#YourStory

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!

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!

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!

New Flavors

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Tonight we decided to try a restaurant we have never been to before. It serves authentic Thai food and was delicious.

For our appetizer and entrees, we had our tried and true favorites, but when it came to dessert we decided to be adventurous and try something new.

We ordered Mango Sticky Rice. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but my hopes were not high. Oh boy was I surprised. It was AMAZING! The flavor was faintly sweet with a light coconut flavor from the coconut milk sauce. The fresh mango was the highlight and the sesame seeds balanced out the flavor combination and added interest to the mix.

The requirement of fresh mango means it is only available for a short time each year, especially here in the Pacific Northwest where we struggle to get good mangoes even in the best of times. So we were lucky to have the opportunity to try it and very glad we took that opportunity.

What about you? When was the last time you tried something new? A new food or flavor or something else entirely?

Want to write about it? Set your timer and ready … set … write!

Fitness Favorites

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It’s February and people are struggling to maintain their fitness goals. So for today’s writing prompt, let’s explore your favorite way to get exercise.

I love dancing (in private), hiking, and snowshoeing … and basically anything that doesn’t feel like I’m exercising.

What about you? Do you love going to the gym or doing a structured workout? Or are you more like me and prefer your exercise to sneak up on you while you’re having fun?

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

Do you ride?

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I think I was 6 when I learned to ride a bike. After many wobbly rides, bloody knees, and soothed tears I finally learned. Though I’ve never become the fanatic that some of my friends are, I have done the occasional 50 mile ride…okay, that was long ago.

What about you? When did you learn? Did you take to it like a fish to water? Do you still bike?

Set your timer and ready … set … write!

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. 🙂

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!