Testing for Writer’s Block
By Constance Cassinelli, Inland Empire Branch
“Close your eyes and journey to a wonderful safe place, one where you have the fondest memories. Sit down, relax, and place what you fear in the distance. What do you see?” the therapist asked.
My mind immediately revisited a most cherished place in the woods where my brother and I spent many happy hours. We would cling to wild grapevines, swing back and forth over the creek, and practice our best Tarzan yodels.
As I rested on a large rock, I saw golden rays of sunlight shining down on the greenest patch of grass nearby. I told him It was beautiful. There was nothing to fear.”
“Well then, walk over and bask in the light of success,” he directed. I couldn’t.
“So, what is stopping you?” he asked.
“To get there, I have to cross that creek by balancing on a fallen, unstable limb of a tree. I can’t.”
“Speak to it.”
“I can’t.” It was ugly, rotted, and unreliable. Nothing happened. I sat stuck on the rock knowing I could be enjoying the beautiful, warm, light awaiting me in the distance if only I could reach it.
Finally, the limb of the tree spoke to me as if it was reading my mind, “Use me, you fool. If you fall off, you get your feet wet. So what, climb back on. Use me, you fool,” it commanded.
It was clear any writer’s block had nothing to do with the fear of success. No, there was a wonderful reward of basking in the bright light. The problem had to do with the systems and people I might have to deal with to reach my goal. Could they be trusted?
Perhaps I should recall my experience with the log the next time I have to also endure the frustration of processes and technology. Yes, I must remember those special words, “Use me, you fool!”
“Testing for Writer’s Block” originally appeared in
Fresh Ink, July 2019,
The newsletter of the Inland Empire Branch.