This post is inspired by an incredible human being who recently passed while reporting on the humanitarian crisis in Libya: Tim Hetherington.
We can’t wait for someone else to make this world better. It has to start with us. Individually, collectively, creatively. Life is a beautiful place but it is fraught with tragic reactions. When I sit down to write, it isn’t because it comes easy - it’s because sometimes it feels as if someone is tearing my soul out through my fingertips. But I do it. Because I have been through enough to know that silence is tarnishing. Deeply and unrelentingly.
I am a writer. I remember the first time I ever said that to someone. The first response was: Oh, where have I read your work? My reply: Oh, I’m not published yet but I AM a writer. To some, to those who wanted to be writers or were well established, at first they thought “wow, that audacity to call yourself a writer” but as it turns out, I still was. It didn’t take a name in print to make it so. It took the simple conviction of knowing I had something inside of me that was fighting to get out - simmering in the depths of my uncertainty and fear and hurt - it tore through my hesitation and bellowed loudly onto a page. I knew. Nothing could stop it from happening. That is why I do it. Not because I hope to make a fortune, while that would be lovely, I do it because in a moment when I have a choice to write or stay locked inside of my own internal cage, I set myself free.
Like everyone I have strong opinions and I disagree with a lot of things. I also believe that the human spirit is by far the most triumphant and we do not practice that gift enough. If any of you knew the things I have experienced, I think the look on your face would be disbelief. But in truth, someone else out there has been suffering silently and if in a single second - a millisecond - I give that person the courage to use their voice than everything is worth it. If I was not a mother, perhaps I would be out in the field risking my life to make things better in the world by using my voice and begging for justice and peace but I cannot. Instead I use these words, the conviction I have within to hope we all unite - to hope that we find a voice that isn’t silenced by hate or fear. I write because the alternative to do nothing will never be right. And as a mother, I have a responsibility to give love in every facet I can. I have to practice having more grace, more calm, more patience and I am. Every day. And in the midst of that, I hope to create works that move someone, allow anyone to feel alive again. To remind everyone that as silly as it sounds, the Beatles were right: Love is all you need. But that isn’t the kind of love you just wait for. It’s the kind of love you give every chance you get.
So sure, now I’m published and maybe I have an “acceptable” reason to finally call myself a writer but you know what? It doesn’t matter. All that matters is the words I write have some purpose. And in the end, when my life is evaluated, I can only hope I left this world more beautiful than when I found it. For my daughter. For you. For anyone who is willing to see the truth in setting yourself free long enough to give this life everything you have - To give this world life and optimism - because in truth, we are in real danger of losing that.
Written by Dawn Garcia
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