A place where you can be human.
What do you feel called to do?
I have been thinking lately that I’m called to do a variety of things. I have a spiritual calling and that trumps all. Then there’s community/collective support calling like called to service and leadership. And then I think everyone has a creative calling. I think that we feel pulled toward these things and we may even feel them much stronger when we are still, in alignment, or meditating.
We are all called in some way.
What do you think?
People don’t need to understand or know your writing process. What works for you as a writer doesn’t need to work for anyone else. Just figure out what works best for you. Some people have a certain time of day they write. Then there’s writers like Roald Dahl that have writing “huts.” There’s morning pages and journals. There’s writing prompts and writing activity sheets that help develop the many aspects to a story. There’s writing groups, writing degrees, writing retreats, and a million other things. What’s most important is trying different things.
I find myself more drawn to myths and biblical literature. I also appreciate a well planned writing retreat.
What works for you? What haven’t you done that you’d like to try?
Writers are writers because they write.
I am beyond grateful for my writing friends. I’m grateful for their diversity in experience. I’m grateful for the way their minds work and the way they all see the world so differently. My writing friends are amazing writers. Some of them I connect with on a deep level, others I have to be more intentional about finding the connection, but what’s important is that I want to be there as a fellow writing friend. I want to be there to encourage them that the most important part to this writing journey is getting the words on the page. There’s a meme going around that says, “You can’t edit a blank page.” Get the words down. Get the story out. There’s people who may have been waiting their whole lives to hear a story like yours.
Yes, yes I am.
We all have chaotic days but not all of us know how to recover in healthy ways. Some people decide to grab a drink others maybe indulge in comfort foods. Those things are ok but shouldn’t be the regular go to options. There are great ways to decompress that are healthy. Here’s a nice list of ideas.
Practice mindfulness and relaxation exercises. Mindfulness exercises can help you to focus on the present moment and let go of your worries. There are many different mindfulness exercises, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation.
Take a bath or shower. A warm bath or shower can be a great way to relax your muscles and ease tension. Add some soothing essential oils or Epsom salts to your bath for an extra dose of relaxation.
Listen to calming music. Calming music can help to slow your heart rate and ease your anxiety. There are many different types of calming music available, so find something that you enjoy.
I like to dim the lights and get under my weighted blanket after a hot bath.
What are some ways you decompress?
Curiosity, it’s a spark that ignites a fire within us, a driving force that compels us to explore, to ask questions, and to delve deeper into the world around us. But somewhere along the way, for many of us, that spark gets dimmed by the routines and responsibilities of daily life.
Nurture your curiosity and explore the world around you. Pick up a book outside your comfort zone, a genre you wouldn’t normally choose. Maybe it’s historical fiction about a time period you know little about, a deep dive into a scientific discovery that fascinates you, or even a travelogue that sparks your wanderlust. For my Matrix lovers, Follow the Rabbit Hole: When you stumble upon something interesting, don’t just skim the surface. Dive deeper, research it, and see where it leads you. You might be surprised at the fascinating connections you discover. Online courses offer a wealth of affordable and accessible options on nearly any topic imaginable. From photography and coding to astrophysics and philosophy, there’s a course out there waiting to ignite your passion. Open Course Ware as given me so much inspiration throughout the years.
I hope this helps!
Start feeding your curiosity today. You might just surprise yourself with what you discover!
Here’s the truth: life is a series of choices, big and small. From the outfit you pick in the morning to the career path you forge, every decision shapes your journey. It can be empowering (you’re in control!), but also terrifying (what if I mess up?!).
When my daughter was young, it was important to me that she got options. It was also important to me that she knew that her choice wasn’t end all. There’s no perfect way to parent. We’re all doing our best. I share this because I find that learning to make choices is an important skill to have.
What are some choices you’ve made lately that you’re proud of?
When something feels real good but it’s not in alignment with your ultimate goals, dare the Good Lord to send you something even better. It’s not always easy to stay focused. It’s not easy to say no when the things you’ve always wanted could be yours if only you put aside your integrity. So when you do say no. When you do successfully accept that your weakness isn’t bad it’s just out of alignment, and move forward, let the Divine do you even better. It will always be worth it.
Have you hashed out your Beliefs and Values lately? What’s your top three?
As a writer, you should not judge, you should understand.
Ernest Hemingway
I’m just happy that I get tomorrow to try again. And I got to spend time with my family which brings me joy. Family is so important to me. Seeing them happy brings me so much fulfillment. Sometimes I worry if I’m doing enough but I’m remind myself that I’m doing my best and that’s what matters
Woke up this morning feeling kinda sad about my writing. By the end of the day I felt better and even pumped out a handful of words for the novel. I know I’m not alone in this, even the most seasoned writers experience moments of frustration or writer’s block. But the joy of writing lies in the small victories: a perfectly phrased sentence, a plot twist that clicks, or a character that comes alive on the page. It’s a rewarding pursuit that allows you to tap into your creativity and leave your mark on the world.
Everything you need is inside you.
You have the strength, resources, and potential to achieve your goals. You don’t need to wait for someone or something else to give you what you need. You already have it all within you.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you can do everything on your own. Sometimes you will need help from others. But it’s important to believe in yourself and your ability to succeed.
Jayne.press