves. Finding our inner strength. Searching for, and finding, the person we were meant to be.
Well, bravo that.
But what about getting out of our own way? How often do we consider that as a path to success, to fulfillment?
Not often enough.
As a writer, I often plumb my own life to find the catalyst of a story. The spark is hidden in my past somewhere — a struggle or a victory. But I’m learning more and more that to write the real story, the better story, I have to get out of the way and let the story become all it can be. I have to remove myself from the story, stop focusing on the “me” element, and allow the story flourish all on its own.
Yes, my life is made up of stories worth telling. But when I push myself out of the center of the universe, I am aware of so much more. Other people. Their stories. How God is working … in both people’s lives and in how He wants me to write the story He’s given me.
In Others’ Words: How do you avoid “Blind I” syndrome?
[ctt template=”8″ link=”_sid1″ via=”yes” ]In Others’ Words: Blind “I” https://ctt.ec/_sid1+ #InOthersWords #lifequotes #refocusing @bethvogt[/ctt] [ctt template=”8″ link=”69aqg” via=”yes” ]”We all need https://ctt.ec/69aqg+ remove ourselves from the oppressive “I” of the universe…” https://ctt.ec/TUHiW+ @leslielfields #quote @bethvogt[/ctt]
Comments 10
Don’t care who I was meant to be.
Don’t care about getting out of my way.
If I write with diligence, I’m a filter through which my experiences can be made universal. That’s enough.
Author
Andrew:
If anyone has been de-centered, it’s you. And you do write with diligence and sacrifice … and your experience encourages and motivates others. More than enough, my friend.
If I focus on using my God-given gifts to bring others value, it brings me the highest reward and abundance. Only when I take myself out of the equation can I accomplish this. I work to think about this: what’s in it for my readers? What can I do to bring value to them and those I serve? What do they need that I have? We are all unique with specific gifts. When I write a book, I think about what the character arc ‘message’ is and how I can use that message to bridge gaps and bring value in other ways.
This takes practice. It takes getting out of my own way. It takes determination to keep my ego out of it. It’s not easy, but something I’ve been working at.
Great post, Beth!
Author
Appreciate you sharing all those questions you ask yourself, Michelle! They are a great way to refocus — or de-center — ourselves.
Teaching through the years has been the biggest shoe horn for me to get genuinely interested and involved in the lives of so many I’ve taught. Their situations and responses greatly add to my arsenal of scenario possibilities and enrich my perspective. They’ve changed my life and many are gracious enough to say I’ve changed theirs. I couldn’t be more grateful.
Author
Dee:
I’d love to sit in one of your classes sometimes, just to watch you in action — and to watch your students interact with you! (I’d sit in the back and soak it all in!) 🙂
When life feels like it’s coming down on me, it’s hard to get out of the Blind I mode. I’m slowly learning. I need to pray that God helps me see other perspectives, or at least see my situation through HIs eyes. When I can do this, I find my perspective and my attitude much changed.
Author
I learn over and over again: It’s all about perspective. Perspective changes everything. That’s why getting away from it all can make such a huge difference in refocusing. We broaden our vision.
I can’t take myself out of the equation in my own power…it takes Him living in me. Sometimes I just say, “Really, Pat? This is not about you.”
Author
Love this, Pat! Yes, sometimes we just need to give ourselves a good talking to! 🙂