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An Exploration in What Drives Your Stories **The Story of You**

May 13, 2013 by Leave a Comment

beoutstandingeveryday

I love stories. I love listening to them and I love telling them. When I give gifts, I always give them with a story. There is something about attaching meaning to giving. At least, it is for me.

Starting today, I am participating for the second time in a class led by two wonderful ladies, Jen Lemen and Ria Sharon. The Story of You is a five week journey (May 13 - June 14) of why we do what we do and what drives our stories. What I enjoy most about the workshop is you can do it at your own pace, but the workshop leaders also do the class with you. They actively participate and share their stories, because the group that participates is always different. Here is what you an expect to learn during the five weeks:

  • how to identify the story you are telling yourself right now
  • how that story is keeping you stuck
  • how your storytelling brain works
  • how your soul intervenes to make sure you get it right
  • how to use simple storytelling tools to open yourself up to a whole new world of possibility.

If you are looking to explore your story, write your story and go deeper, consider joining me. I would love to see you in the group. The first time I did it was great. This time, I am looking forward to seeing where this journey takes me.
the story of you

Filed Under: Kindred Spirits Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

When Life Comes at You at Top Speed

January 23, 2013 by 2 Comments

I am thrilled by the opportunities coming my way in the next couple of months. Seriously, I am. I enjoy sharing my love of photography, writing, connecting and storytelling and knowing I get to do that by speaking at a few engagements is a blessing. I learned quickly you have to be careful what you ask for. You will most likely get it and it may come in abundance.

Life coming at you quickly can be overwhelming and I find it helpful to take a few moments to ground yourself. Meditating does not come easy to me, but I do take a few moments during the day to get quiet and center myself in the moment. Another helpful thing to do is to not accept anyone else’s chaos into your life.

For whatever insane reason, I believe some people enjoy living in a state of panic, complaint and chaos. And,they like having company. I don’t get down like that and avoid these types of situations and people as much as possible. I will listen and help out where I can, but I will not allow it to stress me out. That is not quality living.

In the coming weeks, I am focusing on building a new business, preparing for my speaking engagements, preparing for many work engagements and being a momma to my children. All of them take time and all of them bring their own forms of stress. All of them come at me at top speed, but I am not afraid. I welcome how each situation challenges me to be better and see the good in every situation.

Filed Under: Embrace the Everyday Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In the Midst of Busy, There is Still Intention

January 20, 2013 by 2 Comments

fortune cookie

One of my intentions for this year was to do a lot more writing for my blog. Only, I suddenly started to see time slip away from me quickly when the new year started. We are amping up at work for a huge community campaign and that takes up a lot of time. After leaving work, I head home to my main job as Mom and there are days all this activity can wear a person out. Yet, I do not complain.

While this week has been exhausting, it has also been filled with blessings. I was asked to speak at an event next month and two of my pitches were accepted to present at two conferences. It thrills me because I will have the opportunity to do what I love and share my love of writing, photography, connecting and storytelling.

So, if my post here are few, it is not without reason. I am taking my own advice and focusing. I am working on living the good life by simply living. By doing that, my writing here will be improved and I can hopefully share a few things with you that inspire.

Filed Under: Exploring Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Finding a Creative Space to Write

November 13, 2012 by 2 Comments

This coffee shop is not far from where I work. I like it here a lot. The people are nice, the atmosphere is warm and inviting and it is great for people watching. This may be a place I frequent quite a bit when I need to write. Coffee shops for urban dwellers seems to be what parks are to suburbanites. A place to hang out, meet a few friends or just chill. I admit I love getting outside when I have the chance, as fresh air and nature can be rather inspiring.

I have been struggling the past few months with writing consistently. When I do have these kinds of moments, putting myself in a different space or atmosphere always seems to help. And, changing where I write also gives me permission to write badly. Sometimes, you just have to get something on the paper. Do the work instead of waiting to be inspired. I know for myself, if I waited to be inspired, I would not write a single word.

Do you have a favorite place you go to when you need to recharge your creative batteries?

Filed Under: Writer's Life Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

How and Why to Write a Personal Manifesto

November 8, 2012 by 4 Comments

Beautiful Artwork created by Mandy Thompson for Goinswriter.com/artist

I have read many manifestos and thought about creating one of my own, but I seem to always put it off. I am not putting it off anymore. This week, I will write my manifesto.

What is a Manifesto?

A manifesto is a public declaration of a person’s intentions, beliefs, motives, and opinions . In it’s simplest form, it is a document a person documents what is important to them. It is a statement of principles and a call to action. The manifesto challenges assumptions and provokes change. It challenges you to commit to what you say you believe in.

A manifesto should not be mistake with a mission statement. It is the mission statements, awesome kick ass, older sister. It is a bold statement that sets the tone for your life, career or your day.

The value of a Manifesto

A manifesto can be a valuable source of inspiration to you. Reading it daily can help you focus on what is important to you before you start your day. I know some people like to share their manifestos publically, but you do not have to do this. It is a declaration for you to use as a guide for future aspirations.

The ideal time to write a manifesto is now. Things do not have to be going wrong in your life for you to sudden write one. You can be very satisfied with the way your life is going and the manifesto then acts as a reminder to keep on keeping on when things get a little tough. Your manifesto keeps you focused and reading it daily will help you no matter what is going on in your life.

Writing Your Manifesto

There is no right or wrong way to write a manifesto. How you choose to do it, is strictly up to you. A good place to start is with a list of topics that are important to you. When I start writing mine, self-care, my children and how I deal with challenging situations will be a part of my manifesto.

After you have a few topics to focus on, write down your intentions, beliefs and motives for each topic. A manifesto gives you the opportunity to put it all out there. Use strong , active words and write in the present tense. This tends to give your manifesto more “oomph” and power.

Finally, write your manifesto down. You can type it up later and make it fancy, but the first time, write it on paper. There is something about actually taking the time to write down something as important as your manifesto. This could end up being one of the most important pieces of writing you do in your life or it could lead to you writing a manifesto for your life.

I am looking forward to this exercise and I hope you join me in creating a manifesto.

 

 

Filed Under: Embrace the Everyday Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,
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