The more I write the more I
find out about myself. I never
leave the page disappointed. Well,
I lie. If nothing comes onto the
page, then I leave disappointed.
It’s not always easy. It’s a question of pushing
through the stubbornness and ploughing through the same random silly excuses.
Then all of a sudden I’m there. I’m in
that place where I begin to discover the real me that’s hidden, waiting, afraid almost,
under all those layers of rules, conventions, society classes … layers of a
world of cement that so often gave me a bum steer.
Never mind! Today is a brilliant day and it’s time
to share this gift. I’ve been told
over and over by those who have gone before me, that in order to keep it you have
to give it away. Share it. It's like love, the more you give the more you have to give.
This is not my invention and I don't attempt to take credit for it – people have been doing it for centuries – but I’ve added my own twist. A twist that comes from the
experiences of my life, the places I’ve visited, the people I’ve met, the relationships
I’ve had and those I’ve missed. It
comes from the words of other writers whom I have followed, observed and
read. And it comes most especially from things I've failed at, my mistakes, blunders, and poor choices.
A beautiful student of mine
of many, many years ago, Clarita Berenbau, died recently. She was only 30 years old and had given
birth to twin boys but never
lived to see their first birthday. Cancer didn't stop her; she made sure her life didn’t pass in vain. She spoke out about living a full life with "it" and
touched so very, very many people.
She will never know this, but
her life and testimony have ignited a new level of passion in me. Let this death not be in vain. Let the lesson not pass unlearned. This is but a beginning.
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Unless otherwise noted, all articles are written by Cath Rathbone. (Copyright Catherine (Cath) Rathbone and Noony Brown)