Writer Anne Lamott was asked by someone if they could use one of Anne’s lessons in a blog they were writing. I love Anne’s generous response: “Yes, help yourself – everyone, to anything I’ve written.” I feel the same way (with attribution, of course!)
Not sharing your writing is akin to those who hoard their recipes without divulging the “secret ingredient”, or presenters who won’t make their PowerPoints accessible to others or people who hesitate in revealing where they purchased that fabulous outfit/accessory/décor. Why wouldn’t you share?
There is essentially nothing new in this world. Anything creative is a different twist on something that already existed, so even if the inquirer uses Anne’s lessons, it will be in a new context that will enrich Anne’s thoughts, not diminish them.
I am reminded of the adage from John Wesley: “Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. To all the people you can. As long as you ever can.”
And a great way to do that is to be generous in sharing your “stuff” in whatever form that may be.
