“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured and far away.” Henry David Thoreau

Here’s how Wayne Dyer, in his book Wisdom of the Ages analyzes Thoreau’s words from Walden:

“The beat you hear within yourself is your connection to your soul’s purpose. It will continue to plague you when you ignore it or suppress it in an attempt to conform with society. Those who implore you to march to the beat they hear are often well-intentioned and coming from a position of love for you….Yet that nagging drumbeat that no one else seems to hear faintly thumps in the farthest reaches of your awareness. If you continue to ignore it, you will live a life of frustration. You may even learn to ‘suffer in comfort,’ which is the very best you’ll be able to achieve.

“Thoreau is speaking directly to you from mid-nineteenth century about your own self sufficiency and happiness. Whatever it is that you feel compelled to be or do is the voice of your own soul pleading with you to have the courage to listen and act on melody only you hear, as long as it does not interfere with anyone else’s right to pursue their dreams.”

All this reminds us that our writing journey is a soul-satisfying road to happiness and fulfillment. If we are called to travel that road, if that’s the “different drummer” we hear, then we are free to listen or to turn away. But if we do take this road, it’s wonderful to know that we are not alone. There are many fellow scribes on the same journey. Let’s applaud and support each other as we all write on!

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