Category: The Writing Life

My Week of Clarity Emerges

This message about my week of clarity received inspiration from the weekly newsletter I receive from Dan Blank, founder of We Grow Media. His email arrived just as I opened my Gmail app with the subject, “Finding creative clarity”.

I immediately thought, “He’s writing about our collaborative journey.”

My Week of Clarity

Early in the past week, Dan and I had our first conversation in a one-on-one working relationship. We could have started with an easy task, like improving my bio. Rather, I chose to work on my mission, my reason for writing, my ‘why’. After all, isn’t that basic for any decision, project, or life path? And isn’t this week of clarity essential to my writing process? Yes to both questions.

After I read Dan’s newsletter subject, my gaze fell on the pile of clean clothes on my dining table. It jumped out as a metaphor of my jumbled thoughts. Before I could start my day, this anxiety around the laundry needed attention.

Many Paths to Clarity

I find menial tasks with my hands allow ideas to flow. Some of my favorite tasks for this are pulling weeds, folding clothes, or washing dishes. Doesn’t this scene feel calmer, clearer, and fulfilling? It’s not perfect, but it is closer to clarity.

Clarity emerges

Furthermore, for me, it is so helpful talking to just one person about ideas. The physical act of speech often brings about clarity by honing my jumble of thoughts into a single line of realization.

Finally, reading about Dan’s Clarity Cards, I remember the first time I was exposed to this process. It seemed so daunting. In contrast, today I feel I can wrap my head around this, creating order out of chaos.

The Message for You

Every person is unique. While we have different paths or different ways of understanding, we can act on nuggets of information, finding our own clarity, one step at a time. If you found anything in this blog that speaks to your heart, please let me know in the comments.

Feeling calmer,
Dawn

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How I Started Writing Again

It’s been difficult to write during the stress of COVID-19. Yet I started writing again. Some would say it was coincidence that I saw an interview with Windy Lynn Harris, one of my writing mentors. I don’t believe in coincidence. Rather I believe in serendipity via Divine intervention, help from above, the hand of fate, or whatever words best describe a greater power for you.

A Little Background

My professional writing career began five years ago in May 2015. I had received an invitation to attend Julie Colvin’s Wellness Writer Retreat in Sedona, Arizona. Living in Colorado at the time, I drove, which is a favorite pastime for me.

Lisa Fugard and Windy Lynn Harris were featured authors, giving us writing prompts, feedback and incredible support. After the retreat, I continued studying with these two writers in Bootcamps. Both women continue to support and inspire me.

The Interview

Julie Duffy of StoryADay.org interviewed Windy about Flash Fiction, a type of literary writing that is usually a very short read, often under 500 words. The Tweet showed up in my feed and I clicked on the link. I delighted hearing Windy’s familiar voice with her excitement for writing. It inspired me to check into the StoryADay concept.

StoryADay Concept

It’s pretty obvious to me that I would be writing a story every day. You might think that would be intimidating to someone who hasn’t worked on their writing project in months. In contrast, I was excited about it.

This challenge began in 2010. Funny how so many great things start on the mark of a decade. I signed up and received a packet of information about this year’s StoryADay May Challenge. The rules are very loose, but the concept is still writing a story a day.

Since most participants know this is coming, Julie began building the excitement in April. I missed that, seeing Windy’s interview exactly one week ago on May 1st. My blog post from last week served as my first story. Then I began writing new stories everyday.

My Result Taking The Challenge

My deep desire to write was given a kickstart. The words flow without effort on the very first attempt. And with each new prompt, I find renewed excitement. It fills my day with joy and accomplishment.

“But I’m not a writer,” you say.

It doesn’t matter your call to action, your life purpose, your reason for being. What matters is listening, observing, knowing when serendipity enters your life. And then acting on it.

I’d love to hear what coincidence occurred in your life recently. Write a comment, or better yet, signup for my newsletter so you won’t miss a blog and you’ll receive extras I reserve just for my subscribers.

Loving Life,
Dawn

Hit the Reset Button in Your Life

How to hit the reset button? Daily we hit the reset button. We restart our phones and computers to clear out the memory. But do you know how to hit the reset button of your life?

What is Your Morning Routine

I dress, turn on the coffee maker and walk to the curb to pick up the morning paper. Sometimes I scan the front page, but usually I remove the plastic bag, place it in my storage bag to recycle at my grocery store and lay out the paper for those who read it. That’s right. I don’t read the paper.

If I can resist, I leave my phone and tablet to the side, take my coffee out on the porch and watch the sunrise. Then I close my eyes, take a 5-count, slow inhale. As I similarity exhale, calmness inside matches the calmness outside.

It’s taken many years for me to perfect this simple routine.

My First Step to Hit the Reset Button

Thirty years ago, my friend and watercolor instructor introduced me to The Artist’s Way, by Julia Cameron. Our small class of five women tackled the book together. We met weekly, which followed the chapters perfectly.

All of us starting writing our morning pages. Each morning we gathered our journal, favorite pens and began writing for thirty minutes. My first attempt started, “I don’t know what to write. This is stupid. I can’t believe this will do anything!”

In contrast, by the end of my first morning pages I was writing furiously. My thoughts cascaded from my mind, down my arm, through the pen and onto the paper.

Take Your First Step

Would you like to hit the reset button in your life? Would you like to begin a calmer life? I invite you to add The Artist’s Way to your current library. I’m a big fan of ebooks, but this one is much better in hard copy.

Can’t wait for the delivery? I’ve given you the first task, morning pages. Even though you’ve been up awhile, start your morning pages right now. Then order the book. And let me know how this goes. I really want to know.

Warmly,
Dawn

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