We write when we’re emotionally “drunk” because we can reference, in real-time, highly potent human emotions. Emotions that each present as their own color that we get to dab and use in the painting of our life.
Writing when we’re only feeling one kind of emotion leads to a very one-colored painting. Writing our way through all of the emotions is how we welcome the full color spectrum onto our canvas.
But, we also write when we’re emotionally “sober” because we can edit or re-work any of the “drunken” brushstrokes we might’ve made with a calm, clear mind. A mind that sees the whole canvas and not the singular brushstrokes. A mind that sees how the various colors interact and if any of it needs to be adjusted. A mind that can bring harmony to all of the colors that present in our masterpiece.
…If we want to continue writing (and painting) the most raw, accurate, compelling story (masterpiece) possible, we should do so both when we are deep in the midst of our most potently raw, human states and when we’re crystal clear and able to shape those expressive bursts into accurate and compelling pieces.
…In other words, it’s always a good time to write.
Don’t let the “drunken,” fiery bursts of passion or mundanity of everyday “sobriety” intimidate or dissuade you.
It all serves a purpose.
…We just have to keep showing up to the canvas to figure out what purpose today’s brushstrokes might serve.
P.s. I sip on coffee while I write these. If you enjoy these posts, you can support my future work by supplying me with my next cup of joe here :)