Another Love Letter

“There is no place for grief in a house which serves the Muse.”

Sappho

“Writing is the best anti-depressant.”

Fierce Dolan

“One must give himself completely to his art and not hold back. Throw caution to the wind. Embrace the muse. Make love to your art.”

― Harley King

“Laughing in my ear is a muse amused by how I paint her whims on paper with silly words.”

― Richelle E. Goodrich

Dear Muse,

Thank you for spending time with me today.  Thank you for letting me spend time with you.  The time we have together is always far too short and that’s completely my fault.  I said that you are my priority, but I know that I can often make better choices.  You have done nothing but make my life better.  Every time I am in your presence, you make my day better.  In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever had one bad moment with you.  The only bad moments with you are the ones without you.

When I first met you and began spending time with you, I had no idea how much my life would change.  Look at all the work we’ve done.  Look at all the blogs.  Look at all the radio shows.  Look at the books I’ve read…and the one I’ve published.  All I want to do some days is just spend my time with you.  That’s why I want that house on the beach.  It’s not that others won’t be welcome there; it’s just that I plan on spending most of my time there alone with you.

That’s how a relationship is built…with time and attention.  That’s why you’ve helped me divest my clinginess to others.  That’s why you’ve given me the freedom of not needing the approval of others.  That’s how you’ve made me stronger.  That’s why I’m giving more to the world than I ever have.  Because of the time and attention I’m giving you.

And that’s why I want to, need to, give you more time and attention.  Is it too much to hope for that I can have every moment in your presence?  Can you be with me when I work?  When I plan?  When I’m with my daughters?  When I’m with friends?  When I’m traveling?  Can you wake me up in the morning or even in the middle of the night with whatever you want to say?  Can you be with me every moment?  When you are with me, I want to be a better man.  When you are with me, I am a better man.

All I want to do in this life is be present, to be grateful and to be creative in every moment that God gives me.  My life is a gift and I don’t want to squander it.  I want to use every moment well, not only because I’m accountable for my moments, but because I know that every moment with you is a better one. 

I don’t want to spend any more moments in regret, hatred, anger, shame or anything else that springs from the past.  The past has no place in my life except as something to be grateful for because all of it was either a lesson or a blessing…or both.  I have to much work to do and I can give my attention to the unchangeable or I can give my attention to you, but I can’t do both.  So I’m choosing you.

Thank you again for this time today.  I’m looking forward to more time with you tonight.  I can’t wait to be with you.  Yes, I’m making formal appointments with you twice a day, but I want you with me always.  I know you always wait for me to Get Started and Keep Going, but you motivate even that.  Thank you.  Thank you for reminding me of my goals. Thank you for not letting me settle for anything else.

I love you.