‘Is the sweetness simply in the achievement, or more in the striving, and the dreams?’ (93)
Baird’s words serve as inspiration to live a more enriched, fulfilling life. Yet, so much of Phosphorescence supports the life of the writer. Let’s explore.
Awe & Wonder
This is about light sustaining us through darkness and the small moments that bring about a kind of wonder. Baird leans into the science, the historical, the personal to encourage us all to live life in a deliberate manner.
Such a notion also supports the life of the writer. We must rely on the small moments that bring us joy, remembering why we write and holding onto that knowledge, especially when things don’t seem to be going our way.
Nature
‘…the sheer sight of green — plants, leaves, trees, views from windows — can make us happier and healthier.’ (18)
Baird emphasises the benefits of connecting with nature. How even the sight of rolling hills, lush parkland, or an ocean view can lift our mood.
Drawing on her experience of swimming in the ocean as cold water therapy, Baird explores the way engaging with nature can bring forth the light from within.
This is true for the writer.
When we engage with nature, we let our mind wander, allowing space for creativity. This is often when the ideas come.
Be Present
Pay attention to your surroundings. Understand the impermanence of being human — that the present is all we have.
Pay attention and, all of a sudden, the world holds new meaning.
For the writer, we must become a keen observer of the world around us in order to create a literary world that rings true.
Persistence
Here’s an example I really connected with.
Baird refers to women in history stuck doing ‘dull, repetitive, unglamorous work…’ in the fight for women’s rights by way of legitimising work that might otherwise go unrecognised.
Change comes with building momentum.
‘It’s the story of women who kept marching, through the long years of ignorance… making countless phone calls, or sitting by a printer… None of this was failure — it was persistence…’ (91)
This example made me think of all the people, toiling away — largely ‘forgotten’ in history’s retelling — yet contributing toward something bigger than themselves.
Whether you are striving for great change, or simply toiling away at your desk, riding yet another wave of rejection; as a writer, there is value in your work. It matters.
This is not failure — it is persistence.
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Reference: Baird, J. (2020). Phosphorescence: On awe, wonder & things that sustain you when the world goes dark. Fourth Estate, HarperCollinsPublishers.
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life? (278)
— Mary Oliver, ‘The Summer Day’ (aka ‘The Grasshopper’)