Uncorking the Joy

It was during the first grade of elementary school I perceived the influence of The Box on classmates and teachers alike. My definition of The Box is: Pressure to conform to the behavioral norms dictated by society. Being an inherently stubborn individualist, I defied The Box. I have remained ever faithful to my uniqueness by holding on to childlike enthusiasm like a miser with his cashbox. This philosophy agrees with that of Brenda Ueland whose acclaimed book If You Want to Write gives keys to finding uncorked joy in writing:

"…you are all original and talented and need to let it out of yourselves; that is to say, you have the creative impulse. But the ardor for it is inhibited and dried up by many things; as I said, by criticism, self-doubt, duty, nervous fear…; by anxiety about making a living, by fear of not excelling."

In years past, I’ve performed stand-up comedy; I met with limited success. Looking back now, I realize that -- although I sincerely hoped to bring joy and laughter to people -- my true aim in doing it was to unleash my pent-up enthusiasm. Acting out zeal for life in everyday circumstances had been a common practice of mine, but it was often considered strange. My new habit of releasing ebullience through writing has fashioned a change in me. I now exhibit a more natural, society-friendly posture; and I haven’t compromised my individuality.

Ueland’s book validates my experience. She wrote the following regarding William Blake, in which “Reason” exemplifies The Box:

"For this 'Reason' as Blake calls it (which is really just caution) continually nips and punctures and shrivels the imagination and the ardor and the freedom and the passionate enthusiasm welling up in us… And when a prominent citizen of his time, a logical, opining, erudite, measured, rationalistic Know-it-all, warned people against 'mere enthusiasm,' Blake wrote furiously…: 'Mere Enthusiasm is the All in All!'"

We are at our best, Euland tells us, when we write without self-consciousness -- delving into our writing, getting lost in it. We should retain a childlike freedom and carelessness. Euland urges us to be original, which is to be our true selves. Most importantly, if writing is the creative gift that brings us joy, we must write on; and do it in utter defiance of The Box.

(published in February 2006)