Did you know that in 1987 a Congressional resolution named March Women’s History Month, but Sonoma, California first observed it in 1978? In March 1776 Abigail Adams wrote to her husband John, who was helping to frame the Declaration of Independence to “Remember the Ladies.”

In honor of Women’s History Month, let’s talk about Living Your Legacy. Yes, I did mean to say Living Your Legacy because I think what we do in everyday life is just as important as anything we will leave behind. Polish your pearls…your words of wisdom and share your story…your personal journey…your HERstory. 

What is important to you right now? How do you spend your time? What are you passionate about? That is the Legacy You Live! 

I’m passionate about you embracing your story. Your story has value because it is your story and  YOU have value. The world is waiting to hear your story.

Writing is how I tap into my creativity and give voice to my message on a daily basis. I start my day with a pot of tea, my journal along with my favorite fountain pen, and a collection of inspirational reading material. Perhaps writing isn’t the first thing you want to do in the morning. If you find writing before you go to bed helps relax you, then that’s when you should write. Maybe grabbing a sandwich and your journal is your lunch routine. Great! Do whatever works for you!

Some folks find letter writing to be their favorite way to journal. Unsent letters are one way, Anne Frank addressed her thoughts to “Dear Kitty,” you could do something similar. That was her story. Tell Your Story. Don’t worry that you need a new program for your computer, or a fancy leather-bound journal to record your thoughts. A notebook from Target and a Bic pen works just fine, or even loose paper and No. 2 pencil – just get comfortable and write.

 

Let’s address the Inner Critic who is voicing concerns right now.

Concerns such as:

• Worry that you won’t know what to say.
• Wondering how long you should write.
• Wondering who is going to read this?

OK, here are a couple of suggestions to help you get started.

1. Choose a time and block out an appointment with yourself on the calendar for about 15 minutes (you may want to increase it later, but for right now you will be amazed how much you can write in 15 minutes).

2. I encourage you to write long-hand to have a direct connection between your heart and your hand.  You may decide to write on the computer if that is the only method you are able to use, however, at least try a couple of longhand experiences for these intuition guided conversations.

3. Take 15 minutes and change your life. When your appointment time arrives, set a timer for 15 minutes, record the date and the time of day, perhaps where you are sitting. This bit of ritual is a way to signal your whole body that you are about to start journal writing. You could also start with writing a favorite quote or a short piece of poetry. This is your jump-start or priming the creative pump. 

Now…Just write! 

(Everyone pictured in the collage above has influenced who I am today whether or not I’ve had the privilege of meeting them in person. From friends and relatives, teachers and spiritual guides, or someone you meet at the grocery store, there are women in your life who have had an influence on you in both simple and profound ways.)

Photo credit: http://canva.com, http://dreamstime.com