How a SUD or Two Inspires Me into Action

I love quotes. There are some quotes that I use when I meditate. There are some quotes I post throughout my office as inspiration. And all these quotes, to some extent, help me to understand me--my emotions, hurts, pains, happiness--and make me better.

My most favorite quote is one that, literally, fits in EVERY SITUATION IMAGINABLE, and it comes from the late great tennis player and humanitarian, Arthur Ashe:

In both a professional and personal manner, this quote wedges in and lifts me from the muck--whether that muck is not writing or living in our current world.

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SUD in the Professional

For this example, I will use writing, specifically, writing this blog post.

Start where you are. I'm in a space of insecurity. I don't know if I can be effective as a writer. If I want to be. If anyone would even care if I was. Lately (and by lately, I mean a really long time), I haven't had the energy or care to write--not in any significant way. There are way too many reasons why, but the point remains that I haven't written, and because of that, it can make me feel anxious, make me believe that I'll never write again, that I'll never have another important thing to write again. And of course, these feelings, thoughts only continue me on the path of not writing. But there are times, like right at this moment as I write this post, that I think about Ashe's quote, and it pushes me to, well, write.

Use what you have. On the flip side of "where I am," I have facts: I help others write better, I have been an editor for over 20 years, I am the person people come to when they need something written to exact change. I.E., I got words and the ability to put them together for some purpose.

Do what you can. I have a quote that moves me to do things. I have words and the ability to use them. Thus, I can use those words and that ability to write this post about how my favorite quote moves me into action. Job done, eh? :)

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SUD in the Personal

For this example, I use, well, our current state of dismantling affairs.

Start where you are. I am heartbroken. I am angry. I fluctuate between sobs, screams, rampage, and rants throughout the day over the current goings-on of our world. Some days, I want to blow it all up and start anew. And on other days, I want to hug it so tight that I squeeze out all the hate once and for all. I am lethargic. I feel voiceless. Breathless. This world makes me wanna holler... and tear it asunder. And it also makes me want to curl up into the tiniest ball imaginable until I poof! from existence.

Use what you have. I have an empathic heart and mind. I want people well and whole. I want justice and equality and the reassurance that we all have an equal footing based on what we do and not what we look like. I have social media platforms. Again, I have my words, and I have my ability to use them. I have allies who can retweet and share and comment on these words in a way that brings about a connection that grows into meaningful exchanges and changes. I have information and the ability to craft and disseminate it to others.

Do what you can. I may not be writing novels or short stories these days, but I am doing some forms of writing. I write #loveaday posts that promote self-love, self-care, and mental health. I post (and write about) quotes, mantras, and affirmations that do the same thing. I release my hurt into meaningful posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram so that others can see what this Black woman's story is, what she is feeling and believing, and my story is part of a collective of black voices that want to be heard--truly heard.

image by geralt through pixabay

How are you feeling, doing--personally and or professionally? Have you stumbled and can't seem to find your way back up? Have you lost a job and feel hopeless about what to do next? Are you enraged and saddened over the fact that in so many ways black lives don't seem to matter? Do you feel ineffective in what you love to do... or what you would like to do to help yourself, others, the world?

Start where you are.
Use what you have.
Do what you can.

Things might not change overnight, but with this quote in true practice with each step you take, a change will come.

Shonell Bacon is an author, editor, and educator with 20 years of experience in helping all levels of writers become better writers. When not editing, Shonell is writing (mysteries, literary, non-fiction) and crafting digital products for people who love planning and organizing their lives. You can learn more about Shonell and her works on her linktree page.