#5MinuteFreeWrite

Nothing to Say???

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Person sitting with laptop, but not writing. Text says "Write about not knowing what to write."

I was sitting at my desk trying to figure out what to write about. What on earth did I have to say that anyone would want to read? Has that ever happened to you?

Then, in my head, the 1980s Chicago song started playing 25 or 6 to 4, and all of a sudden, I knew I just needed to start writing about not knowing what to write and I would figure it out eventually.

See, the thing is that as you start to write, even if you have no idea what you are going to write about, the ideas start to flow, and the words flow as well, better and better as you keep going.

That’s not to say your first draft will be perfect – or even 25% of what you’ll end up with, but it is a start, and sometimes a start is all you need to open the floodgate of words locked in your head.

So today, write about a time when you had nothing to say, or about not having anything to say now.

If you need some inspiration about writing about not knowing what to say, listen to the YouTube on Chicago’s channel here.

Okay, now set your timer and ready … set … write!

Home Sweet Home

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Sunset over the mountains faded into the background with garage lights from home in the foreground. Text says "No place like home"

Home – Is it a place or a feeling? Sometimes I feel at home even when I am far from home if I am comfortable and with the ones I love. Home can also be a place where I grew up, but exists only in my memories because the structure is no longer standing. And sometimes, home is where I live, watching the sunset with my husband (as in this picture).

What about you? What does home mean to you? Take a few minutes to write about it and see where it leads you. You may be surprised. ๐Ÿ™‚

Okay… Set your timer for 5 minutes and ready … set … write!

April Fools Day

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Do you do anything for April Fools Day? We always play friendly jokes on each other in our family. Garlic in toothpaste, short sheeted beds or other little pranks, but our level of pranks were nothing compared to others that I know.

What about you? Todays writing prompt involves writing about what you do on April 1. Whether pranking or not – how do you spend this day?

Ready … set … write!

Iconic Paris

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Ahhh Paris … the city of love, art and architecture.

A beautiful city to wander in, exploring cobblestone streets and centuries old buildings. A place where old and new stand side by side.

What do you think of in relation to Paris? The Eiffel Tower? The Louvre? A big crowded city?

Take 5 minutes to write about what you would like to do in Paris, or why you never want to go.

Set your timer and ready … set … write!

Where would you go?

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Is there a place you’ve dreamed of? A place you would love to go but have never been able to for one reason or another?

If money (and the pandemic, war, etc.) were no object, where would you go?

Set your timer and ready … set … write!

If you want to share in the comments, I’d love to hear about your dream location.

Happy writing!

Whimsy, Fantasy, or Real Life?

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The simple toad stool. You see it in garden art, fairy gardens, and sometimes real life. I was surprised to find this one, that is so close to the whimsical version, just waiting for me in the woods.

For today’s 5 minute free write, create a story that includes a toad stool.

Set your timer. Ready … set … write!

Magazines?

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I love going to the local grocery store and looking at all of the magazines they have for sale. There’s just something about the glossy pictures, short but relevant articles and physical page turning that you just don’t get online.

In fact, I still subscribe to a couple of physical magazines – and though I may switch up which I subscribe to, I think I will always have one or two come in the mail – for nostalgia if nothing else.

What about you? Do you enjoy the feel of a magazine in your hand? Do you like flipping through the pages? Or is an online magazine more your style?

Set your timer for 5 min and write about what you like or don’t like about magazines. Or start with that and go wherever your mind takes you.

If you’d like to share, put it in the comments. I’d love to hear from you.

Here we go. Ready … set … write!

Nutrition Month

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As we near the end of March (which is also Nutrition Month here in the US), I thought it would be a good time to reflect on what changes you would like to make in what or how much you eat.

For me, though I eat a pretty healthy diet, eating at healthier times and limiting sugar is a constant issue and one I am focusing on right now.

What about you? Are there changes you would like to make in your nutrition? Take a few minutes to write about them.

Set your timer for 5 minutes 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 Brenรฉ 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!