30 Day Journal Affirmation Challenge (Day 5) Response
Proverbs 23:7a says, “for as he thinks in his heart, so is
he.” This proverb applies to writers in an
absolute way.
If a writer thinks negatively of themselves or their
writing, then that is what they are. “The
thoughts and inclinations of the heart shape the reality of who you are. They
shape your thinking which will ultimately shape your actions.” (Haynes Jr.). Thus, it is vitally important that writers
think of themselves as writers.
They must say it in their heads. They must believe it in
their hearts. They must speak it with
their mouths. They must write it with their hands. “I am a writer.” The more that a writer says this, the more
they believe it.
Writing is all about writing no matter what. No matter what people say about your
writing. No matter the rejection you
face. No matter the pounding negativity of
self-doubt. No matter the self-pity that
you heap upon yourself. Writing is a journey
into a horrible abyss that leads to an upwelling of inspiration that can
inspire, help, motivate, and cheer others on.
But, the writer must have the right mindset.
An even harder thing to think is… “I am a great writer.” Great requires you to be considerably above what
is normal or average. And in all honest,
great is relative to each person’s definition.
So, there is no clear picture of what a great writer is. It is subjective to how each person defines greatness. This is where the writer must dig deep within
themselves and say, “I am working on greatness.” The focus must not be on being great so much
so, as it should be on the quality of being great or considerably above normal
or average. To obtain greatness, writers
must hone their craft and learn. They must
learn more about themselves, their art, their craft, and their process. To be great is a lifelong journey. And even in these moments, self-doubt and
self-pity come into play. This point is
where writers become great, they keep writing, despite they negativity they
place on themselves.
Writers should call themselves writers. Once you consistently put words on the page
in a coherent, comprehensive, and consequential way, you are a writer. Writers should also call themselves great
writers. As you remain steadfast as a
writer, and grow to know yourself, your art, your craft, and your process, you
are a great writer.
If you want to be a writer, you have to think it in your
heart and act on that belief. Just as you
must do to become a great writer.
As Haynes writes… “That’s why what you think about matters,
because it is forming the basis of who you will become.”
Haynes Jr., Clarence L. “3 Reasons Proverbs 23:7 Says 'as a
Man Thinks, so He Is'.” Crosswalk.com,
Salem Web Network, 6 July 2020,
https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/reasons-proverbs-237-says-as-a-man-thinks-so-he-is.html.