Quotes

Creativity

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Are you a creative person? I never thought I was, but I recently have learned that people are generally born creative…

… we just hide it fitting in with everyone else’s expectations, our own self-doubt, etc., etc., etc., until we forget the creativity is even there.

So why not play a little hide and seek, find a few pockets of creativity, let them out to have a bit of fun, and watch them grow.

You’ll be glad you did.

So for today’s writing prompt, write about a time you were creative.

Ready … set … write!

And have fun!!!

What will you do with your power?

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Between stimulus and response, there is a space. And in that space lies our power to choose. In our response lies our growth and freedom.

Some version of that quote has been ascribed to various people from Stephen R Covey to Viktor Frankl to several others who have said similar things over the years.

But no matter who said it … it got me thinking about my power as a human being. Power for good … power to create change … power to make the world a better place …

The more I thought, the more I had to agree with this quote. The ability to make good choices requires space (and practice).

Sometimes, I have to consciously expand that space. Other times, there is plenty of space naturally occurring before I can respond.

What do you think? Does your power lie in the space between stimulus and response? What will you do with that power?

Okay. Set your timer and ready … set … write!

Success

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Today, I heard a quote by Adam Grant. He said that “the most meaningful way to succeed is to help other people succeed.”

I have personally found this to be true in my life. Anytime I help someone else do their job better or encourage them on a path that will improve their life, I feel satisfaction, fulfillment… success in my work.

What do you think? Do you agree? Have you experienced this as well? What does helping others succeed look like to you?

Take a minute or so to think about it, then ready … set … write.

How do you laugh?

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8 flower varieties with quote "The Earth laughs in flowers." by Ralph Waldo Emmerson

A famous quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson is “The Earth laughs in flowers.” When I see a field of daisies or sunflowers, this certainly seems to be the case.

Other flowers seem more stately and elegant rather than playful and laughing. Nevertheless, they make me smile.

But that leads me to our question for the day. How do you laugh? Is it a great big belly-laugh, or more of a gentle, rolling chuckle? Or something else entirely?

Take a few minutes to think about it and then set your timer and Ready … Set … Write!

Life’s Lemons

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Do you know the saying “When life gives you Lemons, make lemonade?”

I have to say that is one saying that I love and hate all at once.

As an optimist, I totally want to make the best of any situation, but as a realist – particularly when I am the one facing some lemons, I just really want to throw them … and maybe stomp on them … and maybe throw a fit like a three year old.

What about you? Do you like orndislike the saying? Do you make lemonade when life gives you lemons?

Let me know in the comments if you’d like to share, then set your timer and ready … set … write!

Writers Write!

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In his book Atomic Habits, James Clear talks about small changes that have a big impact over time. For instance, one day of intense exercise is not going to make you fit, but consistent exercise will.

In fact, he promotes the idea of starting small so that the habit is easier to form.

This idea is why I have chosen 5 minutes for the preferred time to free write from these prompts. But if you need to do less, that’s ok too.

In fact, James Clear also said in a podcast with Brene Brown … “Writing a sentence a day may not finish your novel, but it is casting a vote every day that you are a writer.

What do you think? Are you writing something every day … even if it is just a sentence? Or 5 out of 7?

Today’s prompt is to write about your plan for writing daily – even if it is just a sentence – and giving yourself the “I am a writer vote” every time.

Okay, here we go. Set your timer and ready … set … write!

Inspiration

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Stephen King said, “Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work.”

What do you think about that quote? Do you believe that inspiration will strike you like lightning while you are sitting on your couch? Or do you believe it will sneak up on you while you are working hard to achieve your dreams?

Set your timers and ready … set … write!

Courage = Vulnerability???

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Vulnerability is not weakness; it is our greatest measure of courage. - Brene Brown

I don’t know about you, but I hate feeling vulnerable. It just stinks!

Yet, after hearing this quote while listening to Brené Brown’s new book Atlas of the Heart, I just couldn’t quit thinking about it. And the more I thought about it, the more I realized how true it is.

Courage is the act of putting ourselves in a vulnerable situation – despite the vulnerability – to achieve some desired outcome. I like to think it is for the greater good, but that probably doesn’t have to be a part of courage. Merriam-Webster defines courage as “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty” – definitely a vulnerable state in my mind.

What do you think? Do courage and vulnerability go hand in hand?

Take a few minutes to write about it. Set your timers and ready … set … write!