My latest therapy appointment centered on my writing journey. A surprise to me because I consider myself The Little Engine that Could chug chugging up the hill. Who has time to consider how one feels about gravity? The forces of nature aren't going anywhere, anytime soon. Focusing on emotions in the middle of the journey …
This Happened. And I Choose to See it This Way.
First, some background. Like many writers, I'm an introvert. Which is to say, social situations give me the willies. Sometimes diarrhea. So when I was invited to participate in a Bible study with twenty other women, let's just say I was ambivalent. My dear friend brought me the study guide. The kind of book I …
Continue reading This Happened. And I Choose to See it This Way.
Hi, Stranger.
I haven't posted in a while. And I'll warn you, this is all over the place, but I'm working on giving up my perfectionistic tendencies. Join me in a little wandering. Mr. Holland's Opus came to mind today. The movie about a man who thinks his greatest gift to humanity will be a symphony he's …
Bad Words & Kool-Aid
There are the usual suspects: just, very, so, well, really, like, that, then. And the reflectives: felt, saw, heard, etc. that insert space between the reader and character. Also and of course (thank you, Mr. King) adverbs- any and all. Especially after dialogue tags like said (which should also be used sparingly). She said sorrowfully. …
The fears we don’t face become our limits.
I doubt Robin Sharma was talking about research when she penned that. Researching books. Anne Lamott's advice is to actually speak with other human beings. She used the word "phone," at which point I began to skim, to mentally prepare my grocery list. I wasn't taking her advice, not at all. Like most writers, I …
I Have a Creepy Story for You.
Okay, 26 stories. But anthologies, you've got to love them. Where else do you get a perfect marriage of theme and diversity? Unique voices held together by a common what-if? The editors of Chicken Soup for the Soul understood the power of the anthology. One of my fellow Reds* has a story in this one. …
Unapologetically Tiger
Improvement is a battle that must be fought anew each day. Your next workout doesn't care how strong your last one was. Your next essay doesn't care how popular your last one was. Your next investment doesn't care how smart your last one was. Your best effort, again. - James Clear Today may not care …
Write to help yourself make sense of things.
My therapist says feelings aren't wrong. Actions can be, but not feelings. My therapist allows me to email her. Yes, I'm very lucky to have her, and no. You can't have her name. I'm a little possessive of her time. Writing my thoughts is good for me, she says. I agree. And it's not just …
Continue reading Write to help yourself make sense of things.
Spontaneous 11: All I Want For Christmas is 2021
Maybe. I mean, it could be worse, couldn't it? God, I hope not. But we humans are always looking over the fence toward some better grass. My son illustrates this principle well in this little gem from '17. Gabe didn't want to get off the couch, walk across the living room, and get something. He …
Continue reading Spontaneous 11: All I Want For Christmas is 2021
KL Griffiths 