Writing Tidbits Part IV: Fearless Writing

Into the Reservoir

Fearlessness is not brash, nor filled with bravado. It is not false courage nor hubris. It is not devil-may care. Fearlessness is quiet with confidence, and authentic in its inner strength. Fearlessness does not demand the highest place nor desire another’s harm. Fearlessness liberates all within its reach and in its wake life proliferates.

How does one write fearlessly? I honestly don’t know the full answer to that. Maybe we are always growing into a more fearless way of being and writing. It took me a full year after I got my website to begin posting on my blog. I was afraid I would be boring. I was afraid I wouldn’t have enough to say. I was afraid the world would blow up if I made a mistake. Well, maybe that last one was a bit of an exaggeration, but still, it kind of felt that way. I’m still fearful but I’m going in the direction of surrender and it feels pretty good.

I found Jacob Olesen’s article, "Fear of Writing Phobia – Graphophobia or Scriptophobia" on the website fearof.net. I’m a bit of a logophile, so when I saw the title with a new word, I was thrilled. “…from the Latin word script meaning writing and phobos which is the Greek word for fear or dread.”

Anxiety, or fear, for me is a lot about the need to control, wanting to control my sense of vulnerability. As Olesen points out, the possibility of rejection or ridicule is daunting. He goes on to talk about humiliating experiences we may have had in childhood when expressing ourselves and how that may effect us as adults.

I find that it’s often the fearful child part of me that is speaking loudly against risk taking. That’s when I have to invite the other members of my “soul committee” to the table for a vote, perhaps the “Wisened Woman” and the “Fearless Adventurer.” This is the time for me to surrender to the courageous parts of me that are vying for a place at the table.

At any rate, there are some tried and true ways to deal with “scriptophobia.” First of all, if it is truly a debilitating reality for you, Olesen suggests finding professional help, a therapist or counselor. If what you’re dealing with is more like an annoying obstacle where a little encouragement, or a lot of encouragement will suffice, know that you are not alone. Anyone who has ceased being wary of exposing their inner thoughts is either a borderline narcissist or has reached Nirvana.

So I propose we accept our fears as a normal challenge. And then put into place some strategies that may help us “desensitize” a little. Simply pushing through with gentle persistence on small projects while being patient with ourselves is a good start. Consistency is another great tool for fighting that sense of dread in facing the blank page. I imagine fire fighters or even accountants are intimidated in the beginning or when they feel they’ve grown rusty. I even have a little anxiety when I try to ride a bike after a long hiatus.

What happens if we allow fear to dictate aspects of our writing life? Writing is our reflective voice. If we can’t reflect in a way that’s free from intimidation, we’ve lost something really critical. And so has the world. Authentic, honest voice is one of the missing ingredients in our culture. It is a major component of integrity. And integrity is one of the most important building blocks in a strong society. It goes without saying that truth telling, the kind that adds value, is always wrapped in compassion.

When we are free, and we breakthrough into truth telling, we add our little drop of crystal clear water to the reservoir which is so necessary for humanity’s journey into greater maturity. It does matter…every drop.

What does fearless writing look like for you?

Writing Prompt For The Week: Honesty