What I Believe
“If you’re going to try, go all the way. Otherwise, don’t even start. This could mean losing girlfriends, wives, relatives and maybe even your mind. It could mean not eating for three or four days. It could mean freezing on a park bench. It could mean jail. It could mean derision. It could mean mockery–isolation. Isolation is the gift. All the others are a test of your endurance, of how much you really want to do it. And, you’ll do it, despite rejection and the worst odds. And it will be better than anything else you can imagine. If you’re going to try, go all the way. There is no other feeling like that. You will be alone with the gods, and the nights will flame with fire. You will ride life straight to perfect laughter. It’s the only good fight there is.”
― Charles Bukowski
I think wanting to write is a fundamental sign of disease and discomfort. I don’t think people who are comfortable want to write … –Kay Redfield Jamison
Kay Redfield Jamison may be on to something.
I think Kay is too! Just something about it.
well, i agree with kay
Kay I think knows many a writers then
I too agree with Kay! I like a lot of Charles Bukowski’s work… I personally think he was a madman with moments of absolute clarity, maybe it was the alcohol that gave him that… lol? Wonderful blog!
Thank you very much. I know what you mean about Bukowski. I think genius and mad go hand in hand. It’s hard to have one without the other. I just finished “Love Is A Dog From Hell” by him and that was very very interesting. I couldn’t stop reading!
I believe C Bukowski. .That is the same fire that fuels my pen to paper and makes the words jump off the page . The very best way to do it, is to just do it!
Very, very, very true! Thanks for the comment, means a great deal!
Charles Bukowski is a hero in our country too …
Good to know!
I’m glad.
Great quotes. Somewhat related to the first quote, I’ve always said that dreams can come true if you’re willing to pay the price. Most people want dreams for free, but that doesn’t happen. The good dreams always cost something.
That’s very true. Nothing is free in this world. Thanks for the support as well!
and we could never write nor draw nor create a single ‘meaningful’ piece of artwork . . . were it not for the ‘demons’ inside…angst can triumph over joy sometimes – and there can be joy and beauty in angst as well . . . after you are done expressing that thing.
That is very true! One has to be comfortable with themselves as well. We have to take the good with the bad.
Hi,
I must say I find your blog both fascinating and inspirational. In life it is so easy to get stuck, remain in our ” comfort zones” and not to try at all……
But if one does not get over the fear of falling , how would one learn to ride a cycle in the first place.
Cheers and God bless!
Shakti
Thank you for the wonderful comments. What you said is very true, many people fear, fear itself. Fear can be a good thing too!
Jamie,
I am glad you liked my blog message! Life is an adventure and Jamie I see your making it happen.
Be proud and stay creative!
Dennis R. James
Thank you very much! Adventures are always one I want to be on. I will do my best.
Very true! Thank you very much.
Such a young lady (I know, with an old soul, you remind me of myself about 30-40 years ago!) who loves Sam Cook, Frank Sinatra and Charles Bukowski too?!?…Very cool…You’ve renewed my faith in the years…
I am glad that I have renewed your faith! I was raised on the good ‘ol stuff
‘You will be alone with the gods.’
Love it! Now that I’ve decided to follow my passion (comedy), that’s exactly how I feel. Nothing wrong with going against the grain if you’re heading in a direction you love.
Very true! Best of luck with the comedy journey! You have a great talent from what I can see.
You’re a Sam Cooke AND Charles Bukowski fan?! Woo Woo Woo!
Oh, you are so romantic! Lovely!
Haha, I hope that’s a good thing
Thanks for checking out High Five Travel! I absolutely love your blog, especially this post! People that do not have a clear goal in mind do not understand those that do, especially if that “goal” has developed into a “purpose”. A lot of sacrifice has to be made to be able to achieve it. Looking forward to reading some more of your posts….and let me know if I can help your “pirate” ways out! I think I may have something for ya
Thanks for your wonderful words!
It means a great deal. I may just have to learn about your offer!
HI So REal, I agree with the Kay J quote above. Nice to make your acquaintance, love the blog. patrice
[...] blogger who’s just started following me. It’s a great blog… Check it out- So Real Tonight “If you’re going to try, go all the way. Otherwise, don’t even start. This [...]
I love this; it reminds me so much of myself. I guess I don’t know how not to try … I have always had the struggle so reading that quote to me in quite inspirational. I can tell by your blog that you, too live this way. I would like to believe that also, you don’t mind the boundaries and travel just outside the circles that I find most people reside in out of fear, alone. I am glad that you had “liked” my poem as I have seem to have found you. Beautiful blog, and quotes my friend.
Anytime! Thank you very much for stopping by as well. It means a lot to me with all of your kind words!
Keep up the great work!
Always keep a sense of humor. None of this is going to last.
That’s one of my favorite Bukowski quotes. My guess is that you’ve already seen this but if you haven’t, I’m sure you will enjoy it.
I had not seen this one yet!! Thank you for sharing it!
It put a smile on me face. Great find.
Very welcome and good evening to you.
Good evening to you as well. How are you? What is going on with you?
I’m well. Trying to relax after work while also trying to reach my ten page goal.
Thank you for asking. And, how are you?
Anytime. Good luck with that. Right now I am just chilling with friends, listening to music, and coming up with ideas for poems. How was work today?
Work was steady
my mind locked in yet
wandering with ideas and
romantically clinging
to them while hoping they
stay with me
at least
until I get home.
Then there
we can laugh and cry
stain the pages
with crimson kisses
maybe burn the midnight
oil and share one of
those rare nights
when we have something
to show for the trade.
And how was your day at work… school… writing?
Well best of luck! I hope it went well last night. My day was great. University had the day off from classes but I still worked in the morning. After that, hung out with friends and studied a bit. As for writing, it went pretty well as well. I feel as though I have some good stuff up my sleeve. Any plans for today? Continue writing?
Feeling a bit under the weather and when I fall ill I usually do it like a pro, so I’m not sure any writing will happen. Must use all my energy for work to pay bills then rest up and try to kick this lag.
Have a great day! 
Well fell better! So far I haven’t gotten sick this school year..*fingers crossed*!
You too.
I’ve survived as well and I’m not actually sick now but I feel my body lagging like it does right before I do get sick. Rest and vitamin c and I should be fine. Also crossing my fingers. I don’t usually make it this far into winter without getting hit pretty hard. I want to go, at least, one year not getting sick.
That sure is a nice goal. Right now the flu and cold is going around right now. So, we shall see. At least it is sunny here today! Makes me happy.
Envious. The sun is rare in Portland this time of year.
Don’t know how you could make it without sun. Makes the days that much better!
It’s an adjustment. This is only my second winter here. It gets a bit easier each year that passes. We had a week about a week ago that was like Spring. It came just in time and gave me a recharge that will push me through the rest of the rainy season.
Well that’s good.
It’s been a crazy winter here. Not much snow at all. It’s in the 40′s. It’s really weird, but nice.
Nice I love Charles Bukowski!! Interesting fact- He’s buried in my town.
I loved the quote! I have to agree. It is always uncomfortable living with circles that keep stretching from the inside, daring words, ideas, disclosure. I find all becoming wider in range and myself less conflicted about needing a reader to expect “something”. Rather I give what pours, whichever way it comes. The pen and heart lead the way and I learned to step aside with my own judgement and concerns of “perception”, Love to you, Linda. You Inspire!