Sometimes we conquer our fears, qualm our anxieties and find answers to our questions through journaling. Here is a recent sample from my journal, inspired by a passage from Julia Cameron’s book, Walking in the World.

“. . . experience teaches that life, especially life in the arts, is as much about mystery as it is about mastery.”     Julia Cameron p. 48 Walking in the World

          As I read these lines the feelings inside grew – the feelings that when I relax and “watch,” the mysteries unfold before me. Almost like reading a novel. There is a bit of the anxiety, the – I don’t want to use the word fear for that is too imprisoning – nervousness, trepidation feel more in harmony. For when I read a good mystery novel, I enjoy the feeling, almost relish it. I tell myself, “This isn’t real, it’s just a story.” Yet, there is much truth in our fiction and we can learn from that as well as life.

          What if I were to tell myself that my life here is not real? That it is just a story unfolding here on earth. That my real story is the one behind this one, the one where we all will greet our Magnificent Creator and see how much we truly learned in our sojourn on earth?  How would I then react to the “mysteries” in current living? The unknowing? The questions of who? What? When? Where? How? What if I could just “play along” with this inner urging to move into a new realm, stretch beyond my comfort zone and go with the flow? Or perhaps become a “detective” and listen closely, watch carefully for the clues as to where I need to look next? What I might do to unravel the mystery and move ahead a bit more?  

          And once this particular mystery is solved, will I be ready for the next one? Will I ask for more? Bring it on. I want to grow. I want to know more! YES! This is my life. Somehow, I do believe – no, I KNOW that that is where I find the energy, the excitement to move ahead to keep on keeping on when all seems dark and scary. I master the mystery by simply enjoying the challenges of watching it unfold and walking right through it to the masterpiece of resolution . . . for now. The sequel will follow shortly.

Thank you Father.

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Copyright 2007 by Joanne K. Hill