On writing honestly
| September 6, 2014 | Posted by Ruth under Inspirational & motivational, Lifestyle, LOLs & BOLs |
Rusty, my patient co-writer
It occurs to me that I haven’t been honest with you….. or myself.
For the past week, I’ve had an epic bout of writer’s block – with one exception: accepting a friend’s FB “Happiness Challenge”. For that, you nominate 3 friends to join you in listing 3 things that made you happy each day, for a week. Normally, I’m not the chain-letter type (dating myself, I know), but since this didn’t involve a bucket of ice water, I dove in.
It’s fun to notice what’s currently bringing you joy.
You MUST do it throughout the day, or you’ll find that writing your list @ day’s end is a chore. It is indeed a wonderful way to train your brain to be mindfully positive. Bonus: You’ll spread contagious cheer.
There have been more surprisingly personal benefits in this challenge.
As a writer, I find myself being more honest, fulfilled, open & fearless in these gratitude lists. I flex my creative muscle daily there, while my blog sits silent. Why? What’s missing from this blog?
Honesty. That’s what’s missing
Despite my heartfelt effort & belief that I’ve been sharing deeply (my mom would say, “too deeply, dear”) with you all here, I haven’t. My posts are still too perfectionistic (not perfect, nothing is). They are too watered down, concerned about offending readers (I love you guys, I do!). They are too infrequent (use that writer muscle or lose it). And worst of all, they don’t completely integrate my true self. If I’m going to put the writer first and plan a business where I soulfully guide clients & their pets to mindful wellness via their bond — everything about this blog must change.
So here’s what:
- I will write daily. So buckle up.
Some days are good, some are wannabe’s that fall short. Some days, I’m deep. Some days, I’m transparent & shallow. Some days I’m reckless; some days I cocoon. Some days I swear; some days I’m a saint – really, I try…no, not really. Some days I eat well; some days cereal is dinner. Some days I quote Buddha; some days I quote P!nk. Some days I walk Rusty; some days we play fetch out back while I sip wine. On all days, I have dog guilt & writer’s guilt. Why do that to myself? -
Garden zen
Size really doesn’t matter….here.
Posts might simply be a music video that had me dancing & howling with Rusty that day. A post could be a sweet pic of Rusty in my garden or a playdate vid of poodle & pals. A post is likely something that comes to me while showering. (It’s a fine line between seeking inspiration & respecting the CA drought.) Whether it’s a pic, a bad poem or a lengthier adventurous tale, the long-and-short of it is that it will be honestly inspired, not overwrought. - “Soulful” includes laughter, good food, great music & human inspiration.
Some days, Rusty will rest while I write only to humans. Know that if you are inspired, you will radiate that inspiration, and your pets will feel it. Rest assured, he’ll chime in with his usual cat-hating, dog-card-revoking, squirrel-crazy poodle ‘tude. I want to share with soulful, fun-loving humans, pet-guardians or not. - No more crickets!
The Soulful Pet is meant to be a celebration of our bonds with pets and with each other. Daily, eclectic posts filled with quirky humor, spirituality, irreverence, honesty, pics, vids, cultural commentaries (don’t get me started…yet) – will they inspire you to speak up? I hope so! You’re all lovely; I know you’re out there reading. Rusty & I sooo want to hear from you!
I know I’m on the right track with this shift. How?
I wrote this post 5 minutes after I imagined it, ending 2 weeks of soul-crushing writer’s block. I have chills going up both my arms (an intuitive thing that means, “go, girl!”). And I feel like a kid on Christmas morning. Rusty? Well, my newly redecorated office is also his playroom, complete with an uber-cozy bed. He’s either playing or sleeping while I write. It’s a very good place for both of us to be!
Social media updates: The feel of The Soulful Pet’s FB page will change to reflect the blog’s evolution. Join me there! If you know me & want to friend me, visit my wall, too. That’s where my true self has lived. But she’s bravely moving to the page. The newsletter will change, too. Currently, it comes out once a month, and it feels like an uncreative task. To free my writer, I will send it weekly, without a theme. Just randomly cathartic writing goodness! I’d kept it monthly to kindly not burden your inboxes or cause you to tune out. But you’re adults. There’s an unsubscribe option in each newsletter (please, please don’t!), but there are also RSS & Networked Blogs options on this site.
Ooh… did you catch that earlier bit about a brewing business?
It’s happening organically, and I’m thrilled. So please sit & stay with us!
Woofs, wags & hugs! xo ~Ruth & Rusty~
©2014 The Soulful Pet
You GO Girl! Looking forward to the daily posts…you may find you will go in a different direction altogether!
Thank you! It feels daunting now, but I know it will be something like writer vitamins. Or exercise. Something like that. I am not attached to outcomes, that’s for sure. I so appreciate your company on my winding path, Eva. xo
I really enjoyed reading this—-your a wonderful writer
Aww, thanks so much, Pat. Your words mean more than you know. Thank you for all your inspiration over the years!