Courage + Choice = Inspiration

Family is the foundation of the individual. Sometimes, that foundation is built upon a faulty blueprint. Sometimes, that imperfect blueprint leads a family down a path of sorrow. Not one family has a flawless blueprint, and mine is no different. Blueprints are genetic; choice is learned and managed on a daily basis. Choice is courageous and profoundly courageous when the blueprint is flawed.

I’ve been blessed to know some amazing people related to me through blood and friendship. The power of their choice to live a healthy, productive life despite a blueprint that has them wired for despair and destruction is impressive and inspiring. I’ve seen my loved ones struggle. I’ve seen their despair. There’s nothing more heartbreaking than to witness a loved one’s damaged blueprint take control. Yet, there’s something about the human spirit that’s stronger than the broken blueprint. It’s courage. I’ve witnessed their transformations based simply on the choice to be courageous and live a better life. Their courage, their choice, to live, to be positive is nothing short of a miracle. I’m honored to call them family. I’m honored to bear witness to their choice. Making a choice to live a better life is courageous and infectious. It’s their choice that inspires me to write.

Writer's block and deserts

     When the flow of words dries up like a desert, and the oasis behaves like an uncooperative two-year old, I find it’s time to re-connect with my biggest blessing, my family. Writer’s block, for me, occurs when I feel disconnected to my family. To alleviate the blockage I make sure to check in with my biggest blessing, my husband, and then #1, #2, and #3, the dog, and even the fish. Once I’ve greeted everyone home from school, made everyone’s favorite after school snack, lovingly barked out orders for chores, greeted husband home from work, made our family favorite of London broil with my special marinade handed-down from my mother, my characters begin to talk to me again.
     Knowing what blocks you in the first place is the first step for prevention. Once you know your triggers, you can be proactive with your writing.
     I would love to know what you do to burrow through your writer’s block. Leave a comment below. I’m going to a barbeque with my family.

Happy Father's Day, Dad

A Love Note To My Dad

 

    You weren’t always there. You know that, and I know that and there’s no denying that fact in both of our lives. What’s important now, is the fact that you are here now. Your love and support while I embarked on this new adventure far surpasses any missed opportunities of kissing skinned knees or attending missed flute concerts. Things happen for a reason─for both of us. You were there and listened, really listened, when I cried and pulled my hair out because I didn’t think I could do it. You were there and listened, really listened, when I screamed and cried when I realized I could do it. You were there when I needed you the most. You. Were. There. What’s in the past is just that─the past. What’s in my present is─You. You’re here now, Dad. Thank you. For everything. I love you.

Your daughter,
Sheila