"An idea, like a ghost, must be spoken to a little before it will explain itself." - Charles Dickens

When I first read this quote by Dickens, I almost laughed because I talk to myself all the time. Out loud if no one is around, and under my breath if there is. I like to say I'm the best conversationalist I know. And the conversation is most interesting when I'm talking out an idea that has to do with my art or a creative project I'm working on. 😆

What I found most interesting about this statement is Dickens’ comparison of ideas to ghosts. I believe in spirits - there are people who were important to me who passed away, and I can sense when they're near - occasionally I've even seen them. It started when I was around 7, the first time I saw a spirit, although I still to this day don't know who he was, I saw him intermittently until I was in my early 30s. I never knew why he appeared, he just did. I've seen my grandmother (about 6 times) and my father-in-law (twice), and there's others that I've strongly sensed with me (Dad, and a couple friends). I talk to them when they appear - usually to ask them what it is I need to know - to find out why they're with me. They never speak back, and they're never scary, and their visit always leads me down contemplative paths.

I guess Dickens’ correlation between ghosts and ideas holds very true to me. I talk to both, and neither ever talks back. But I always feel like I get something out of my one-sided conversations. ✨