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It’s interesting how when a person is drawn to and inspired by a particular moral topic that topic seems to become a central theme for his/her life, a challenge—at whatever level, critical or mundane—that stretches that individual far left and then far right to beyond comfort. A mundane example would be when someone says something stupid or does something stupid deliberately aimed at you...repeatedly. This, like any wrongdoing, calls for the Biblical principle of seventy times seven. You really should forgive them...repeatedly, when all you want to do is smack them upside the head. God forgive me.
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When a televised reality show/docudrama, Breaking Pointe, aired a six week behind-the-scenes glimpse into the company, Ballet West, depicting the inside world of a dancer (and believe me - it is such an inside world), I was motivated to watch. When I found that the show didn’t candy coat anything, instead displayed the “blood, sweat, and tutus” as another writer described it, I was tongue-in-cheek proud. Breaking Pointe is really, truly a blunt and honest portrayal of what it’s like to dance professionally; the dedication, commitment, passion, precision, pain, drama, obsessiveness, difficulty to maintain relationships due to the shifting nature of the work, demands, the need to excel, perfectionism, distinct lifestyle—even touching on the actual caloric consumption of a dancer (huge!)—all of it exposed and defined extremely well. Took me back, made me laugh, experience anxiety, feel anger, and cry. I’m crossing my fingers and hoping that a Season 2 is in the works. If not, at the very least, I keep up on the news from Ballet West. They’re definitely a company worth watching.
Might be overused, but I still favor the phrase It is what it is. In some situations it’s really the best description. For example, when a circumstance is such that you pray for change yet change doesn’t come. In spite of valiant efforts, if something doesn’t transform, at some point you have to toss your hands to the heavens and say, “It is what it is,” in order to move forward.
There’s something of a comfort in the act of simply accepting a condition even though it’s not at all what you desired. It is what it is . . . a reminder, a mindset, that I’m not the one in control. I never was nor will be. The One who holds the fact, future, and hope is what it is. I could choose to fret and clamor for something evidently futile, or trust to learn from, grow, and progress through an experience. Fretting or trusting today, which will it be? It’s said that poetry, a literary art, can evoke great emotion. It has the power to encourage and enlighten. To draw one into another’s plight or perhaps discover a shared experience, providing a deeper touch of humanity. The Psalms is one of the greatest collections of literary art—poetry, songs, and prayer—all an expression extending from the condition of
the heart. Oft times directed toward the One who created the heart and loves it so unconditionally. Poetry is a gift of the Divine. “Beautiful words stir my heart. I will recite a lovely poem about the king, for my tongue is like the pen of a skillful poet.” (Psalm 45:1, NLT) Literary Agent, Rachelle Gardner, said this: "Readers' opinions of your work will vary but in the end, the way anyone responds to your work will only matter if you've written the truth as you know it, or are discovering it . . . This is what you have to offer the world Yourself. Put it on the page, even if it's scary."
So there it is. Writers are scary. If we write the truth. Our thoughts, views, and perspectives transcribed into scenes, plots, and characters - how far do we take it? How much do we risk? If we actually offer the world ourselves, then we risk it all. If we hold back, then we cheat the world of our truths. U.S. First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, said: “Do one thing every day that scares you.” Everyday I strive to do something scary. As long as I write what is authentic for me, essentially offering myself, I need not worry. Not everybody will understand, but those who do will understand completely. Blisters on my feet . . . it’s been years since I’ve had blisters on my feet. Following retirement from dance my calluses have gradually softened . . . way softened. But I’ve decided to dance again – not for performance but personal sake. Gallant musician friends have whipped me into shape. Sure, my technique isn’t as sharp and my body is not nearly as flexible—but I’m not a complete loss. What I’ve learned is that “the dancer” never really leaves a dancer. It’s a passion and I’ve missed nurturing it. It simply is something that brings joy. And I’ve always delighted in the process of choreography, even—and sometimes especially—improvised. My feet are getting ugly again and that brings a certain satisfaction. For a gal in her 40’s starting over, this round of blister pain is bliss. Better than the first time.  I’ve officially signed with Soul Mate Publishing for the publication of now my 2nd novella, Sea God’s Siren (which will follow the release of my 1st novella, Wind’s Aria) – and the future of the series, The Brother’s Keep, looks optimistic. The position I’m in right now as a writer is exciting and the
possibilities are endless. I’ve found a niche that I absolutely love and that proves incredibly creative and freeing. It feels oh-so-right. I’m happy to be a part of this publishing house. A component of my contractual process has involved completing cover art information forms to submit to the artist. What fun it’s been! I’m curious to see the artist’s results. Also, I’ve been researching marketing options for these upcoming launches and the outlook is positive. Aside from this latest, I’ve had two big freelance jobs to complete this week. Done! It’s been a good and productive span. |
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TESSA STOCKTON, AUTHOR -
Pressing through life, love, a few things that matter, and a lot of things that don't.
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