My Life in Paragraphs

Listening to Your Body Can Make You a Better Writer

I’m sure you will think this has nothing to do with being a better writer, but I will argue that point. In fact, I will argue that it not only will improve your writing, it will improve your quality of life.

It’s nothing new. You already know it. You’ve heard it before. It’s common sense. The problem is it’s not common practice.

Here it is (my version): get enough sleep for your body.

For years, I strived for at least eight hours of sleep. And even though I often woke up at five or even earlier, I stayed in bed and tried to sleep longer, knowing that I would be healthier, happier if I did. It more or less worked for me, but I was young and adaptable.

Stoic Philosophy and Writing

Not long ago I read The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday. The premise is based on stoic philosophy, and the author asserts that the obstacle in your way is the way.

I’ve found myself muttering this phrase while out hiking when I encounter a fallen tree on the trail or while driving when I come upon a tractor plugging up the center of the road.

Simple Way to Increase Energy and Improve Your Mood

Who wants more energy, more sleep, and to feel happier and calmer? What if I told you I know a secret power that will give you that? Read on, friend, and don’t doubt me.

I’m a big believer in intentionality. I don’t think progress or success or even happiness come without being intentional.

One Month into My 2024 Challenge

A month into my Lighten Your Load, Lighten Your Life challenge and I am feeling lighter. In lots of ways.

The group on Facebook (you can join too – click here) provides not just encouragement and inspiration, but accountability too.

To recap, in case you missed it: I challenged people to consider getting rid of a set number of things in your life every day for a year. I committed to getting rid of five things, but everyone can pick their number and some in the group chose to pick a number for each week. We’re flexible and friendly, so don’t be intimidated.

Initially, I thought the ‘things’ I would be getting rid of would be tangible items – all the crap cluttering my closets, house, office, barn, car, etc., but the group has definitely expanded that idea. Some people are clearing out their computer files, the pictures on their phones, attitudes that restrict them, rules that bind, even people that drag down their souls.

My Latest Editing Discovery

I just discovered something amazing! It’s changed my life – okay—just my editing habits.

Did you know that Microsoft Word has a ‘read aloud’ feature? You can click on it and a voice reads your work to you. It’s an amazing way to spot silly typos, but also really helps when it comes to writing dialogue. There’s no going back.

One added bonus is that my foster dog Marley, who is prone to overreacting at anything she hears outside, and tends to whine at me if I’m still for too long. (“You don’t seem to be doing anything hooman, so you could easily be petting me.”)

Starting the Year Off Lighter

This past week I started the Lighten Your Load, Lighten Your Life Challenge. It’s a personal challenge to remove 5 things from my life every day of 2024.

I’ve invited others to join me (and pick their own number). Together in a private Facebook group we are sharing ideas, support, and a few laughs, plus offering accountability with optional daily reports of how we’ve lightened our loads.

When I set out to do this, I expected maybe a handful of my friends might join me, and even made two friends to promise they would join, so I wouldn’t look pathetic if someone I didn’t know decided to join.

To my happy surprise, lots of people have joined the group and the number grows every day (you can join us too! Click here to read the original post and to find the link to our group). It’s been fun and inspiring to see what everyone’s unloading, plus I’ve already gotten a ton of great tips (did you know that Smartwool has a sock recycling program?).

Lighten Your Load, Lighten Your Life

I have a challenge for you.

Mostly it’s a challenge for me. I’ve decided to take on this challenge because I’m tired of the burden.

What burden?

I have too much stuff.

Fully Fueled

“The brain makes up 1/50^th of our body mass but consumes a staggering 1/5^th of the calories we burn for energy.”

I read that this morning in the book, The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan, and I’ve been thinking about it since. I’m not sure there’s a better argument for eating well and for managing your blood sugar.

Why the Five Paragraph Essay is Dead

I was a whiz at the five-paragraph essay in my day. It made so much sense.

Paragraph one: tell them what you’re going to tell them

Paragraphs two thru four: tell them

Paragraph five: tell them what you told them

At least that’s how it was explained to us by Mr. Mountain, the honors English teacher who let us play Trivial Pursuit on Fridays.

I could knock out an A+ five-paragraph essay after 48 hours with no sleep and WAY too much alcohol (I proved that fact in college composition class more often than I’d care to admit).

But here’s the thing about five-paragraph essays: That’s not how to write fiction, or anything anymore (unless you’re in fourth grade and taking a standardized test).