Sometimes change comes upon us without warning and we are left to stare into an unknown future. What times-of-change have you experienced? Does any one stand out above the rest for changing your life the most? Write this with every detail and don’t forget to include significant people and your five senses. Remember, the reader does not know what is in your mind or how you feel. No one can know what you see or how you experience something unless you tell them.
Keep the pen moving,
Jan
When was the last time you sold items with your friends? Did you sell lemonade or have a yard sale? Did you sell Girl Scout Cookies or books? Write the kind of day it was. What was the weather? How many customers did you have? Did one customer stand out above the rest? Write all the details. Tell the story as if you are writing it for a child.
Keep the pen moving,
Jan
If you had a bowl that you were to fill with thanks, what would be in it? Be specific. Include people, faith, hope, surprises, miracles, and whatever else goes along with your thankfulness.
Keep the pen moving,
Jan
Everyone has one dessert or one cookie that is their very favorite. My father only ate his sister’s cheesecake, a recipe she got from the New York Times. She made it every holiday. It had a denser texture than the cheesecakes they serve in restaurants in California which are creamy and silky. What is your favorite? Who makes it? Where did the recipe come from. What are your memories of it?
Keep the pen moving,
Jan
When was the last time you sat in peace? Describe it including all of the senses. Were you alone? How did you manage to get time away from your busy day to sit in peace?
Keep the pen moving,
Jan
Write out one of your deeply held memories. Remember, if when you write, something unpleasant arises, let your pen release it. If you get overwhelmed, drink cool water or warm tea, take a walk, stretch, cry, laugh, whatever is needed. Your body has its own infinite wisdom. Listen to what it tells you.
Keep the pen moving,
Jan
When was the last time you hid from the truth? Tell the whole story. Write it in dialogue. Remember to write without censoring.
Keep the pen moving,
Jan
When were you unwilling to listen to someone who tried to keep you from making your dream come true? We are each capable of creating our dreams. What dream did you fulfill despite opposition?
Keep the pen moving,
Jan
Where were you on 9/11? What was going through your mind? What emotions did you have? How did you find out about it?
Let us say a prayer or blessing to the families of those who lost a loved one and to the city, state, and nation who is still recovering from such an assault on our freedom.
Keep the pen moving,
Jan
What storms have you witnessed? Where were you? What happened? Write all the details.
Keep the pen moving,
Jan
