Passion Fruit Writing
Rescue and Live Your Dreams
I learned that you should feel when writing, not like Lord Byron on a mountain top, but like a child stringing beads in kindergarten, happy, absorbed and quietly putting one bead on after another. Brenda Ueland
First of all, I have to tell you something. My original text for this lesson was about 12 times the length of what you’re about to read. Coach Meg hinted that perhaps some of you would not have the time for a doctoral-length discussion about writing in your journal. So, I’ve broken it up into bite-sized pieces. Work on today’s assignment, and see what new ideas/insights come to you.
This is a small-group exercise. That means you are to participate by writing some response to the exercise, in addition to what you write for yourself. It is through interacting, even through a blog, that you profit from new perspectives.
I can already hear someone asking, “But, Laura, I don’t feel comfortable sharing my thoughts and insights on someone’s blog.”
The correct answer is, “Get over it already. We’re here to learn, to connect, and to experience insights about our own happiness. Take advantage of the opportunity!”
And one more thing before you begin. You might want to write down what it is you want to know about yourself. I know some of you want insight into lost passions or dreams. Some of you want to stop working so hard. (Amen.) So ask yourself, what would you like to learn from your own writing? That would be your intention for this project.
First step:
Write down your lifetime favorite 5 movies, books and television shows.
You can do a different list each day, or work on them simultaneously. Go on and write a title “My Favorite 5 Stories” and number 1 – 5 for your favorite movies, books and television shows. If you don’t watch TV, you can skip it. If you love poetry, write your top 5 poems.
If you only think of 4 stories, that’s fine. If you want to combine all media formats, that’s also fine. The objective is to find the stories that appeal to you deeply. It is especially valuable if you can remember what stories you loved before you got your career cranking, starting changing diapers, and all the other activities that sometimes feel like a hamster-wheel of activity.
It’s easy.
Now, here are some things you’re going to write about later in the week. These might be discussion questions, if we were meeting in my living room, on my apricot-colored faux suede sofa with big cushions.
- Do you see any commonalities in these stories?
- Describe what it is you love about them.
That’s all for today. Just think about movies and books that you love and write their titles down. Write down anything that comes to mind about these stories. What comes to your mind is what you’re supposed to write.
Happy Groundhog Day. We’re halfway through winter!
