Your Writing Mentor

Mary Knippel

[Friday Five-Minute Writing Prompt] Freedom to choose what’s best for me…

By Leave a Comment

  Freedom to choose what’s best for me…

Friday five-minute writing prompt

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.

If you get stuck, just repeat the writing prompt – Freedom to choose what’s best for me... 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 a spiral notebook, your iPad, or even your iPhone, the theory is the same. Keep your hand and fingers moving and have fun taking dictation from your unconscious self. Make a list, hum a tune, write a poem, or create a short, short story. This is your time to explore and experiment.

Photo credit: jamienease.com

Time to share your independence story

By Leave a Comment

So often, I encounter folks who say they have never done anything extraordinary so, of course, they don’t feel they have a story.

I disagree. I believe everyone has had life experiences that makeup very, very interesting stories.

Consider the concept of “independence.” That’s a hot topic in July. What if you thought about independence as minute-to-minute personal development for everyone beginning with your first breath as a baby down to your last as you leave this life. 

Independence in our ability to make decisions for ourselves, and to live the life we were designed to live.

Independence, I believe, exists in the power of your individual attitude and creative spirit.

I believe you are a woman of independence because you possess wit, charm, and, an essential commodity often in short supply, patience.

Asserting your independence means being willing to stand alone with your convictions, hold firm to your decisions and be resilient in the face of adversity.

When I attended Spring Quarter in London as a college freshman at the ripe old age of 30, some thought I was crazy. First of all, I had quit a perfectly good secretarial job to attend college full time. Secondly, that I would run off to London for three months when I was a happily married woman, somehow, it appeared I was breaching married etiquette by choosing to pursue an individual goal instead of deferring and maintaining the pre-determined “wifely duties.” Yes, it did look like a declaration of independence because it was!

I declared that London was my favorite city in the entire world, and I had a chance to spend three months there, in a study abroad program through the university. I made a dream of mine a reality. I applied for a loan and had the trip of a lifetime. My independence didn’t depend on unlimited funds or the cautionary approval of family and friends.

I’m curious…what is your independence story? 

When did you declare that you were going after a goal and let nothing stop you from achieving that dream?

Share in the comments how you have declared your independence.

photo credit:  www.canva.com

[Friday Five-Minute Writing Prompt] Free to share my story…

By Leave a Comment

 

Free to Share My Story…

Friday five-minute writing prompt

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 –  Free to Share My Story…
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, hum a tune, write a poem, or create a short, short story. This is your time to explore and experiment.

photo credit: jamienease.com

[Friday Five-Minute Writing Prompt] this independence thing…

By Leave a Comment

 

This independence thing…

Friday five-minute writing prompt

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 –  This independence thing…
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, hum a tune, write a poem, or create a short, short story. This is your time to explore and experiment.

photo credit: jamienease.com

Now is the Time to Make a Difference to All Children

By

excited little girl

Let’s celebrate “National Make a Difference to Children Month” with a twist. I propose honoring your inner child as well as the children in your life!

Whether you have children, are an empty nester, a childcare provider, or simply appreciate there are children in the world, we were all children at some point. It’s not too late to nurture, mentor, and make a difference in the life of your inner child.

What did you long to do as a child that you never seem to have the time or energy to pursue anymore?

Did you…

  • create concoctions in the kitchen?
  • splash in the ocean?
  • peddle madly on your bike?
  • explore a never-ending trail?
  • get lost in a great story?

Did I not mention your favorite?

You can still do all of those things…and more!

Don’t think it’s important to spend time with your inner child? As much as you want to always seem like you have it all together, sometimes you just have to vent, throw a tantrum and lose control. And that’s OK. It’s, do I dare say it…normal? Even necessary. Your inner child needs to be nurtured. She deserves to be made a fuss over her. And especially, she needs you to show her some love!

When I was growing up, my mother used to can vegetables in a pressure cooker. I can’t tell you the scientific version of what went on. I can only tell you there was a lot of bubbling and hissing during the process. The pot worked magic by releasing steam. Give yourself permission to indulge your inner child to have that bit of grace make a difference in your life. She needs to be nurtured. She deserves to have attention lavished upon her.

There is no better time than now to Make a Difference in Children’s Lives…starting with your Inner Child!

Kim Ratz, the founder of “National Make a Difference Month” provides 100 ideas or ways to make a difference in a child’s life.

And because I don’t want to miss an opportunity to encourage reading, check out this post “5 Ways to be a Reading Role Model” from Scholastic.

Photo credit:  Dreamstime.com