Steps

So I'm having a sort of mental block lately, which is why I haven't posted anything for several days.  I have a few poems hanging around but am not sure about whether or not to post them.  I guess what I'm experiencing is some loss of purpose - questioning why I'm doing this in the first place.  I still have ideas that come and go, but lately none of them seem worth the effort to write them out.  I go through these moments of doubt, and based on my conversations with other people, I'm not alone.  Trying to listen to the right voice, the one that encourages rather than discourages, the one that speaks truth to my spirit, is a more difficult task on some days.  Why is that?  What is different about one day from the next?  In the midst of these doubt-filled moments, I have a very hard time distinguishing what exactly is the cause, and it frankly becomes too much work to figure it out, so I don't.  Which is sort of where I am today, except I'm posting this entry, which I guess means I'm still moving, at least a little.  Some days it's all I can do to keep up with the thoughts and ideas that are racing through my head and onto the page.  My mental and emotional stride is on course and I'm running.  I feel like everything I put out is good, even great if I'm having an exceptional day.  Other days, like today, all I can hope for is to push past the whispers of uncertainty and take a step.  On these days, nothing I produce seems worth much and I come very close to ditching it all.  Lately the spurring voice inside has been repeating, "Just keep going.  One foot in front of the other.  Take the next step." 

Okay, here's my step for today. 

Maybe there's someone else out there experiencing the same hesitation of stride.  No need to run today - just take the next step. 
I don't say all this so you will encourage me - I'm hoping to encourage you.  Even when the step is unclear, even when the weight of moving seems impossible, even when you just want to lay down and bury yourself in the sand, take the next step.  Whatever that looks like for you, do it.  And if you absolutely can't move today, know that there will be another chance for you to step out tomorrow.

On the brighter side, spring is almost here!  The sun is shining and while I still have snow covering a good portion of my yard, the grass is breaking through all around.  I can actually feel the warmth from the sun, unlike in the dead of winter when the sun shines but gives off little heat.  This is a very good thing to me.  It makes me want to walk again, and that means more steps.