Getting Serious and Facing Fear

I'm finally creating another post after about seven months of not posting anything. The reasons for the delay are myriad, so I won't bother you with them. It is now time to write. I need share some thoughts as well as get some things off my chest.

I have discovered that my drive to write is now more toward things spiritual, philosophical, and immediate. I'm not ruling out fiction as well, but that is not where my current drive is. God bless my friends, the creators of fantastic worlds, the artists, the poets, and the misfits with unbounded imagination. You all have helped me to find my authentic self, to embrace who I am and to now finally move forward toward my passion. I'd like to personally thank some friends who have really inspired me. These are filmmaker and writer, Jamie McRoberts, writer and all-around book guru Michelle Anderson-Picarella, and photographer to the stars, Michael Strider. They have all been supportive of me, even during the times when I have not believed in myself. I've watched these creators follow their bliss for a long time now (even when it has cost them), and am proud to call them friends.

I do have a confession to make. I have held myself back for years primarily for one reason. That reason is fear. All of my life, I have tried to be a people-pleaser. You know the type. I try to make everything better for everyone and try to be everything that others want me to be. I have fought this all of my life, as many of those who know me well will attest. I have failed at times to stand up for others and for myself because I have been afraid of offending those that I care about or love. It has taken me a long time to realize that if any person doesn't like me or is disappointed in me because of what I believe or who I am, then that is the individual's problem. I will love that person as I do what I need to do and follow my path. I will express myself as I am moved to do so, but I have absolutely no intention of arguing. What we believe, each and every one of us, is very personal and very different, even when our beliefs are within the same general paradigm.

I am concerned about the world that we live in. I am concerned about how we treat each other and how we treat our planet. I am concerned about how we deal with the mystery of life in general. I cannot do anything but raise my voice to help others and to somehow heighten awareness.

The time for fear is over. Look for much more to come, my friends. The Journey is just beginning.