A writer's tools
I meet once a month with a small group of women who come from three different states. We’ve been getting together since 2006. We range in age from mid-forties to late-sixties. Our family scenarios differ, as do our employment situations. We are a creative bunch. Among our interests are writing (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and plays), fine art, weaving, tarot, dreams, astrology, herbs, and rituals. We also share the desire to enrich our lives through our creativity. Enrichment might mean gaining inner peace, taking a creative or business risk, achieving financial stability, learning to be patient – whatever is needed at the time.
To that end, every December/January each of us picks three words for the year ahead. We don’t view the words as goals. They’re gifts. We empower them in a ritual using earth, air, fire, and water. We commit to our words by writing them in a special book. Sometimes, one word requires more than just one year’s attention. For me, that word is patience.
We’ve all made progress. Over these last five years, one woman opened a brick-and-mortar business; another launched a new career using the Internet. One was invited to exhibit in several galleries. Two women committed to writing projects that would have seemed daunting a year earlier. Serious illness, job loss, and the death of loved ones have scarred the years, too. We survive. Looking at the gifts we gave ourselves, I’m not surprised. Here’s a sampling: Ardor, Attention, Authenticity, Breakthrough, Creativity, Focus, Gratitude, Health, Inspiration, Mindful, Opportunity, Patience, Prolific, Risk, Security, Shadow.
What three words will you give yourself this year? Write them down. Keep them where you can see them. Say them out loud. Often. Best of all, when you discover the serious power in your words, and you will, remember this is one instance where re-gifting is encouraged.
