In September I committed to writing 750 words a day using 750words.com created by the inspired Buster Benson, introduced to me by the fantastic Gwen Bell. My writings would be private but the commitment was public, which would help me follow through. I knew that by simply writing every day I would learn something I couldn't expect; with excitement I anticipated the lessons.
The 750 words initially took shape as stories, then moved to lists, a self dialogue of what I wanted to accomplish, reflections, then stream of consciousness of some great thoughts (typed quickly to make the midnight deadline and often was typing as fast as I could - big surprise, I know). This fast and off the cuff writing was surprisingly insightful and reminded me of how fruitful my mind can be when I take time to record my thoughts. I'm still building off the nuggets and insights September offered.
Part of me is a skeptic and cringes at anything that appears to be too touchy-feely, fuzzy kittens excluded, which I've come to understand mainly stems from fear of vulnerability/exposure. But the universe is giving me so many signs that it's time to ignore any fear that I'd be a fool not to heed. Check it out:
1. Every December I like to privately reflect on the past year. Just as I'm thinking about this I come across Gwen's site Reverb10 where a daily question from various writers will prompt reflection. Buster had a hand in putting it together.
2. As I contemplate participating I come across Rob Brezny's freewillastrology that urges me to: "Express appreciation for something in (my) life that provides beauty and power, even as (I) also critique its downsides." Advice specifically for Cancer in the month of December. . . ahem.
3. Then my friend Solar Lab whom I love and respect shared Brene Brown's TED video which happens to be about getting beyond the universal fear of vulnerability and exposure in order to lead a wholehearted life. Watch it, it's worth it.
4. The last slide of Brene's presentation is a photo of my best friend from high school, Tracey Clark, with the words I am Enough across her chest.
5. And just to bring it full circle, Tracey virtually introduced me to Gwen and her awesome conference in Boulder two years ago.
So it appears that by participating in Reverb10 and writing at claddyjack again I am practicing gratitude and joy in the very moments I am questioning myself, as my friends Tracey and Solar both taught me independenly and without intending to.
The universe is mysterious and so personal at times. For this beautiful lesson and the ones I'm about to learn, I am grateful.
If you'd like to participate: www.reverb10.com or follow @reverb10 on Twitter.
The 750 words initially took shape as stories, then moved to lists, a self dialogue of what I wanted to accomplish, reflections, then stream of consciousness of some great thoughts (typed quickly to make the midnight deadline and often was typing as fast as I could - big surprise, I know). This fast and off the cuff writing was surprisingly insightful and reminded me of how fruitful my mind can be when I take time to record my thoughts. I'm still building off the nuggets and insights September offered.
Part of me is a skeptic and cringes at anything that appears to be too touchy-feely, fuzzy kittens excluded, which I've come to understand mainly stems from fear of vulnerability/exposure. But the universe is giving me so many signs that it's time to ignore any fear that I'd be a fool not to heed. Check it out:
1. Every December I like to privately reflect on the past year. Just as I'm thinking about this I come across Gwen's site Reverb10 where a daily question from various writers will prompt reflection. Buster had a hand in putting it together.
2. As I contemplate participating I come across Rob Brezny's freewillastrology that urges me to: "Express appreciation for something in (my) life that provides beauty and power, even as (I) also critique its downsides." Advice specifically for Cancer in the month of December. . . ahem.
3. Then my friend Solar Lab whom I love and respect shared Brene Brown's TED video which happens to be about getting beyond the universal fear of vulnerability and exposure in order to lead a wholehearted life. Watch it, it's worth it.
4. The last slide of Brene's presentation is a photo of my best friend from high school, Tracey Clark, with the words I am Enough across her chest.
5. And just to bring it full circle, Tracey virtually introduced me to Gwen and her awesome conference in Boulder two years ago.
So it appears that by participating in Reverb10 and writing at claddyjack again I am practicing gratitude and joy in the very moments I am questioning myself, as my friends Tracey and Solar both taught me independenly and without intending to.
The universe is mysterious and so personal at times. For this beautiful lesson and the ones I'm about to learn, I am grateful.
If you'd like to participate: www.reverb10.com or follow @reverb10 on Twitter.