Your Writing Mentor

Mary Knippel

[Friday Five-Minute Writing Prompt] rewriting my story…

By Leave a Comment

https://yourwritingmentor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/IMG_9242_5x7PSGG_2017_06_26MaryKnippel.jpgRewriting 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.

If you get stuck, just repeat the writing prompt – Rewriting 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 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:  SherieCohenPhotography

Is this really my life?

By Leave a Comment

Do you look at your life and wonder…what part of this life is mine? because someone accused you of not being who they thought you should be with the words, “I don’t even know who you are anymore!” 

Do you know who you are? Perhaps you’ve embarked on a journey to discover your authentic self just as I have after I was diagnosed with breast cancer…for the second time.

Too often, it is easier to only show the parts of yourself you feel will be accepted and judged appropriate. 

Sound familiar?

This month is about mothering yourself. So reclaim your life and jump back in with power and passion.

Treat yourself with Tender Loving Care and no more being the good girl who wouldn’t hurt anyone’s feelings or disappoint anyone else so you settle for the fuzzy end of the lollipop. Yes, the world needs followers as well as leaders.

Why does it always have to be about one person winning and everyone else loses?

It’s not about winning or losing; it’s about respect and awareness. 

It’s not about judgment and who is right…it’s about everyone being heard.

So when is it “appropriate” to speak up about what you want?

Right now!

Let the world know it’s your turn to be heard. As convenient as it would be to have people read your mind and not have to tell them what you want, you’re just going to have to speak up.

Regardless of whether your “office” is on Market Street, Main Street, Wall Street, or behind the wheel of a mini-van barreling down Any Street, this “Voiceless Syndrome,” presents a common dilemma.

You have to speak up…to reclaim your life.

Reclaiming your life includes a form of self-care you may label radical, but it merits consideration. Think you know what it is? Yes, it’s asking for help…

  • with the paper pile-up that is threatening to overtake your office
  • brainstorming ideas about that next big project or program
  • with the laundry and dinner preparation
  • with childcare and carpool duties
  • with creating consistency and confidence in a world full of challenges and uncertainty

Don’t look at your life and wonder…what part of it is mine?

It’s your life…claim time for yourself to live a life unleashed. 

Please hop over to my Facebook page and share how you are claiming your life.

 

photo credit:  Dreamstime.com

[Friday Five-Minute Writing Prompt] A favorite stress buster…

By Leave a Comment

A favorite stress buster…

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 – A favorite stress buster... 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:  SherieCohenPhotography

Who is this Somebody I Used to Know?

By Leave a Comment

s.p.u.n.k with Writer Unleashed

You know how you can have the radio playing in the background and never “tune in” to all the chatter. Suddenly, your ears hone in on a phrase, and you can’t get it out of your head. Well, that’s exactly what has happened to me with a song by an Australian artist. The simplicity of the intro notes invite you in, and the lyrics keep you engaged. The Belgian-Australian musician, Gotye, sings about a past lover, and the nature of love, but I find myself envisioning looking in the mirror and singing to my reflection.

The image I see resembles somebody that I used to know with glimpses of a brand new me emerging.

Do you ever feel like that?

Who do you see when you look in the mirror?

I look at my reflection, and I ask:

Where did the little girl go with her Toni perm curls framing her shy little smile?

Where did the fiercely independent young woman go who could have been a stand-in for Marlo Thomas’ “That Girl” TV character with her perky attitude and brunette flip?

Where did the PTA mom go who volunteered for everything from baking cupcakes to writing the booklet for the fundraising auction and racked up more miles than a Daytona 500 driver as a stay-at-home mom?

Oh, she’s still here. She’s just somebody I used to know who is reinventing herself.

Yes, strange as it may sound from someone who is receiving AARP solicitations, I am reinventing myself.  I’m reinventing on a daily basis. It’s downright exhausting at times! And it is so exhilarating!

After two breast cancer episodes, two unsuccessful start-up companies, and moving halfway across this continent for gainful employment, I’ve acquired some coping skills to help me in my healing process as well as diffusing my stress level. Whether we are aware of the slow erosion or not, stress takes its toll on us on a daily basis. Tapping into my creativity is the way I keep my stress level down. Writing in my journal, playing with beads or paper crafts, and giving myself permission to explore new ways to create…create my own happily ever after.

When I look in the mirror, I see somebody I used to know…and so much more.

I see that same twinkle in my eye of the mischievous child. I see the same grin of the perky young woman embarking on her career as a secretary. I see fingers grasping a pen or flying over a keyboard with words tumbling over each other everywhere, and hear an inquisitive voice asking insightful questions culminating in an amazing body of work.

I’m am no longer the child, young adult, nor the young mother I once was. I see an articulate, compassionate, curious, playful, creative and wise soul. I cherish my past. I’m even more excited about my future because it is full of wonder and possibility.

When I look in the mirror, I see somebody I want to know.

Who do you see when you look in the mirror?
I understand what it’s like not to recognize yourself in the mirror because everyone else in your life crowds out your own reflection. That is the reason I encourage you to pick up a journal and create a sanctuary for yourself within the pages. Writing offers you ways to reconnect with the person you want to see in the mirror. Hop over to my Facebook Page and comment on what this blog has stirred up in you.
 
 photo credit:  EAOverland, http://shariecohenphotography.com

[Friday Five-Minute Writing Prompt] A personal audit…

By Leave a Comment

A personal audit…

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 – A personal audit... 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:  SherieCohenPhotography