Wednesday, September 4, 2013

The Word, the Wish and the Miracle


Insecure Writers Support Group is the brainchild of Alex J. Cavanaugh. Purpose: to share and encourage. This is a group where writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. 

Considering the purpose of this group, my choice for today's post is kind of ironic. "..express...without fear of appearing foolish or weak." It is very rare for Father Dragon to actually post personal doubts and concerns for the IWSG.  Usually my posts are of encouragement. 

I don't think people expressing their doubts and fears are fools. On the contrary. I always tend to encourage people to tell me about their heartaches in the most sincere wish to help them. Along my life, many have sought for the dragon's ears and insight. Their confidence honored me and I tried to do my best, listening and giving insight from an impartial point of view; offering a truthful insight. Truthful in that I spoke my mind. I was never cruel but I also never tried to sugar coat bad news. Mostly if I considered it was imperative for the person to see it, because one way or another, they were lying to themselves and were stuck in hurtful situations that only lead to getting worse, should they follow their misguided trend.

I don't consider myself a sage or the owner of Absolute Truth. I'm a dragon but I'm far from perfect. I make mistakes. My opinion might be wrong. I may lack information. However, I have traveled many roads and it is this experience that gives me the right to speak of certain things. It is precisely because I've fallen in very deep abysses and walked out of them that I can speak of how you can survive them too. I am a dragon, of course. Those I speak to are normal people. Yet, I have seen that most people can find something useful in my words. A little or a lot of the dragon insight sounds logic and helpful to somebody, and I'm happy for that. For years, this has given my past misfortunes a meaning, a reason and a good use, beyond what I personally learned from them.  

However, being the one people seek for advice has a catch. 


It is very difficult to express one's personal aches. You're the strong, you're the balanced, you're the one others lean on, so you're not supposed to have fears, doubts or (Higher Powers forbid) break down. And if you do, you regret it the very next second after you uttered your "whining". 

That's how I feel whenever I have expressed any kind of personal hurt or ache. I find myself regretting it deeply, not because of the response of the one who happened to hear me, but because I feel plain ridiculous. I wish I had a spell to make people forget what I just said. That wasn't me. This conversation never took place. You're dreaming it all and if you ever mention it, I'll deny it.


My first instinct is to get away and immediately start my self-help kicking. I'm alright. I'll handle it all by myself, as I've handled everything else. I really won't die over this. I have seen worse. Stupid emotions. I am STRONG! Victory. Success. Kick that dragon ass up, NOW! GO GO GO! 

I asked for a miracle some months ago. Get my  health back enough to have a real life. Go out, hang out with friends, find love, travel, have fun, enjoy the good things of life. The miracle is being granted. I'm healthy enough to work again, to go out and start doing all those things I said I wanted in my life. 

I am grateful for the miracle. It cost me great deal of effort. Am I happy? Freaked out would be more like it. Hang out with friends, find love, enjoy the good things of life...It never occurred to me all this needed for me to actually put myself out of my shell, out of the safety of my hermetic hiding. Concerns and doubts are parts of an individual's personality and they have to show in the process of true friendship and anything that can be worthy to be called love. 

When I asked for my miracle, it never occurred to me that getting a healthy life involved sharing myself with others, beyond the impenetrable dragon scales. I royally suck at sharing myself. I can share my crispy virgin snacks faster than I can actually open my heart for someone to see inside. I have to be cornered by desperation and confusion to let this happen. Obviously, at those moments I'm far from wise, balanced and strong. Terrible combo. 

The achievement of my first miracle brought the need of a second miracle. One I didn't take into account. I can say I'm scared and so not ready for it but I'll regret it soon enough. 

I've seen worse. I am strong! Victory. Success. GO GO GO!!

Congratulations to the IWSG for its second anniversary. Here's to Alex Cavanaugh for his wonderful idea. May many more anniversaries come with an ever growing online family of supportive writers...and mythical creatures. 


41 comments:

  1. The strongest people often hurt the most inside and have just learned to bear it. I have faith you will find your footing once more. Glad to have you back.

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  2. It takes an incredible amount of strength to admit to weakness. Any weakness. It feels as if I have painted a bullseye in the middle of my chest, and then handed out ammunition to anyone who might be walking by.

    And that bullseye has brought some of my closest and dearest friends in the real world and here in the blogosphere to my side.

    Applause to the dragon, and to Alex Cavanaugh for his incredible support of the talented people he nurtures.

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  3. You have been kind to the world, and it is now giving back to you Sir. Enjoy the good fortune, just don't over-do and jeopardize your burgeoning recovery. I am pleased to see you are healing, getting stronger, and becoming more out-going.

    Whew, thank goodness my virgin days are long past, lol.

    Thanks for entering my life and sharing your empathy.

    .....dhole

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  4. I love your view and your points. And Hagrid complemets the post perfectly. :)

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  5. I struggle with that, too. Opening up and telling others our troubles makes us vulnerable. But keeping secrets makes us distant. Finding the happy medium is tough.

    Great post! Glad you're feeling better, Al. :)

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  6. Have no regrets for what you have shared, here or otherwise. When people see that you aren't perfect, it lets them know you are real. People are drawn to that. That's why they are drawn to you.
    Here's to miracles and their continuation!

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  7. A-- I'm much the same way when I share. It's always, in my head, translated as "over-sharing". I feel vulnerable and exposed, a feeling I try to avoid. For me, I think it's because I am such a natural introvert. Any time I get too personal, I feel raw. The solution, for me, is to balance my exposure with self-nurturing and private time. I need to be alone to rebalance my soul and recharge my internal batteries.

    Hugs to you friend. I love your vulnerability. My guess is this is exactly what draws people to you and leads to feelings of trust: they know you will understand their journey.

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  8. I am glad your health has improved so much and also glad you have been able to share yourself with others even if you feel out of your comfort zone. It is only by sharing that we can truly get to know one another.

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  9. It is one of the ironies in life that showing vulnerability is actually a display of strength. I read that somewhere so it must be true. :)

    Also, I'm so happy to hear your health is better, and that you're wiling to share your crispy virgin snacks. Best with salt and butter. :)

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  10. Sometimes sharing is what you need to start feeling better. Never feel bad for sharing how you feel with your true friends.

    Glad you're feeling better. And anyone who uses Hagrid's quotes to make a point is okay in my book. Glad you're in the IWSG.

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  11. Yes, sharing hurts, but brings rewards too. I'm not yet comfortable with it, although I do let a bit sneak out here and there. Testing the waters I guess, but still afraid to jump in with both feet. Your kindness is being repaid, your posts have been full of inspiration, and I'm glad your wish has come true. I once told my brother how 'weak' I felt and looked at me with such disbelief and laughter - 'but you're the strongest person I know' - I was shocked and realized that withholding my true feelings meant the people closest to me - did not really know me, but pretending strength isn't really strength at all. It's a mask, and sometimes it's too late to take it off.
    Happy IWSG Anniversary!
    Please keep posting your inspiration!

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  12. You have such a great spirit and attitude. Happy to hear your health has improved!

    Keep it real and keep posting.

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  13. You have such a great spirit and attitude. Happy to hear your health has improved!

    Keep it real and keep posting.

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  14. Al...I feel much the same way when I share anything that shows my vulnerable side, like my post the other day. It feels like afterwards, the people who used to hold me in esteem now look at me with doubt. But that's not the case, at least for most of them. The "real" ones know that we all have those feelings, and those who think they don't are fooling themselves.

    My mom always said that I tell too much, and she was right. But I'm an extrovert and babble and blab...to an extent. I've learned a little (or maybe not) about oversharing. Sometimes I regret, but you know what? It must have been meant to be out there.

    Showing weakness is a sign of strength.

    Peace and hugs,
    M.L. Swift, Writer

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  15. That you for sharing Al. The mighty bends, but not breaks in the wind. That's real strength.

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  16. I completely understand how you feel since I too am an advice giver. I survive by hand-picking a few I can confide in. You are strong and you will, GO, GO, GO! Welcome back.

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  17. I hear you on this Al. People find it very easy to share things with me and some things that make you go omg, they didn't just tell me that...however sharing what's inside of me isn't as easy. I do have some great friends that I can say what's on my mind or in my heart. These friends are the jewels in my life. We all have weaknesses and flaws. It's part of being a living breathing sentient being. :-)

    Yay, on the miracles. Health does color much of our view of life. I've had a few miracles myself and so appreciate hearing when others have them as well. I'm so glad things are working out for you! Ya got an adventure before you. Have fun!

    Sia McKye Over Coffee

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  18. Advices are worth giving. It's up to the recipient to think about it and act upon it if they so desire. Wise words from a Dragon comes in handy now and again, and hey? Even if it was completely off-base at least they know that "the particular advice" isn't what they want or need. It helps to make a decision either way, I think lol

    I'm so happy to hear that your health has improved. Cheers to miracles and may they continue ;)

    Hugs!

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  19. Hello, Dragon! Thanks for looking on the upside of things! Glad you are feeling better and getting out there! Happy IWSG Birthday!

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  20. Congratulations on your miracle! It's really hard to put yourself out there. I don't usually seek help or advice from anyone - I'm usually the go-to person, too. I guess I don't want people to know about my hurts because I don't want to look weak. Stiff upper lip and all that!

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  21. So glad that you're better!

    I know it's scary to share yourself, but it's necessary in order to build meaningful relationships. I know, because I have issues with sharing too. :-)

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  22. Thanks for the update on your good news! Glad to hear the dragon is able to be with his friends and work again. Here's to much better days ahead. Health and prosperity to you and yours!

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  23. I'm so happy to read that you're better! Best news I've seen in a long time. I have a terrible time sharing myself too so I can understand that. But I know you will get your second miracle too. :)

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  24. I am laughing with you, my fiery friend, out of joy for your health and out of mutual consternation when we find ourselves having to open up to others. Bravo to you! We are here to help each other. Of course, we all gather around the big, strong dragon but we are able to support you as well with many bolitas. We only want to pay back to you what you have given to us. Take it with a smile on your face and an open heart...or we'll have to take some of the dwarves hostage until you agree... ;)

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  25. I love this post! And so happy you're feeling better. I completely sympathize with you. I am the listener, the rock, in most of my friendships. I'm uneasy with revealing any of my own weaknesses lest I'm no longer the strong one. They need me. I can't let them down. Yet I know that people respect it when you can reveal your weaknesses, and I think we're all surprised by how much encouragement and support we can find. :) IWSG has been my rock.

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  26. No miracle comes without cost, you have to make the most of the opportunity while you have it. I've been slouching about for the last month — have to take a leaf out of the dragon's book and go, go, go myself.

    mood

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  27. Sounds like you're making progress. I hope that continues steadily and continue to have fun!

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  28. Al, it's so great to hear you're getting your health back and stay strong...for yourself and others :)

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  29. When I started my tapping therapy, one of the first things my therapist said to me is this: Once you really hit the breakthrough into Getting Better, you will probably get scared. You have been sick for so long that Sick is your Normal. Feeling yourself move from Sick to Well will be one of the scariest things that happens to you. Tell me. We can work through that together.

    I am not there yet, but I am inching forward. And I understand now what she means. Well means my whole life changing. Who is ready for that? No one.

    I know that you can achieve your goals. All of them. Take them one at a time. Eventually it will all be yours. I believe in you.

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  30. Yo Dragon dude!

    That's the spirit! You know I relate to being transparent, showing the world that there are many facets that make us who we are. You know that I'm a virtual recluse who portrays a different aspect. Yet our issues, our physical and mental health well being, are intertwined. We choose to live life with realistic positive anticipation. Negativity has no place in our lives. It must never sabotage our right to be happy.

    You, my friend, are blessed to have so much support. And we are blessed in the support you give back. Positivity breeds positivity. We are not defined by our mistakes. Truly, what we learn from our mistakes, defines us.

    Stay chillin',

    Snoop Bloggy Dog in da Gangsta's Pawadise!

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  31. I hear you loud and clear and can relate.

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  32. I'm so glad you received your miracle!!! Happy Dragon Dance and Hugs!!!!
    Now, you can share your story and inspire others!!! I'll pray for that second miracle too. :)

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  33. Love your attitude, and I'm so glad you are feeling better:)

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  34. Here's the deal, Father Dragon. We always need strong dragons like you to lend an ear and give support, but the recipients of your support want nothing more than to reciprocate. When you ask for help or reveal a struggle, we don't see you as weak. We see it as an opportunity to help you the same way you helped us.

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  35. I relate to what you're saying. Letting yourself show the hurts and wrongs sometimes isn't weak. However, I've deleted posts and the like many a time because I felt I was whining, and because I don't want people to view me as a victim of circumstance, or someone who needs or is weak.

    I'm glad your health is improved. Get out there and enjoy life.

    Shannon at The Warrior Muse

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  36. I'm so glad to hear your health is improving so much. It sounds like now is the time to have fun. :)

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  37. Glad to hear you're feeling so much better. Sometimes just sharing your feelings can make things so much easier and people offer support and encouragement. Happy weekend.

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  38. You are strong enough, and special enough, and I adore you for it. Keep putting yourself out there and keep pushing yourself and you will go far. Glad you are getting healthy again my friend!!

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  39. Hi Al .. well done on keeping on 'truckin' ... sounds like life is treating you better - good that on ISWG you can share your word, wish and miracle ...

    Congratulations to you both .. Mrs Dragon deserves many fiery hugs from Father Dragon ... cheers Hilary

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  40. Keep healing!

    Many come to me too, and I just listen...and maybe ask questions. I might impart a bit of wisdom here and there if it's relevant. But I NEVER give advice. Don't want that on my shoulders if things go badly. Lol.

    Take care.

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  41. Sounds like you're making steady progress Al! I'm sooooooo happy to hear this.
    Chin up. Shoulders back. Forward march. I love your attitude!
    And don't forget to laugh... and DANCE!
    Writer In Transit

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