#introspection

April Flowers

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These are flowers from my garden. Some are in full bloom … Rock cress, phlox, lilac and lobelia … while others are budding, preparing for their time of full beauty.

That makes me think of people with potential just waiting to be developed and discovered. Writing practice is one way to develop your writing potential so that when opportunity comes your way, you will be ready to accept it and “burst into full bloom.”

So for today’s writing practice, consider what you are doing to prepare yourself for upcoming opportunities, then write about it.

Are you ready? Set your timer and ready … set … write!

Get Curious!

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Sometimes I just don’t know what to write about. Life is busy and time is short. But then, something catches my attention. It might be a bright, shiny object stealing what free time I have. Or, it might be something signaling an area where I can grow, learn and in turn share.

In order to create something of value, I have to get curious and dig a little deeper to find those things that will bring value to others – because that is what writing, blogging, etc is all about, right? Sharing things that will be valuable to someone else – otherwise why would they spend the time reading your work?

So today, think about something you are curious about. What questions do you have that you would like to answer? Spend some time following your curiosity and see where it takes you.

Now set your timer and ready … set … write!

I’d love to hear what you are curious about. If you are willing, share it in the comments. Happy writing!

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!

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!

World Water Day

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I walk over to my sink and get a glass of water. I don’t even think about it or worry about whether it is safe – unless it smells or tastes too much like chlorine. Then I am likely to complain or grab the filter to get rid of the bad flavor … but I know it is safe. The likelihood of having contaminated water here in the states is very low and if it happens, a bulletin goes out from the local health department to let everyone know to boil before drinking.

Unfortunately, safe water is not available to everyone. The CDC estimates that 2 BILLION people are without access to safe water. That’s billion – with a B. World Water Day is to raise awareness about the importance of clean water and how access to it can improve the lives of those currently living without it.

So for today’s writing session, write about all of the ways water impacts your life. Do you have access to clean water? It’s definitely something to be thankful for. Then, if time allows, write about how access to fresh water could change the life of someone who currently lacks access.

Are you ready? Set your timer and ready … set … write!

For more information visit the CDC website here, or the WHO website here.

Happy writing!

Dreams

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Dreams are what help us see a better future … better for us, our family, or maybe our country or the world.

Dreaming allows our imagination to explore things we may have previously thought impossible.

What are your dreams? The ones you’re afraid to even tell yourself?

Use your free writing time to explore them and write them down. It will help make them real.

Are you ready? Set your timers and ready … set … write!

Frustration

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I have had the opportunity to listen to Julie Anne Cairns speak on a couple of occasions. I feel she has a lot of insight not only into finances, but also into human nature and living a “rich” life. I have to say though that this quote: “Frustration is a portal to your next level of growth” was one of my favorite insights that she shared.

What do you think? Do you agree? Set your timer for 5 minutes and write out what you think. Then, if you wish, share it with me.

Happy writing!

Kari

Want to learn more about Julie Anne Cairns? Visit her site at http://theabundancecodebook.com/julie-ann-cairns/

Colosseum

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In January 2020 I had the opportunity to visit Rome. It was unlike any other place I have visited – from the 800 year old fountain across the street to the almost 2000 year old Colosseum and 2700 year old ruins of the Roman Forum.

Then, a couple of weeks after we returned home, Rome went on lockdown. People were sick and dieing by the hundreds. Yet it was the same city we had just left.

It seemed unreal. We were in shock, hoping those people we had met were safe yet knowing that they likely could not escape some impact.

What about you? What were you doing in January of 2020 before life changed? How did your life change in the following weeks and months?

Okay. Set your timer for 5 minutes; then ready … set … write!