Category: Encouragement
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So You Wrote a Book…
Now what? Years ago, I boldly and cluelessly set out to write a novel. Despite frustrations and rejections along the marathon-like training, it was a good decision. The writing has gotten easier. The writing is better. Plodding through to an end is the easy part. I work to transform bulging computer files into the best…
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Outlet Shopping…
I’ll bet you do some creative thing each day that brings something new or improved into your world. My friends who throw pots have homes filled with clay creations. My painting friends grace their walls (and others’) with colorful scenes. I’m often surprised by unexpected beauty. The other day it was a naked tree painted…
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Smiling Faces…
Life can be a drag. It seems all gloom, fear and scare. But going down the long road of towering worries leaves me wanting to stay in bed, curled in a ball to fend off the looming sense of doom. Have I lost my followers yet? Those who expect a moment of joy or uplift…
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Write One Line…
In my morning writing group, one writer encouraged another who was slogging through a dry patch by suggesting she just write one line. That’s all. One line. It loosens things, gets the gears going and sets more lines in motion. I don’t often get blocked when writing (too many words is more often the issue…
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Lace ’em Up…
We know to put important things first, even when they are not the most fun, like exercise. If I put it off, or don’t add it to my daily list, it’s often past a decent bedtime before I remember. Then what? There’s always tomorrow. Or the next day. See what happens there? One forgotten link…
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Ranting ANTs…
ANTs…Automatic Negative Thoughts. You have them, right? No? Are you sure? They are automatic, after all. In “Change Your Brain, Change Your Life,” Dr. Daniel Amen illustrates how thoughts change our brain chemistry. Our emotional state responds with feelings of tension or relaxation*. This system can get out of whack when we listen to ANTs.…
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Habitude…
This blog is about TAB, again. A current re-read of “Change Your Brain, Change Your Life,” by Dr. Daniel Amen, is reminding me to examine the originating thought that drives a less than ideal attitude, which in turn drives behavior. TAB, thought>attitude>behavior. Amen’s book is quite dry and technical, but there are valuable exercises to…
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A Friday Book Scan…
Here is a Friday book scan (as compared to a full review) of “Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in Our Busy Lives,” by Wayne Muller. This beautiful book, filled with poetic prose, stories and poems, reminds us that Sabbath is a commandment, not a suggestion. Our ego-driven and prideful selves believe we are beyond…
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The Rhythm of Rest…
I hope you are deeply involved in a project that floats your boat, with excitement coursing through your veins as you anticipate the unknown steps on your chosen path. I am fortunate to have writing friends virtually join me in the ongoing quest to release written words into the reading world. We share encouragement, helpful…
Patty Mayeux Blog 