My desk.
On my desk I have several reminders to live life. Magnets and posters with quotes from Thoreau and Souza share space with a copy of the Serenity Prayer and I keep a Despair.com calendar at my desk to remind me not to take life too seriously.
You may ask why I need the reminder. The answer is simple and complicated all at the same time. I struggle (and I believe I am not alone) to remember that our daily chores and challenges are not a barrier to our lives; they are our lives. I struggle to remember that I am allowed to be happy and I am responsible for finding that happiness each day.
Sometimes when I’m having a bad day (the words just wont come, or my internal critic is telling me I can’t write) one of these quotes catches my eye and it helps me push through.
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.” – Thoreau
“Happiness is a journey not a destination.” – Souza
“WISHES – When you wish upon a falling star, your dreams can come true. Unless it’s really a meteorite hurtling to the Earth which will destroy all life. Then you’re pretty much hosed no matter what you wish for. Unless it’s death by meteor.” – Despair.com
Writing Exercise:
Write a prayer. “But,” you cry in objection. “I’m not the religious type.” This exercise doesn’t have to be about religion. Sure, if you have a faith that inspires you that’s great, but prayer can be about a conversation with yourself; an expression of hope; a reminder to live life and be gentle with yourself. So with this in mind, think about something you hope for in the future. Or think about something that has been troubling you. Now write yourself a message of hope. Happy writing.
composeconceivecreate 