Your Writing Mentor

Mary Knippel

Time to evaluate your life

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Are you…

              • Exhausted and running at full speed, yet getting nowhere and so afraid you are not going to succeed at living your dream that you want to hide? 
              • Fearful of failing before you even start so that you hide behind constant activity without feeling you are doing what really matters to you? 
              • Frustrated and confused about how to share your message and connect with those who need you?

You are not alone.

I know how much work it takes to be an entrepreneur…wearing all the hats to build a business and then keep it running. It’s a 3-ring circus, traveling magic act, and a Hollywood production all in one.

When it works, it’s the greatest!

When things go wrong, it’s just plain awful.

Sometimes you have to take a break and understand what all this blur of activity is getting you…besides dizzy and out of breath.

It is critical that you give yourself permission to stop, hit pause, and evaluate what’s going right in your life. Grab a journal and make a gratitude list. Then write down ideas on how you could go about traveling in a new direction. Keep your focus positive and forward-thinking, rather than any set of circumstances derailing your plans.

Yes, I realize it’s scary to ask you to be vulnerable. Be inspired by the wisdom of your own life challenges and how you coped with them. If writing is a foreign idea for you, try thinking of it as you having a conversation on paper with a trusted friend and confidant. Start by sitting down with a fast-writing pen and your journal for a short writing session. Write for about 15 minutes to ponder the question of what unmaking your truth would look like. Make it an on-going experiment for about 21-days at the same time every day. Play some music, perhaps light a candle and have a cup of tea or flavored coffee. I’d be curious to see what shows up.

No magic tricks here or Hollywood effects necessary. You don’t have to study with a guru, buy expensive equipment, or travel to achieve specialized instruction. Writing in a journal is a powerful tool at your disposal 24-hours a day. A ready confidant and thoughtful listening friend. Keep it simple, just you, your journal, and a fast-writing pen. Write for about 15 minutes to ponder the question of what your truth would look like. Make it an on-going experiment for about 21-days at the same time every day. Play some music, perhaps light a candle and have a cup of tea or flavored coffee. You’d be surprised at the stories that flow from your pen. And yes, it’s important that you write in long-hand. I believe there is a direct connection between your heart and your hand which allows you to receive communication from your soul.

Remember to offer yourself the kind of encouragement and support you would give to your best friend. Be patient and kind. Open up to your authentic self within the pages of your journal and let her reveal the truth of who you are and the wisdom you are here to share. And you do have a great deal of wisdom to share! When you slow down long enough to absorb the lessons you have learned, you will be amazed at what you have already accomplished, empowered by a new awareness of your own inner strength, and excited to tackle your next challenge.

Because when you evaluate your life, you will realize that you have a unique story to share that only you can share it!

 

Photo credit:  Dreamstime.com

[Friday Five-Minute Writing Prompt] What breast cancer taught me…

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What breast cancer taught me…

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 a computer. Please remember that typing puts you in another part of your brain. I believe you have greater access to messages from your soul with the pen to paper. However, if you are not physically able 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 – What breast cancer taught 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

Oprah’s calling…

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The phone rings, and it’s Oprah on the other end of the line.

What would you do?

Would you be ready to share your story right there?

Are you able to clearly and concisely communicate the unique message you have been charged with to share with the world?

Now I haven’t had the good fortune to receive a phone call from Oprah in person or from her people for that matter. I have been given opportunities to share my story as a speaker, co-author, magazine columnist, guest blogger, and radio guest. I’ve also been privileged to help other women uncover the story they thought was nothing out of the ordinary and guide them to shape it into the unique extraordinary they are meant to share with the world.

Here’s a little aside illustrate my point about being ready to say yes to opportunities.

You know how celebrities have uncomfortable situations sometimes. For instance, someone who is determined to have a conversation with them may follow that celebrity without regard to the ultimate destination. They may perhaps go so far as to accompany the star into the restroom!

No, I did not have that happen to me. However, I did have a conversation at a conference with a stranger in the Ladies Room. Can you guess what we talked about? I’ll give you a hint. What do I always wind up talking about, even when I don’t start talking about it?

If you guessed writing your story, you would be right!

You see, she had been given a writing assignment after a discussion and had sought out a quiet place to think. Sometimes, the thinking process can get a little emotional, and I had asked her if she was alright. She replied that she was fine. It was just that she’d gotten a download on what she needed to write in her journal and had to put it down at that moment before she lost it. I assured her that I understood completely. I’m a writer and a writing mentor/coach, so it’s perfectly OK to get thoughts on paper whenever and wherever you can.

The next part is what I consider “my Oprah moment.”

She was pleased and excited when I told her I was a writing coach. “I’m working on two books and could really use some help. Can I have your card or your phone number? I want to talk to you about my projects!”

I gave her my number, and she called me right there at the sink. She then hurried off to get back for the next session.

I hope I’ll have a chance to support her in bringing her voice to the world. Even if I don’t, I’m happy that we connected, and I said YES to the possibility.

I hope you say YES to the possibility of bringing your voice to the world whenever your story reveals itself to you. And please let me know if you’ve ever had an Oprah moment of your own. I’d love to hear from you!

Photo credit:  CaronModernMedia.com

 

[Friday Five-Minute Writing Prompt] When you keep a positive attitude…

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When you keep a positive attitude…

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 a computer. Please remember that typing puts you in another part of your brain. I believe you have greater access to messages from your soul with the pen to paper. However, if you are not physically able 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 – When you keep a positive attitude... 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

Shattering the myth about inspiration and your story

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Are you waiting for inspiration to sit on your shoulder before you pick up a pen to start writing?

Do you have a hard time knowing what to write about?

And because the inspiration muse hasn’t visited you and you have not been assigned a subject to write about, you do not write at all.

Here are two ideas that should shatter the myth you must wait for inspiration to strike before you can write:

  • Take a look at the headlines on the newspaper’s front page, the cover of popular magazines, what’s trending on Facebook, or any news program to find your subject matter. It’s in that headline, on the magazine cover, or your screen. I guarantee that there is something that grabs your interest and begs your attention. Something that makes you want to shake your head in disbelief shed a tear in dismay, or cry out in pain. And wouldn’t you like to discuss with someone about your observation? Or, voice your opinion on the current state of affairs.
  • Take note of the month’s holidays or special designations. Unless you live under a rock, you know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. It is a timely subject you could blog about. Why would you write about breast cancer? One-in-eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. If you are that one-in-eight woman, then you could write about how you are not a statistic. You are a unique individual with hopes, dreams, and a successful business. If you know someone who is that one-in-eight, then you can talk about how that someone (family member, co-worker, or friend) has persevered, coped, and confronted an incredible challenge. How they have shown you by being a living example of how precious life is and you have to live every minute. Commenting on whatever your experience has been shows that you are aware of the community and its world. Breast cancer has touched you somehow and affected how you live your life because of that experience.

In my case, I’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer twice. I’m passionate about encouraging everyone I encounter not to wait until they have a health crisis to take care of themselves. I am not a statistic. I am an individual, unique, and amazingly talented. Breast cancer is part of my story, but it is not my whole story. I’ve changed my story to be visible with my gifts. And I help others realize their ability to share their story which is why I founded Your Writing Mentor and why I am adamant about the fact I feel everyone is a writer, although a reluctant writer they may be, and has an incredible story to tell which only they can tell…their own!

 

media credit:  Dreamstime.com