Greetings!
"So often in life, things that you regard as an impediment turn out to be a great good fortune."
~ Ruth Bader Ginsburg
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Most of us alive on this planet now are thrilled to ring in the New Year, as 2020 was almost too much to bear. Never did we think we'd live through a pandemic and all the ramifications it has presented, including compromised physical, mental, and emotional issues and challenging financial situations, to list just a few.
Many writers and great thinkers have written and spoken about the idea that from all bad comes good, and without the mud there is no lotus . . . and there is wisdom in these words. Writer Hermann Hesse said it like this, "I have always believed, and I still believe, that whatever good or bad fortune may come our way, we can always give it meaning and transform it into something of value.”
Living through a pandemic has transformed all of us. During the past ten months, there's something that each one of us has learned about ourselves, others, or the universe. Maybe you realized that the person you lived with is impossible to live with, or you developed deeper gratitude for your partner. Perhaps this year you learned what is really important in life. And on a more mundane level, maybe you learned how to connect via Zoom and recognize how powerful video chatting can be.
January 1st marks the beginning of National Journal Writing Month (NaJoWriMo), a perfect time to pick up your journal and write. The pandemic gifted you with an opportunity to enhance some aspect of your life. Consider writing about what that might be. Also, check out my article "How Journaling Can Change Your Life."
Perhaps the beginning of 2021 will herald an opportunity or life change you've contemplated over the past several months. Examine it and consider putting it into practice. Maybe it's a new habit or an intention that you you've thought about, which you might want to write about, or any other musings or inspiration that are powerful for you at this time. It might be the case that you want to nurture more lightness of being and are looking for ways to tap into your inner child. If so, check out my article in Psychology Today on this subject.
In 2020, I believe that we turned a corner. Now, we are moving into a new direction following a very tough period. Let's celebrate the New Year, and honor the move from darkness into light.
Happy New Year to one and all!
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In recognition of January 1st as the beginning of National Journal Writing Month, I'd like to remind you of my book, Writing for Bliss: A Companion Journal. It can be used in conjunction with Writing for Bliss, and it can also be used independently as a journal. While my inspiration for the journal was to create an add-on for the book, the internal style of the journal mimics the classic Moleskin notebook used by artists and thinkers over the past two centuries, including Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and Ernest Hemingway.
Each page begins with a prompt at the top of the page and then a lined page beneath. For additional random musings, there are additional blank pages at the end of the journal.
It’s available on Amazon. To order, click here.
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- Write down three ways you can be in touch with your inner child.
- List three intentions for 2021 and ideas on how you can manifest them.
- Write down your reflections on 2020 and how you hope 2021 will be different.
- Make a list of your favorite quotes to live by.
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Some Journaling + Inspirational Music
Many people like writing or journaling in a quiet environment, while others prefer some background music for inspiration. Early in my writing career I was very inspired by the music of Leonard Cohen. His work has lyrics, however,
and these days I find it easier to focus when instrumental music is playing in the background.
Here's a partial list of some of my favorite classical/instrumental artists to accompany my writing:
Yo-Yo Ma
Edgar Meyer
Sugi.wa
Whimsical
Robert Murdock
Mozart
Philip Glass
Jasperino
Mogwai
Additional Note: Some writers like listening to soundtracks from Broadway shows, and you can also search for music that enhances focus and concentration. There are also many soundtracks of nature sounds, if that's your preference.
If you use Spotify or Apple Music, you can download playlists specifically for writing, reading, focus, and/or creativity.
Happy listening!
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"Dog Rituals" (poem). The Silent World in Her Vase. November 2020.
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(self-help)
In all honesty, this is not the type of book I'd typically pick up and read, but nothing is typical about 2020. However, it kept popping up on my screen as I surfed the internet, so I thought there might be a reason why. It's an easy and interesting read, offering much to think about. This is a book for all times, but can really help navigate particularly challenging periods.
I do believe in setting intentions and in their manifestation, which is this book's focus. It's a perfect read for kicking off the New Year, especially as we navigate the pandemic. Moss believes in the idea that when darkness permeates our external world, it's time to light the inner candle of vision, which involves implementing a shift in attitude, which can change so much. Dreams in the form of images and energies can direct us and possibly offer messages that we need to hear, and they are also a way to tap into our imagination.
In addition to opening a new channel of discovery, Moss offers many ideas on how to tap into your dreams and manifest them.
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An exclusive 8-day course:
Write. Heal. Transform:
A Magical Memoir-Writing Course
Learn about the power of writing to heal and transform. Be inspired to share the story that only you can tell!
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An exclusive 10-day course:
Therapeutic Writing
This empowering course guides and supports you in using writing as a therapeutic tool for self-exploration.
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Also find me on these sites: |
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