Don’t sweat ‘the gap’

You could say I’m a fangirl of motivational quotes. Over my desk hang several popular missives, including one that states: Dream bigger. And don’t forget the ever-popular: Do something your future self will thank you for. I notice, however, that nobody spends much time extoling “the gap”—which I talk about in my post “Gain vs. gap: realigning our focus.” A while back, I mentioned to a writer friend my excitement about a second short story of mine scheduled for publication in a national magazine—a dream come true! When I recounted the time lapse between subsequent submissions, she said, Don’t sweat the gap. Although I’ve drafted a few short stories since that conversation, for myriad reasons they remain tucked out of sight. But, instead of worrying I might miss the next opportunity, I’m utilizing the gap to hone my craft in the hopes I will be better prepared to step into bigger dreams…when the time is “write.”

How do you cope with “the gaps” in your life?

Photo by Lubo Minar on Unsplash.

Got faith? Your story isn’t over yet.

On any given weekend over the past several months, I’ve hung my “closed” sign, packed my bags and driven up north. Each time, these getaways prove a source of inspiration and a form of self-care. Opportunities to refresh from “the grind,” to rediscover and reconnect with who I am—a faith-filled wife, mother, sister, employee, friend, writer, yogi, hiker and dreamer. And what I desire out of this one life—simple pleasures like that first sip of liquid magic in the mornings before the sun makes its ascent; autumn’s burst of vibrant color; raw, belly laughter; music and books that stir my soul; a connection between two hearts. To be a light in the world. To make a difference. Yet even if a lone tear slips from my eye when plans fail, I still choose to be grateful, knowing it’s simply part of my story. One that’s not over yet. After all, when our faith is tested, our endurance earns a chance to grow.

How’s your faith life?

Attaching labels to the dreams we chase

A writer is a writer not because she writes well and easily,
because she has amazing talent,
or because everything she does is golden.
A writer is a writer because, even when there is no hope,
even when nothing you do shows any sign of promise,
you keep writing anyway. ~ Dunot Diaz

Is there a dream you’re chasing? One that is synonymous with how you define yourself? For me, it’s writing, or identifying myself as a writer. Several weeks ago, I attended a ‘write your book in a weekend’ workshop where I penned more than 50,000 words that evolved into a book of sorts—but mostly it resembled keystrokes of gibberish splashed across my laptop screen. Although I didn’t accomplish what I’d hoped for, I learned two things: 1) that particular technique to birth a book is not for me, and 2) that I possess what it takes to earn my label… because I keep writing anyway. Therein lies the promise.

What does your label look like?

Image courtesy of jennythip at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Are you living a ‘more than’ life?

 

It catches me off guard at times: I mention in passing I’m a writer and the listener asks, Oh! What do you write? That’s when a marmalade-striped kitty catches my tongue and a brief pause touches my lips. I’m working on a couple projects, I say. The next query follows: What kind… anything published? At this point I don’t know where to begin—no published novel, but yes, several magazine articles—and I start to act almost apologetic for ‘posing’ as a published author. Because while my peers within the writing community celebrate recent successful book launches, as well as sought-after literary awards, I still work toward the goal of writing more than: more than a to-do list or a grocery list, more than a blog or a commercial trade article. Yet, each time I communicate through words, I stack a building block one atop the other. And I’m happy because I can call myself a writer. Because I write.

What makes your life the ‘more than’ kind?

Image courtesy of Stoonn at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

15 days of thanks

[Image credit: Felixco, Inc.]

Several of my friends on Facebook have been posting what they’re thankful for each day.  These posts range from appreciation of the tangibles like husbands, children, friends, deodorant and pajamas to the intangibles such as playfulness in life, God and the sunrise.  But instead of listing something each day, I stored them up:

1. Each and every one of my girlfriends who are as unique as the pattern on a butterfly’s wings (you know who you are) who build up, inspire and never let me forget I’m loved.
2. My family near and far.
3. Bikram Yoga for its healing benefits, inside and out.
4. A strong body and workout buddies to share the pain and sweat.
5. The promise of Someday.
6. Books.
7. Nut and rice crackers (gluten free!).
8. White Russians.
9. Coffee.
10. Permission to giggle.
11. Dark chocolate.
12. My new church.
13. Medical insurance.
14. Both my jobs (publishing assistant and writer).
15. Galaxy SIII.

What are 15 things you’re thankful for?

Defining our identity

[Image credit: Salvatore Vuono]

How do you respond when someone asks the question what do you do?  Many people automatically list their vocation or occupation.  Is this how you define yourself?  Perhaps you’re a parent first, or maybe you’re a student while working full time selling coffee.  With the many hats we wear, it’s hard to whittle down the descriptors that provide a complete picture of who we are.  But sometimes we only have a few minutes or limited words in which we must convey our identity to a potential employer, new friend or prospective date.  In the past month, I’ve been asked several times what I “do.”  My answer has consistently been that I’m a publishing assistant and a writer.  Although I’m so much more, these seven words define my love of language and, I hope, a bent toward creativity and an open mind.  Perhaps I give off the vibe of struggling artist, as well.  Either way, I’m becoming what I believe.

In a few words, how do you define yourself?

The changing face of our dreams

As a little girl, I longed for more than anything to be a writer.  Over the years, my aspirations have jumped from nurse to secretary and from teacher to beach bum.  While I’ve written in past posts about spending my first 26 odd working years in various administrative roles, being a writer has always been a dream tucked in the recesses of my heart — a desire which has finally taken flight within the past few years.  Since I’m a romantic, my fantasies have also consisted of the happily-ever-after variety where I’m walking hand-in-hand along the ocean coast, toes swallowed up in the warm sand and salty surf.  Over time, however, my hopes for Someday have begun to take on a new face for Today.  So whether I’m surrounded by a view of endless beaches, or perhaps the rugged beauty of the desert, the staying power of my dreams remains.  Even when those dreams change moment by moment.

Are your dreams in need of a facelift?