writing tips

Following Impulses Makes Me Happier.

IMG_1951 eI took this photo of Kylie a few days ago. I had just walked out of the bathroom to catch her looking at me, resting contently in the big maroon chair in our living room.

I found myself wanting to move the floral arrangement you see in the forefront. But if I took the time to do that, I’d lose the sweetness of the moment with Kylie’s eyes that were reaching out to me in her own language of love.

So I grabbed the camera, clicked on macro setting, and took the picture.  When I brought it up on my computer I loved how it turned out. It seemed, for me, to capture the moment perfectly. I was glad I followed my impulse.

Working on my new book, Joie’s Gift- Finding Purpose in the Pause I’m having many thoughts floating around in my mind before they make it onto my computer. I’m working hard to capture them in the moment. This isn’t something I’ve always done.

In the past I’d scribble a note or two to come back to it when I sat down to my scheduled time to write. Sometimes that has worked, but often times, I’d lose much of the depth around what I wanted to write—and the right words just wouldn’t come when before that they had felt so good and so right.

I’m still making notes when I think of things that I feel would be good to add to my new book. But something different I’m trying to do is capture those times when something is really speaking to me from my heart. These usually happen between 2:00 and 3:00am or just as I’m waking for the day between 6:00 and 7:00am. The thoughts are so fresh and close to the surface. I find myself repeating them over and over in my head afraid of what other thoughts are going to start invading for the day.  And we all know how many oodles of thoughts we have go through our mind in a day!

I tend to be a very routine person, so this can be a challenge for me to follow that stream of thought that is begging me to be written. But I’ve started to follow the impulse.

I do find I have to convince myself that  I don’t need to feel guilty for not doing my yoga first, taking a shower, or looking presentable. Once I give myself permission, I march myself, hair sticking up and all, sleep in my eyes, out  to my writing cottage.

The other morning when I did this, I wrote 1,000 words in less than 30-minutes. When I was done, I felt euphoric. I also wondered,  where did the time go? I was in this place of complete contentment, lost in my own little world where time does not matter. I was happy. Not only that, I felt like I had accomplished so much!

So that is my challenge to myself, to allow myself to follow these impulses and see where they take me. From what I’ve experienced so far, it is a pretty cool way to live… a simpler way to live, really…just don’t tell the part of me that wants to be all neat and routine about things.

Why I Write.

lake michiganOn the shore of Lake Michigan in Manitowoc, WI– a photo I snapped with my Smartphone

I think I’ve always been better at expressing how I feel through writing than talking. Sometimes when I try to say how I feel it gets all jumbled up. But when I write I can take my time and think about what I want to say.  Though sometimes my mind gets way ahead of my fingers and I can’t keep up!

I write to express what my heart is feeling, share my passion and to encourage and inspire others. This does not mean it is easy. At times I don’t know what to write about. Other times it is hard to write things down that feel scary to share.  But I do want to make a difference. I know I won’t resonate with everyone, but making the difference in one life is worth it… more than worth it.

I was reminded of this today with a call I got today from a 71-year old trucker whose dachshund rides with him. He told me he wanted to order a copy of my book because of his deep love for doxie’s. I pictured this sweet man, his doxie riding beside him, cruising down the highway of life. He resonated with my love of dachshunds. His little one having just recovered from hurting her back after jumping out of his truck, which she had never done before.

I could tell in his voice the pain it caused him that this happened to his sweet girl. But she was now better and he was relieved.  He told me he didn’t use the computer much, but his wife had told him about my book. He looked me up and gave me a call.

This is why I write. For moments like these when I connect on the heart level of another human being- that my story resonates with them. As scary as it was for me to share some things about myself in my book, I smile picturing this trucker sitting with his little dachshund on his lap, relating to, and enjoying my story.

To inspire…

encourage…

make a difference…

touch another heart…

this is why I write.

How Vulnerability Can Be A Beautiful Gift in Memoir Writing– Plus Giveaway for a Copy of “Through Frankie’s Eyes”

Max, our Golden boy, reads about Frankie

Kathy’s dog, Max even thought he should perhaps read ” Through Frankie’s Eyes”

If someone would have told me years ago that being vulnerable is actually a beautiful thing, and not a weakness, I think I would have saved myself a lot of heartache.

This week on my Joyful Paws Jaunt blog tour Kathy Pooler hosts me on her memoir blog. Kathy is such a kind and open soul.  She cares deeply about helping others write their memoir’s as well as encouraging others to share their story.  We talked in early February about what might be best for a guest post for me to write for her blog.  Being scared to write ones story came up for me as I was soon launching my new book.  It was also relevant to Kathy as she is working on her memoir as well.

Vulnerability really struck a chord with each of us, as well as we believe for others, so the subject seemed a good one to write about.  So I invite you to click on over to Kathy’s blog and check out my guest post.  Please do leave a comment and you will have a chance to win a copy of “Though Frankie’s Eyes.”  Even if you have purchased a copy, still do leave a comment and if you win, giving my book might be a great gift for a friend.

There really seems to be much talk about vulnerability lately with Dr. Brene Brown sitting down recently to talk with Oprah about her book Daring Greatly after researching and studying vulnerability and shame for the past twelve years. If more of us embrace vulnerability and leave shame behind, imagine the possibilities!

**If you have read my book and would like to have your dog featured on my special board on Pinterest, please do email me (barb (at) joyfulpaws (dot) com) your dogs photo posing with my book!**