Going a Little Crazy
Currently I’m rereading Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg.
I’ve read this book before and before that and I’m enjoying it all over again. I like being reminded to simply write–without pretense or perfection. Just empty my busy mind on the page and then move on.
One particular paragraph captured my attention and you don’t have to be a ‘writer’ to get it and to use it in your life regardless of your age or station or ancestry or religion or gender or whatever.
Here it is: “At some point in our lives we have to be crazy, we have to lose control, step out of our ordinary way of seeing, and learn that the world is not the way we think it is, that it isn’t solid, structured and forever … (so) live on the edge for awhile.” And I add to that while you can sInce we don’t know when our time will be over.
What does that mean for you and for me? Well the answer to that question is as individual as apples in a basket.
What might be crazy behavior for one might be status quo for another and vice versa. For me, going a little crazy took these forms:
• taking a trip without a travel partner (first time ever to do that) but it was a smashing success
• tangling with my publisher (politely, I hope) for a book cover that truly reflects my writing
• standing up, instead of buckling, to a family member over something important to me
• going off a medication despite my physician’s advice–and achieving the results I wanted
• shutting down a friendship that was damaging my self-confidence and worth
and so on and on. I feel a little crazy sometimes when I’m in the midst of an experience I have strong feelings about and I get scared and worried that I’ve gone too far out on this limb and it’s sure to break and send me reeling. But then I look at all the successes I’ve had, and some of the setbacks too, when I stick up for myself. Were they worth the risk? Absolutely. I take a deep breath and carry on. I’m beginning to like going a bit crazy from time to time. The status quo is just too boring!
How about you? Are you willing to go a bit ‘crazy’ in your life while you still can?
I’d love to hear about it.
Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
Job 42:2 “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”
Love it! We DO need to go a little “crazy” sometimes.
Thanks, Melody. I totally agree.
Hi Karen, You inspired me in a recent post to read Writing Down the Bones for the first time. I checked out the audio version from the library and have learned so much from it. I remember the quote you mention here and am intrigued by your take on it, to try crazy or new behaviors in life, and not just in writing. Thanks so much for sharing that. I especially appreciate your courageous examples! Blessings to you, Nancy
Hi Nancy. How cool to hear from you. Thanks for your affirming comment.
Oh, Karen, I’ve been there and done that! It is good, I think, to just be ourselves occasionally, rid ourselves of toxic people, and not give in to the demands of others.
I have Writing Down the Bones in my collection of books on art and writing. You’ve encouraged me to dust it off and read it again. I often learn more from a second reading – or third – of a really good book. Perhaps that is why my shelves are overflowing.
So glad you had a nice trip. I’d love to do that but others discourage me because of my age. See what I mean? BTW, I think of age as “acute geriatric episodes”.
Good luck with your publisher and anything else upsetting your apple cart.
Marie
Thanks, Marie. I really appreciate your input. You have always inspired me.
I have never heard of this book but it sure sounds like one I would enjoy–OR WOULD I?? Smile! You see, in writing the book about my life I have been reading my journals to be accurate about some of my “memories” to put in my book. After I had been divorced a few years I met a really nice man and I got so disgusted while reading my comments about how “precious” he was, how we enjoyed each other and both of us felt we had a lot in common but there were some ciricumstances that kept us apart for a while and he married someone else! Actually, it was a blessing as I later met the perfect Christian man for me. NOW the way I see the connection with your blog tonight is this: I really did act crazy but it was nice while it lasted!! I have no regrets about my actions. I have a few lady friends and sometimes all of us act REAL crazy and it is a lot of fun. This may not “fit” the book but I still think I have acted “crazy” at times and enjoyed it! The memories bring back a good laugh.
Thanks for another good thought. Blessings, Margaret
Thanks, Margaret. Like you, I’ve done a few crazy things I’d rather not admit, but they have all added to my life experiences that brought me to where I am today–safe in the Lord–and with lessons learned.
I’ve started writing a book that will almost certainly never get published, or sell if I were to self publish it. Yes, that’s crazy, but it’s fun.
So glad you are having fun writing your new book. Publishing is not always all that it’s cracked up to be. Sometimes we just have to write for our own pleasure and growth.
Good for you, and good post! Those are some hard, but rewarding choices. Following Jesus’s leading us IS a little crazy at times!
So true. Even Jesus did some ‘crazy’ stuff that at the time seemed scandalous to onlookers.
I loved this, Karen! More than once I’ve told friends, “The older I get, the bolder I get.” 🙂 I’m proud of you for “going a little crazy,” and I appreciated your wonderful examples. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks for chiming in , Judy. It’s always good to hear from you and I’m tickled to hear you are getting bolder as you get older.
Like Judy, I’m getting older and bolder! I’m starting to consider doing things I’ve never done before-like owning a Tiny House & traveling on my own. How else am I going to get started on my Bucket List unless I just “do it?”
You have always been an inspiration to me. Thanks again for your uplifting and encouraging words!, Karen!
Hugs,
Glenda
Thanks, Glenda. A tiny house (even smaller than your current one, which is so adorable)? It does sounds like fun. I look at these houses on HGTV and think what fun it would be to have such a doll house! Thanks for your encouraging words.
Hi Karen,
I’ve been trying something new with my writing and that is to JUST write and not worry about writtenese and editing as I go. It is helping me to find my voice. I don’t think this was the crux of your blog but its what came to mind when I read your it. Other than that, I pretty much am crazy all the time. I’ve done so many crazy things recently that its hard to pick just one. GBY and your blog, which I enjoy.
JimW
Thanks for your comment, Jim. I think it applies very well to what I wrote about. Going a little crazy to me is taking chances, trying new things, regardless of the venue. I like hearing you are allowing yourself to simply write! Keep on.
Thanks for the reminder, Karen, that we need to be a bit crazy at times. For me, being crazy right now includes going in for knee replacement surgery to regain more mobility, planning a move this Fall, and enjoying my husband, family and home. I love hearing how you’ve gone a bit crazy and changed things that weren’t effective for you, like a draining friendship or standing up for your book cover. Good on ya, matey!
Thanks, Carol. I liked reading your list too! Great to spend time with you and Don last week.
I went a little crazy and started taking college courses at my age (73) And joined a club for professional Business women. And really went crazy and went to Dillard’s store to buy an all weather coat and bought two, instead! They are alike but different colors. I figure at my age….it’s time to be little wild! Apparently, you do too Karen! thanks for sharing with us, the readers.
Thanks, Mary, for sharing your way of going a bit wild and crazy. I am smiling from ear to ear. I love it. Keep on keeping on. You inspire me.