[Coaxing Creativity Tuesday Tip] Make an “I love me” bucket list…

February 5, 2013 By Leave a Comment

http://www.dreamstime.com/-image7211296We are all familiar with that To Do list…probably way too familiar, where we never seem to get to the bottom of that list!

I’m suggesting a totally different kind of list. A bucket list usually refers to something you want to accomplish before you “kick the bucket.”

My idea is that you create a list of all the things you can do right now to show how much “I love me.”  Cut them into individual pieces of paper and put them in a container you can seal such as a glass jar, or decorative tin.

Choose an item from your list on a regular basis (once a week? every other day? daily?) to nurture you. Include simple indulgences such as a new nail polish color for your do-it-yourself manicures, or a new scent for your bubble bath. Include special treats that may take a little planning…a trip to a museum for a special exhibit or a attending a theatre matinee. Include a trip to the beach, a massage, some new reading material, searching for intriguing hobby ingredients. Indulge in a trip to a large department store make-up counter and get a make-over without spending a dime. Get out your magazines and glue sticks to make a collage. Write in your journal. Sit under a shade tree and read Jane Austen, or your favorite author. Play dress-up in your favorite store…or in your own closet.

It doesn’t matter if there are ten things on the list or 20. Just start one! Then make adding to your “I love me” suggestion list an on-going activity.

What will be on your list.

Filed Under: Coaxing Creativity Tues Tip, collage, Creativity, General, Writing Tagged With: , , , ,

[Friday 5-minute writing prompt] I love…

February 1, 2013 By Leave a Comment

fountain penTimed Writing Pompt…I love…

Take out a fresh sheet of paper. Natalie Goldberg uses a “fast-writing” pen. I suggest using your favorite writing instrument and an unlined piece of colored paper for fun. I use a fountain pen with purple ink. Some folks opt to use their computer. If that is your preferred method to write, then just open a new word document on your computer and go for it. The point is to keep your fingers moving for five minutes and not stop. I want you to experience how much writing can be accomplished in a short period of time.

If you get stuck, just repeat the writing prompt – I love…or any other phrase that is comfortable for you. Do not stop to edit, correct spelling, look up a better word, or rearrange a sentence. Do not question what comes up in the five minutes: this doesn’t make sense, where did that come from, or what a crazy notion. This is a timed writing exercise so be sure to set the timer on your watch, phone, microwave, computer, or kitchen stove. Whether you use an egg timer, a No. 2 pencil and spiral notebook, your iPad, or even your iPhone, the theory is the same. Keep your hand and/or fingers moving and have fun taking dictation from your unconscious self. Make a list, write a poem, or create a short, short story. This is your time to explore and experiment.

Filed Under: Creativity, Five Minute Writing Prompt, General, Writing, Writing prompt Tagged With: , ,

5 writing strategies when you are stuck wondering what to write about…

January 31, 2013 By 2 Comments

http://www.dreamstime.com/-image5864808Have you ever thought that you have nothing you want to write about on your blog?

Yes, I’m sure that thought has occurred to you…And what did you do about it. Among your choices what did you choose?

Put off writing the blog until tomorrow…

Very popular and it seems reasonable at the time, but does it help you actually produce a blog? Probably not…a better strategy would be to have a back-up plan for those times you get stuck (it happens to everyone). Start a journal to brainstorm ideas about your blog, or make a section in your journal, and keep a running list of blog titles/topics so that you can just review your list to see what grabs your attention when you are searching for what to write about.

Ask someone else to write it for you…

Your blog is your chance to build a relationship on-line with your readers. I realize it is a commitment and you may not feel you are a strong writer. Keep in mind that your writing voice plays a key role in connecting you with your readers. Recognizing your strengths and delegating is the mark of a leader, however, it is critical that you find someone to help you produce content that reflects your voice and represents your message. Remember…you want to build a relationship with your readers (possibly leading to business because when they get to know you, like you, and understand what it is you do…they will become clients/customers).

Give up on the idea of having a blog entirely…Who reads them anyway?

Yeah right…the internet is a passing fancy and will never catch on. If you believe that, I’ve got a map with a yellow brick road clearly marked so that you can go and talk to the Great and Powerful Oz. Remember to pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!

In 2012, the audience of internet users in the U.S. of 239 million, represents 75.6% of the total population. (Hubspot.com/Internet-marketing-statistics-for-2012).

The world is on-line:  shopping for goods, services, being entertained, learning about their environment and building relationships…which means you have to be on-line too!

Play with timed writing…

Set the timer and tell yourself, “I only have to write for ten minutes and I’ll see what ideas come up when I just keep writing without stopping.” You’d be surprised how much you can write in a short period of time. Bonus…start with a picture as your inspiration and you’ve already got the graphic to go along with your blog!

Start from something already in place…

Go back to one of your most popular posts and respond to the comments you received. Comment on one of your previous posts, or what a colleague has posted on their blog. Find something timely in the news about your industry, or your community.

Start a conversation and have fun!

Filed Under: Collaberation, Creativity, General, Productivity, Writing Tagged With: , , , ,

Shifting into 2013…

January 14, 2013 By Leave a Comment

A brand new year and a brand new attitude!

A time for new beginnings…a time for test-driving a new version of YOU!

How are you shifting into 2013?

What surprised you last year? What changed you? Did you lose someone last year? Did you find someone last year? Did you discover yourself, or reinvent a new, brighter vision of you Are you changing your focus?

 As the daughter and granddaughter of truck drivers, (with a brother and nephew continuing the tradition) I grew up around all sorts of vehicles:  trucks big and small, tractors, and cars.

Of course, operating them usually involved knowledge of “shifting.” That dance of easing out the clutch, applying the right amount of pressure to the gas pedal and maneuvering the gears on the floor or on the column to propel that massive piece of machinery forward. 

Allen and Gale Prescott on the Little FordWhile my brothers seemed to be born to it, I never acquired that ease. I made a valiant attempt to learn because all of our vehicles were manual transmission. As a normal 16-year-old, I desperately wanted to get my license to drive. 

Daddy did take me out practicing…within the safety of our farm boundaries. I managed to lurch my way through the gears, but knew I’d never pass all the tasks required. I’d panic and either kill the engine, or jerk the car into on-coming traffic. 

Two miraculous events occurred. Well, not so much miraculous, as absolutely wonderful for this particular small-town farm girl. 

First, it was sort of ironic that when it came time for me to take the mandatory Driver’s Education course, we had to drive an automatic. Horray! No shifting! But, what do I do about taking the test and actually having a car to drive once in a while?

The second miracle…my older bother bought an automatic! It was baby blue and small enough that I was even confident about parallel parking (something else I’m not a master at). Because of that car I entered a new phase of my life.

I was able to take the driving test because I had a car with an automatic transmission. I felt freedom, exhilaration and joy behind the wheel. At 17, I was the last one in my class to get her license.

I’ve done a lot of shifting since those first driving attempts. Many times I’ve found myself easing into challenging situations (gradually pushing down on the clutch) while opening up to learn a new skill or digesting new information (applying steady pressure on the gas pedal).

It’s up to YOU whether or not you cope with life lessons by lurching through those shifts, or glide through the transitions by being patient, persistent and passionate.

I’d love to hear about how you are shifting into 2013. Hop over to my Facebook page and tell me about it!

 

 

Filed Under: Creativity, General, Memoir, nonfiction writing, story, Writing Tagged With: , , ,

[Coaxing Creativity Tuesday Tip] Celebrate 2012!

January 1, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Happy New Year!

Here we are with 365 new beginnings spread before us. What are your plans? What are your hopes & dreams? What will you do differently in 2013 than you did in 2012? 

Confused by my title? No, it is not a mistake that I wrote Celebrate 2012! I want you to list all the things…great and small…that made 2012 the year it was for you. Your firsts…your finals…your light bulb moments…your why did I do that? moments…and more.

This is not your Bucket List, nor is it your To-Do-List in review.

What class did you attend that inspired you? What workshop did you teach to pass that inspiration along? Where did you sit in awe of nature and were moved by the sheer beauty and mystery of the sun rising, the ocean’s waves crashing on shore, or a humming bird in flight? Where did you mind wander, your feet amble, or your spirit take flight?

Go back to your Gratitude Journal and write a paragraph about something that surprised you last year. Look at your calendar pages and write a paragraph about an event you were moved by. Think about all the people who touched your life this year and the grace you received from them. What did you learn? What did you share? Where did you soften? How did you bend? What did you hear? What did you see?  What made you laugh? What made you cry? When did you care? What did you read that changed you? What did you write? 

Filed Under: Coaxing Creativity Tues Tip, Creativity, General, Personal, story, Writing Tagged With: , , , , ,

[Friday Five-minute writing prompt] The biggest lesson I learned in 2012 was…

December 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Friday five-minute writing prompt – The biggest lesson I learned in 2012 was…

Take out a fresh sheet of paper. Natalie Goldberg uses a “fast-writing” pen. I suggest using your favorite writing instrument and an unlined piece of colored paper for fun. I use a fountain pen with purple ink. Some folks opt to use their computer. If that is your preferred method to write, then just open a new word document on your computer and go for it. The point is to keep your fingers moving for five minutes and not stop. I want you to experience how much writing can be accomplished in a short period of time.

If you get stuck, just repeat the writing prompt – The biggest lesson I learned in 2012 was…or any other phrase that is comfortable for you. Do not stop to edit, correct spelling, look up a better word, or rearrange a sentence. Do not question what comes up in the five minutes: this doesn’t make sense, where did that come from, or what a crazy notion. This is a timed writing exercise so be sure to set the timer on your watch, phone, microwave, computer, or kitchen stove. Whether you use an egg timer, a No. 2 pencil and spiral notebook, your iPad, or even your iPhone, the theory is the same. Keep your hand and/or fingers moving and have fun taking dictation from your unconscious self. Make a list, write a poem, or create a short, short story. This is your time to explore and experiment.

Filed Under: Creativity, Five Minute Writing Prompt, General, nonfiction writing, story, Writing, Writing prompt Tagged With: , , , ,

[Friday 5-minute writing prompt] Dear Santa…

December 21, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Friday five-minute writing prompt – Dear Santa…

Take out a fresh sheet of paper. Natalie Goldberg uses a “fast-writing” pen. I suggest using your favorite writing instrument and an unlined piece of colored paper for fun. I use a fountain pen with purple ink. Some folks opt to use their computer. If that is your preferred method to write, then just open a new word document on your computer and go for it. The point is to keep your fingers moving for five minutes and not stop. I want you to experience how much writing can be accomplished in a short period of time.

If you get stuck, just repeat the writing prompt – Dear Santa…or any other phrase that is comfortable for you. Do not stop to edit, correct spelling, look up a better word, or rearrange a sentence. Do not question what comes up in the five minutes: this doesn’t make sense, where did that come from, or what a crazy notion. This is a timed writing exercise so be sure to set the timer on your watch, phone, microwave, computer, or kitchen stove. Whether you use an egg timer, a No. 2 pencil and spiral notebook, your iPad, or even your iPhone, the theory is the same. Keep your hand and/or fingers moving and have fun taking dictation from your unconscious self. Make a list (include anything and everything for your well-being and peace of mind), write a poem, or create a short, short story. This is your time to explore and experiment. 

Filed Under: communications, Creativity, General, nonfiction writing, Writing, Writing prompt Tagged With: , , ,

12 Days of Christmas…writing prompts

December 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Filed Under: communications, Creativity, General, Memoir, story Tagged With: , , , ,

[Friday 5-minute writing prompt] Deck the halls…

December 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Friday five-minute writing prompt – Deck the halls…

Take out a fresh sheet of paper. Natalie Goldberg uses a “fast-writing” pen. I suggest using your favorite writing instrument and an unlined piece of colored paper for fun. I use a fountain pen with purple ink. Some folks opt to use their computer. If that is your preferred method to write, then just open a new word document on your computer and go for it. The point is to keep your fingers moving for five minutes and not stop. I want you to experience how much writing can be accomplished in a short period of time.

If you get stuck, just repeat the writing prompt – Deck the halls…or any other phrase that is comfortable for you. Do not stop to edit, correct spelling, look up a better word, or rearrange a sentence. Do not question what comes up in the five minutes: this doesn’t make sense, where did that come from, or what a crazy notion. This is a timed writing exercise so be sure to set the timer on your watch, phone, microwave, computer, or kitchen stove. Whether you use an egg timer, a No. 2 pencil and spiral notebook, your iPad, or even your iPhone, the theory is the same. Keep your hand and/or fingers moving and have fun taking dictation from your unconscious self. Make a list, write a poem, or create a short, short story. Paint a word picture. Let us “see” what’s on your mind. This is your time to explore and experiment. 

Filed Under: Creativity, General, story, Writing, Writing prompt Tagged With: , , , ,

[Coaxing Creativity Tuesday Tip] Joy to the world…

December 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Do you like music? Do you let it touch your heart and seem into your soul?

This time of year the sounds of the season are everywhere. Perhaps the piped in stuff in the mall and over the stores sound systems are not exactly optimum musical enjoyment, but I hope you are able to recognize the melody most of the time.

I love all the music (well almost all…not the Grandma…reindeer one) whether it is disjointed or symphonic. With a daughter who took dance from age 3 until high school, I’ve also had the pleasure of attending performances (not to mention the pre-requisite rehearsals) of The Nutcracker probably close to a hundred times.

When I was growing up, learning new music for the Christmas programs was very exciting. Music class was devoted to learning new songs. None of us read music, so it was a matter of repetition. Sister Judith would play the melody then we’d repeat, repeat, and repeat some more.

We had programs every year from elementary through high school. At Sacred Heart Elementary, our programs followed the story of Joseph and Mary on their journey to Bethlehem. Usually my brothers, sisters and I were in the choir, or maybe even angels on stage. A few times I got to be Mary cradling Baby Jesus, really my Tiny Tears doll, wrapped in swaddling clothes. My favorite songs today are the ones I learned for the children’s programs and performed for the cold drafty auditorium filled with friends and family. Only hours before, in the same auditorium where we’d been eating fish sticks and peas, our cold drafty auditorium was transformed into a celestial oasis.

What sort of music are you creating this season?

Filed Under: Coaxing Creativity Tues Tip, Creativity, General, nonfiction writing Tagged With: , , ,
«Older Posts
Newer Posts»