I have my very own personal gremlin. Chances are that you do too. I've named mine Mr. Siffilate - Siffi for short. His name means "whisper," and that's exactly what he does. He whispers to me, reminding me of my shortfalls and failings. He tells me why I can't do the things that are in my heart to do. Like write. Siffi is somehow related to Wormwood (of The Screwtape Letters). They may even be brothers. I haven't checked that deeply into either's ancestry to know for sure. It's not all that important.
Siffi is a little guy. He looks like . . . well, like a gremlin. He's small and furry and a little round (he tends to like doughnuts and fast food). When you first meet him, you might even think he's cute. He has a killer smile that draws you in, and then he starts talking. Oh! He has such a smooth tongue and knows how to use it! I could just listen to him all day. It's almost as if he hypnotizes me. I become enamored with his voice. I can't hear anything else, and of course I believe him. He so often speaks the truth: "You're way too old to start a new career."; "You have no imagination, no creativity."; "You should really be out with people, you know - not shut up with a computer."; "And when was the last time you cleaned your house?"; And on and on and on he goes.
I've succumbed to his words of truth and given up many times, but I'm going to try a new tactic. Instead of arguing my case or giving in, I'll tell him he's right. Instead of pretending that he's not there, that I can't hear him, I'll acknowledge his presence. I'll acknowledge his words, but I won't let them penetrate. I'll say, "Umm hmm. Yeah. You're right," and I'll keep on writing. I might even thank him for his input or joke around with him to lighten the mood. He gets way too serious.
I know this is going to take time and practice. It's not easy to keep doing what you know you're supposed to be doing when someone is constantly whispering discouragement in your ear, but the alternative isn't an option.
Siffi is a little guy. He looks like . . . well, like a gremlin. He's small and furry and a little round (he tends to like doughnuts and fast food). When you first meet him, you might even think he's cute. He has a killer smile that draws you in, and then he starts talking. Oh! He has such a smooth tongue and knows how to use it! I could just listen to him all day. It's almost as if he hypnotizes me. I become enamored with his voice. I can't hear anything else, and of course I believe him. He so often speaks the truth: "You're way too old to start a new career."; "You have no imagination, no creativity."; "You should really be out with people, you know - not shut up with a computer."; "And when was the last time you cleaned your house?"; And on and on and on he goes.
I've succumbed to his words of truth and given up many times, but I'm going to try a new tactic. Instead of arguing my case or giving in, I'll tell him he's right. Instead of pretending that he's not there, that I can't hear him, I'll acknowledge his presence. I'll acknowledge his words, but I won't let them penetrate. I'll say, "Umm hmm. Yeah. You're right," and I'll keep on writing. I might even thank him for his input or joke around with him to lighten the mood. He gets way too serious.
I know this is going to take time and practice. It's not easy to keep doing what you know you're supposed to be doing when someone is constantly whispering discouragement in your ear, but the alternative isn't an option.
Ohhhhh, I must have Siffi's evil twin! And then they must invite cousins over and throw a party on my behalf. I think I'm being honored but I'm actually being roasted! Enough of that nonsense I say! Thanks, Pinks, for getting my attention where it belongs!
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