cynthia morris

How Do You Define a Big Life?

Posted by Barbara Techel

For a long time I thought living a big life was measured in how much money you made and the material things you had.  It seemed that living a “small” life then meant that you didn’t have much money or have many material things such as a big house, nice cars, many vacations, etc.

But I’ve come to realize that living a big life is about following your heart… even when things get challenging. John and I took a big leap of faith last March with our retirement funds, going against what society tells us and that we must never touch that money until we retire.  We made a choice that we felt was right for us in order to continue to fulfill what is important to us– his remodeling business and my writing and advocacy and passion for special needs pets.

I’ve also come to realize in the past ten years that now is all we have.  We can’t predict the future, nor can we spend every waking moment worrying about it.  That stress alone can quickly kill a person or have you living a life of fear.

I  recently finished reading the book Chasing Sylvia Beach by author Cynthia Morris. I was brought to tears with an unexpected lesson she shared towards the end of the book.  Her character, Lily was grappling with what another character said about her and that she lived a small life.  Lily wondered, How did one measure a life?  The number of people you touched? The amount of books you read? The money you earned?

I grappled with this same issue years ago.  Though I still can get caught up now and then in the views of society, I’m able to bring myself back much more easily to what is important to me in living how I define a big life.   Since Frankie has been gone, one of the things I have realized at the very core of what I really loved, was taking care of Frankie.  I could live without “things,” many vacations, etc., — but on the deepest level of how I felt my life was big, and what brought me the purest joy, was caring for her– and being there for her so she could live the quality life that she did.

The bottom line is that we each have to determine what it is for each of us that defines for us what a big life is. But no life is small.

I invite you to listen to this little video piece in a recent interview with Cynthia Morris and how she defines a big life.  I think you will be glad you did. And then think about how you define a big life… I’d love to hear your thoughts so please share!

Also, I invite you to check out a special guest post I did on Kathy Pooler’s Memoir blog called, “Evolving Spiritually Through the Love of Animals” and join in the heart warming discussion.  I’ll also be giving a way a copy of my book Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog to one lucky person who leaves a comment on that post.

What is a Big Life?

 

 

Make Writing a Happy Habit

Posted by Barbara Techel

I’m a big fan of writing coach, Cynthia Morris and have taken advantage of many of the services she has offered. Being a writer can feel lonely at times as well as sometimes frustrating – or can leave you feeling inadequate – at least these have been my challenges.  Every time I’ve taken a class or read a book or ebook from Cynthia it is a shot of just what I needed to keep going.

I wanted to share with those of you who are writer’s and looking for help in developing a daily habit of writing… a wonderful course with Cynthia. She has an excellent 6-week course that will set you on the right path. And with her kind and honest feedback you will find yourself growing by leaps and bounds.

Information about Make Writing a Happy Habit course:

If you’re tired of struggling to get to your writing projects, Make Writing a Happy Habit is what you’ve been waiting for. This online course goes where other classes don’t: straight to the heart of why you write, so you can build a solid foundation to continue writing even when class is over.

If you are:

  • Full of ideas but lack the discipline to focus, follow through and finish
  • Isolated and yearning for the support of a writing community
  • Lacking the structure and focus you need to stay with your writing projects
  • Unable to make time for writing, always pushing it aside for other demands…

This is the class that will put writing where it belongs: at the heart of your creative life so you can feel great about seeing your brilliant ideas take shape.

Click here for more information and to sign up

Full disclosure:  I am an affliate for Cynthia Morris’ company Original Impulse. Please know that I only recommend products/services of those that I have personally used and completely trust.

Joy Is: Being Inspired by Other Writer’s

Posted by Barbara Techel

When I hired life coach, Diane Krause-Stetson to help me figure out what I wanted for my life to bring me more joy, to which I discovered would be writing and animals, she gave me the gift of sharing a wonderful book with me. The book was Create Your Writer’s Life: A Guide to Writing With Joy and Ease, by Cynthia Morris.


Coaching with Diane, and this book, started my path to where I am today… and oh, what joy it has been! Well, ok, some bumps along the way, but that is what life is about, right?  But staying in tune with what makes me happy, as well as being inspired by others keeps me on the right track.  I’ve worked with Cynthia via different programs she has offered and each and every time I’ve been propelled to a new level in my writing, as well as how I see myself as a person.


Cynthia Morris is one of my biggest inspirations.  I look forward to her blog posts each and every week- especially her video posts. Her authenticity is so refreshing and I find myself sometimes wanting to be a Cynthia wanna-be!

If you are of the creative type, I invite you to discover Cynthia’s website and blog for yourself.  Being inspired by other writer’s sometimes gives me that extra push that I need when I find myself procrastinating.  Joy is being inspired by Cynthia and connecting with other creative people which always awakens my muse!