Comments on: You Don’t “Have To” Do Anything

By: Chris Edgar

Chris Edgar — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:14:43 +0000

There’s no one I’d rather share a wavelength with, Madame Funster. That pergola sounds like an awesome place to hang out. I imagine it being by the pool and exotic drinks with umbrellas being available.

By: Jannie Funster

Jannie Funster — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 22:27:27 +0000

Geez, we’re on the same wavelength today in the olde blogosphere, Mister Edgar.

I have totally hit that “Oh no, it’s been 3 (or 4,) days since my last post — I HAVE to publish something Great NOW” wall. Well, to heck with that self-erected wall. That wall has been busted down by the blog angels to be replaced by windows of higher understanding, windows without even screens. Let’s call it more of a pergola, really. An open pergola of self-love and positivity.

Or maybe just going for a walk. Or singing to the moon, a change of consciousness that opens our hearts to the flow of our own creativity.

By: Chris Edgar

Chris Edgar — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:50:53 +0000

Hi Giovanna — I like that way of putting it — that if you focus on meeting your own expectations rather than everyone else’s, that heavy feeling like you “have to” do everything goes away.

By: Giovanna Garcia

Giovanna Garcia — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 07:40:39 +0000

Hi Chris,

I believe if we are all doing our very best, than none of us have to justify anything to anyone.
In the end, there are only a few things that matter. And I live by just honoring those few things.
Thanks for sharing, I enjoy this topic.
Giovanna Garcia
Imperfect Action is better than No Action

By: Chris Edgar

Chris Edgar — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 02:01:00 +0000

Hi Stacey — yes, I think it’s hard to have faith in our instincts when we aren’t following some rational-sounding plan, but it also seems like the only way creativity can really come out.

By: Chris Edgar

Chris Edgar — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 01:59:31 +0000

Hi Davina — yes, it does seem hard to like what we do when we “have” to do it, doesn’t it — when we start becoming our own parents or drill sergeants to try to keep a routine.

By: Chris Edgar

Chris Edgar — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 01:58:04 +0000

Hi Sara — I liked what you said about being comfortable with having choice — I definitely experienced that in my old job, where I found myself preferring feeling trapped in my career situation to staring into the abyss of all the possibilities out there. Letting writing percolate for a while is hard for me to do as well but I’ve always found it rewarding.

By: Stacey Shipman

Stacey Shipman — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:45:00 +0000

Hi Chris – I have been feeling the same way, too about blogging, my business. So many shoulds! When I think I “should” writing is so much more work! I’ve been working to follow my gut more, rather than my mind. When I do life is “easier”.

By: Davina

Davina — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 23:34:01 +0000

Hi Chris. How true is this! Those “shoulds” add a lot of pressure. I’ve been feeling that same way about blogging lately. Feeling like I “have” to write. I LOVE to write, but when I add the should or have to, it makes it so much more difficult.

By: Sara

Sara — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 19:01:53 +0000

Chris — I liked this post very much and it’s a good reminder to me of what I’ve been trying to do with my life. I like the imagery of not “ordering myself around.” It makes me want to tell my bossy side to go take a hike for the day:~)

I’m semi-retired now, but for ages I kept up the 8 – 5 work pattern. I was so used to pushing myself and demanding that I be “productive” that I couldn’t even see that I had choices…and then it was also a long time before I was comfortable with those choices. The “shoulds” and “must dos” were strong voices inside me.

Slowly, I am learning the wisdom of your words. Now, if I don’t feel like writing, I go sit outside, read a book or take a nap. I let the writing sit. It’s not always easy for me to do this, but when I do, I usually find my voice again.

Thanks for this post:~)