Whether your 2017 deserves a high five for its kindness or a major eye roll for bringing the drama, you’ve survived the highs and lows and made it to the new year. For many, January 1st marks a new beginning. A chance to start fresh and create New Year’s resolutions to help them create change and obtain successful outcomes, whether it’s working out more or starting a new career.
Read MoreOver the past few years, I’ve attempted to join thousands of writers from all over the world in National Novel Writing Month - a challenge to write 50,000 words during November. Yes, completing a book in 30 days is as wild as it sounds, but NanoWriMo is a fun, crazy and exciting time. You lose sleep, stock up on extra coffee and put your social life on hiatus as you race against the clock to meet your goal.
Read MoreIt’s tempting to hop on the bandwagon and follow the latest trends as we wait patiently - and not so patiently - to land our big break or an opportunity that gets us to the next level.Writing books or creating scripts based on what’s hot right now, or building an online business modeled after someone else’s formula seems more appealing than sticking to your own strategy, especially when you’re barely gaining traction and others keep passing you by.
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The landlord showed me the place: a basement apartment with no view, no windows, out of sight, invisible to the world. It was perfect. There wasn’t much room either, but that was okay. All I needed was a place to lay my head and drink myself into a stupor until things blew over...
Read MoreWe can't wait for inspiration to come to us. We need to create our own muse.
Read MoreMy first time memory of my mother as a hero started with cinnamon candy. I’m not sure where I found this piece of candy, but like most children, I was oblivious to the dangers of running around the living room with a hard-cinnamon ball in my mouth. Until a piece went down the wrong way.
Read MoreSometimes, writing is fun. It doesn’t feel like work when the words pour out of you. Easily. Your characters come to life through the pages, surprising you in unexpected ways.
Read MorePast disappointments and setbacks can produce anxiety about the future, especially when an unexpected life event puts your life in upheaval and chaos. Sometimes the anxiety screams loudly and is often unapologetic. It works in conjunction with fear – its favorite sidekick and partner in crime – to overthrow hope and kick it to the curb.
Read MoreI felt a soft tap on my shoulder as I flipped over the last burger on the grill. I didn’t need to turn around to know whose hand rested on my forearm. Her familiar touch broke my concentration instantly.
“Come with me.”
Read MoreIt’s a great feeling to quit on your own terms. It’s freeing to walk away and let go of something that is no longer working. Quitting something is often seen as negative but there are certain things/behaviors we need to quit if we want to move ahead.
In my first LIT CHAT video, I breakdown 5 things we need to quit in order to move ahead in life and in our purpose. Check it out!
Read MoreI tried hard not to watch Kay. I even looked away, pretending not to notice how she barely touched her food and avoided making eye contact with me as soon as she sat down at our table for dinner. But I failed at my attempt to ignore her when she suddenly pushed back her chair and scurried away from the table in a hurry.
Read MoreIt’s the most wonderful time of the year…
Until it’s not.
But my favorite holiday song continues to blare on overhead as shoppers make their way through crowded aisles, searching for the perfect gift for their loved ones. Kids in shopping carts stare bright-eyed at the toys on the shelves. Checkout lines continue to grow along with my irritation and frustration. And if one more person asks the cashier about a ten percent off coupon, I vow to put this item back and walk out.
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I watch her hands pluck away on her acoustic guitar effortlessly, creating a beautiful melody that sounds both new and familiar. I never expected to see her again, but I recognize her as soon as she takes the stage. She has a face you don't forget.
Read MoreMy hubby and I decided to spend Thanksgiving at one of my favorite local restaurants. We strolled in a few hours before closing time, ordered the restaurant’s Thanksgiving dinner and watched football on the flat screen. Just the two of us. It wasn’t our initial plan or the ideal holiday dinner I envisioned, but it turned out to be what we both needed.
Read MoreI’ll never forget the last Thanksgiving I spent with my parents in North Carolina. Two years ago, I made a very last-minute decision to buy a plane ticket and surprise my parents for the holiday.
Read MoreI ran three miles for chocolate last Sunday.
Now I’m aware that this makes me sound extra greedy even as a “foodie,” so let me clarify. I ran for hot chocolate alongside thousands of other people on an early and windy morning in downtown Chicago. And it was so much fun!
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I showed up to the library with my laptop, writing pad and pen in hand, ready and determined to tackle the challenge ahead. Within minutes, other excited and ambitious writers filled the room, some published and others just beginning their writing career.
Read MoreLife gets busy. Daily schedules become hectic. Time gets away from us. On some days, you just can’t drop everything and dedicate two hours to write or work on a creative project. Many of us balance full-time jobs with a side hustle. Others juggle home responsibilities and family life while pursuing their creative passion and chasing after their dream.
Read MoreThe Bible tells us to pray continually. But what happens when your prayer life ceases?
Have you ever struggled in your prayer life or stopped praying after a major life event? I’ve been there not too long ago when my prayer life fizzled out at the end of last summer.
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