I have recently been reading The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. This book is considered a classic by many but I’ve only recently heard of it. The general message is that any creative effort (or anything you really, really want that is good for you) is part of a call from your higher self. However, your lower self will do everything in its power to thwart that higher self’s calling through “resistance, ” which comes in many forms, such as procrastination, self-doubt, self-criticism, etc. According to Pressfield, the “war” is fighting that resistance by deciding to shift from amateur to professional in terms of one’s approach to a personal goal. That means showing up, being on time, doing the work, mastering techniques, and doing a few other things that shift from a casual to a serious writer, painter, business person, or ballet dancer (whatever your personal dream is). Basically, stop complaining and just get down to the work.

I like this higher versus lower self idea. I sense that’s true every time I feel tempted not to do what I really aspire to do and fall back into nowhere old habits.

I am halfway through the book. Will share more when I know more.

For now, let’s just say my higher self won tonight’s battle by showing up to write my blog. That’s a good feeling. Now I’m going to reward myself by watching a little television with my husband.