Last night while my husband and I were tidying up after supper I remarked, “If I could sing, I wouldn’t speak. I’d just sing.” It’s something I’ve said, here on this blog a few times, I’m sure and in passing to friends. My husband was tolerating my choice of tunes as he isn’t a big fan of Lana Del Ray. But to my ears her voice is like like liquid amber and the way she can mix the melancholy with the sweet is so lovely which is what sparked my comment on this occasion.
I can not sing. I mean, I can. I do. It just doesn’t sound very nice.
Then my husband said something to me, that to my tone deaf ears, was sort of profound.
He said, “Nicky, you may not be able to sing, but you can write. So by your account you should be writing all the time, and you’re not doing that.”
With his sagacious words I had a moment of clarity.
He was absolutely 100% right. So profound was my reaction to his observation I became very still and quiet-the proverbial deer in the headlights. All I could do was stand there in the middle of the kitchen with a dishtowel in my hands. After about a minute all I could utter was “wow”, which by the way is the exact same thing that occurred the night I met him.
I guess I never looked at my writing as a “talent” like singing. It was and is simply something I must do.
Therefor by my own account, I’m not using my talent as I would have myself do.
Sure I’m constantly “writing” in my head, or making little notes on my iPad or journals, I have my manuscript, and a few other stories I’ve written, and I can’t discount this blog – so I’ve never – not written- but even my blogging over the last two years hasn’t been what I would call prolific.
By my account my talent has been neglected. I should be a prolific writer and I’m not.
I have only one thing to do, write. Write so that should I one day loose the ability to speak, my voice would continue to be heard.
Oh and in case you were wondering, we were listening to Summertime Sadness by Lana Del Ray.
Nicole Olea’s love language is communication. She does this best using her keyboard as a freelance copywriter and editor. Creative and resilient with high-level experience in social media management, content creation, and eCommerce marketing, Nicole Olea was a professional volunteer, sharing her skills with various non-profit organizations who paid her in hugs. For the last 20 years, she’s lived a quasi-nomadic life, moving across the country and the Atlantic with her active-duty husband and their three kids. She’s awkwardly stumbling toward her goal of becoming a saint. She’s got God-sized dreams and wants you to have them too!
I love that your husband is so supportive of you. You are a wonderful writer.
It is definitely your talent!
You are a wonderful writer, that’s for sure. I’m not sure that I’m a good writer, but I have a horrible speaking voice. :/
You are most definitely talented and, like any talent, it must be exercised, practiced, honed. And, blogging can be that practice (when you aren’t working on a manuscript).
Do you read Jeff Goins’ blog? You should — I think you would enjoy it. It’s very inspirational and practical for writers.
It’s totally a talent and one I’m somewhat envious of. I write but I’ve never been a ‘writer’ nor have I loved doing it. I often find it hard to get my thoughts into written words.
Yes, you should be writing! I used to write and I miss it.
I hope that you’re busy writing lady.
so important to do what you love . You have a beautiful way of putting a point across
I agree with Tricia
Sometimes I question my writing especially since I’m a blogger.. I wish I could write like you 🙂
I adore this post. I try to sing too and don’t do a very good job LOL. And totally agree with your husband.
I write better than I speak, only because I have more time to think about what I want to say and how I want to say it.
I love, love, love Lana Del Rey. I listen to her music a lot. I love Summertime Sadness, but my other favorites are Ride, Blue Velvet, and You Can Be the Boss. 🙂
You are not allowed to stop writing, ever! Aren’t moments of realization like those great?
Your husband is one very smart man! And music really just is poetry in motion.
Your a great writer, get back to it!
You can do it. Just don’t give up.
You should definitely get back to writing. You’re a natural.
well you should be writing!
What a sweet, insightful Hubby! Write, write, write.
I hope it really did serve as inspiration to get back to it!
You definitely have a talent for writing, when I read your blog posts I’m always engaged and feel like I’m connected.
Sometimes it takes someone else to make us realize what should probably be obvious.
Your post made me giggle! I have the worst voice ever. My daughter asks me to stop singing because I give her a headache! Your writing is amazing, though! Keep up the great work!
Your husband sounds like a wise man. Great perspective!
You got to work your talents!
I can’t sing to save my life and I agree you write very well and it definitely is a talent. We all have talents we just have to chose to use them.
I absolutely cannot sing nor can I write creatively. I can write a 100 page research paper (thesis) but I have no creative writing abilities at all. You are a wonderful writer, and I enjoy reading your blog so much!
Thank you Jennifer! So sweet of you to say.
I have the worst voice, but I really wish I could sing. And your husband is right!
I love this post. I’ve always loved writing and while I don’t see myself ever writing a book due to my lack of commitment to things, I feel so much better after I get thoughts out on paper {or computer}. &You definitely are a great writer.
Thank you. I can definitely relate to the feeling that comes after just getting it all out and on to the page.