Moving forward while looking back
Dreaming big yet living small
Imposed will
Impossible decision
On still we journey
Towards an unknown land
Destinations clouded by a morning mist
Floating, falling
Screeching, halting
We falter and stumble along a pebbled path
Littered with our own baggage
We jump hurdles, crawl through, and keep going
The sky’s within reach
If only you untied your wings
To soar across the heavens above
And the Earth below
The greatest lesson I learned during week 7 of the Keep Moving Forward Challenge is that it’s okay to stop and refresh when moving along my path. It’s crucial, in fact, for the development of the mind, body, and spirit.
I’ve been so focused on achieving noticeable progress that I stopped reflecting on why I chose the path in the first place. What was my goal? What was I hoping to achieve? I’ve spent a lot of energy this past week focusing on those very questions not only in reference to this challenge but in my life journey overall.
I’m in the midst of another kind of challenge – a meditation one, to be more specific. When I decided to write about this in today’s entry, I initially thought it’d go in the ‘SPIRIT’ category. However, I’ve discovered it’s stimulated my mind more than I anticipated. I don’t do meditation well. I get distracted way too easily, letting my mind wander wherever it wants to go. In this instance, I’m quite pleased with my focus and determination. I’ve been able to relax, refocus, and keep my wandering mind from hindering my progress. Please visit www.chopracentermeditation.com to learn more about this meditation experience! *No endorsement from anyone associated with this meditation experience is implied.*
My body notified me in no uncertain terms to RELAX! I got a minor reoccurrence of a GI virus and then spent two days looking after my feverish toddler-age niece. I spent a lot of time resting, trying to calm an unsettled child, and away from my normal routine of blog post writing/social media updating/resume building. I realized that slowing down a bit helped put into perspective what’s important – taking care of the body that houses the mind and the spirit.
As mentioned in last week’s entry (Keep Moving Forward Challenge: Week Seven), I am in the midst of a spiritual rejuvenation. I’ve distanced myself, both physically and emotionally, from the religion of my youth and focused on examining what I believe and how I want to live my life. A recent experience reignited my displeasure with my local church and the ones who make rules that seem to go against what I always believed God intended His church to represent. I won’t elaborate too much out of respect for the people involved, as the situation is still ongoing. However, the experience reaffirmed the importance of evaluating my spiritual needs and the path on which I continue my ever-changing journey.
I’m re-energized, refreshed, and rejuvenated from a week that superficially could be considered stressful, tiring, and reeking with maladies. Upon closer introspection, I understand that taking the time to stop, reflect, and redirect my focus keeps me moving forward in ways that aren’t necessarily noticeable.
*REMINDER: Use #keepmovingforwardchallenge on social media to connect with others who have joined in this journey.*
Then, use the image below as a starting point for a story. It can be non-fiction or fictional, a play, a scene on a TV show, poem, or essay. There are no correct answers or guidelines you must follow.
Don’t overthink it or edit as you go – let the story build and the words flow!
I’d love to read the finished works, so please comment below and share the link to your blog or website. If you don’t have either of those, tell me about your experience. What style of writing did you choose? Did you start in one direction and the story end up somewhere completely different?
Please use the hashtag #WritingPromptWednesday on social media sites to connect with others who are doing the prompts.
Nuggets of praise and critique
Can affect us only if we absorb them
Do we let them seep into our spirit
Guiding our choices and defining our actions
Opinions of others come freely
Whether we ask for them or not
How we process them
Can move us forward, or keep us stuck
Acknowledge the compliments
And the criticism as opportunities for growth
Look at them objectively
And keep that which moves you forward
Craving acceptance can push you
In a direction you weren’t anticipating
While hearing perceived disapproval
Keeps you stuck in place, or
Retracing your footprints
Move forward, not back
With your head held high
As you walk along the path
Acknowledge those who throw flowers
And the ones who choose stones
But keep looking ahead, not behind
Spring is nearly here! Thank heavens to Betsy – whoever Betsy is!!!!
I love the season called spring, and not only because I was born during this season. It’s a time of celebration, spiritual renewal, and inspiration for me.
During April and May, my immediate family celebrates seven birthdays. We decorate in early April, and keep them up through the end of May. I love birthday months in our family, because there’s so much joy and laughter. We have a lot to celebrate this year, and that knowledge motivates and inspires me every single day. Plus, we celebrate Easter during this glorious season…and that just so happens to be my favorite holiday. I love the frilly dresses and bonnets, the vibrant colors, finding Easter eggs scattered throughout the yard, and chocolate…can’t forget that!
Though many people have labeled me as ‘religious’, I distance myself from that categorization; the term ‘spiritual’ fits better. I have always felt more empowered through a personal relationship with the deity named God. Formulized religion sometimes counteracted the development of that relationship and only had me shaking my head in disappointment. The religion that defined my childhood and early adult years no longer fulfills my spiritual needs, and keeping my heart and soul open to other possibilities is key to my personal growth. Although my religious search continues, I still thoroughly embrace Easter. There’s something so magical about that holiday, as though all seems possible!
The difference now is that while I believe all is possible, I understand that I must keep moving in order for the possible to become probable. That’s not always easy, nor does it happen in a timely fashion, but I realize that I must continue growing and progressing in all facets of my life – professionally, personally, and as a member of society.
I am a proud member of two writing group: the Pennwood Writers’ Group and the Lower Bucks Creative Writers. Through this association, I have developed friendships that will span the test of time. These are people who build me up yet tell me the truth, cheer my triumphs and bemoan the hurdles, and inspire me with their artistic talent. Discussing the craft and sharing insights has helped me become a more confident writer, and I relish the opportunity to interact with my fellow artists. In fact, come June 12-14th I’ll be doing just that at the 2015 Philadelphia Writers’ Conference. I highly recommend attending this 3-day conference, whether you live in the Philly area or not.
I’m breaking out the cracked shell that I’ve kept myself in and rising with the season’s change. I’m excited to welcome each day and the lessons that await!
*REMINDER: Use #keepmovingforwardchallenge on social media to connect with others who have joined in this journey.*
Is spring your favorite of the four seasons? If so, why? What helps renew your inspiration when you feel stuck?
We celebrate, cheer, and follow along
Romantic tales featuring fictional characters
They move us, inspire us, and leave us dreaming
Of not only what could be, but what should
Fairy tales of glass slippers,
Poison apples, or spinning wheels
Inspire me because
These are young women with kindness in the heart
And strength of spirit
Romantic pairings on the big screen or small
Connect with us in different ways
We root for one pair over another
Anticipating the moment when their paths finally cross
Whether you gravitate to tales of magic kingdoms
And love conquering all
Or wish upon a star-crossed TV pair,
May you be inspired to find love
That’s rooted in respect, understanding, friendship, and a connection you can’t always define.
After the progressive developments discussed in Week Five’s entry, a dear friend suggested that I wasn’t just “moving forward” – I was leaping!
I started the week motivated, excited, and hopeful of the future. However, I realized that the journey depends on my willingness to keep moving even on days when laziness wins out over productivity. Some personal and professional benchmarks were met, while I spent other days developing skills that were lacking. One of which is my video production skills. So, I decided to step off the path and try something a little different this week.
Do you set high or low expectations for yourself? Is it difficult to celebrate even the smallest of milestones?
*REMINDER: Use #keepmovingforwardchallenge on social media to connect with others who have joined in this journey.*
The light’s so bright
Yet it doesn’t hurt
It stimulates my senses
And awakens my motivation
The colors heighten my awareness
While the sounds inspire my creativity
I look up to the sky for inspiration
Only to realize it already surrounds me
Moments ignored and those we cling to
Can have both positive and negative effects
It’s up to us to choose our path
And let our own light guide the way.
I’m riding the waves, walking through those open doors, and gaining momentum along my journey.
This past week, I wasn’t just moving forward…I was walking with my head held high, confidence in each step, and a song in my heart.
If you’ve read my bio or followed along the 111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge, then you know that my creative interests are many: writing, acting, jewelry design, singing, film/TV, and theatre. Each and every one stimulates my mind and awakens my spirit. During week 4 of the Keep Moving Forward Challenge, I embraced almost all of them and took steps forward along my path.
On Friday of last week, I posted an entry to my entertainment blog about the first-ever convention for Broadway fans! Though the event is not until January of 2016, the tickets go on sale soon and the first thirteen special guests were recently announced. I’ve written blog post after blog post about my love of theatre, you only need peruse An Entertaining Idea to see the multitude of entries focused on this interest. So, I was overjoyed at the announcement of this convention and had to write about it. Visit the BroadwayCon website to learn more about this wondrous event!
I attended a workshop this weekend that put the confidence back in my step and reaffirmed my love of written communication. While I started writing as a source of cathartic expression, it quickly turned to a spiritual and artistic outlet with which others connected. Fittingly enough, the Delaware County Press Club held its “How the News Works” workshop (part of its Professional Development Workshop series) at a lovely place called Open Connections.
The attendees listened to an insightful discussion about broadcast news, online & print media, and the impact of social media in the industry. I listened with intent interest to each of the guest speakers: CBS 3’s consumer reporter Jim Donovan, syndicated writer and radio journalist Debra Wallace-Forman, and accomplished anchor/reporter Susan Barnett. I laughed, took copious notes, and met some creatively inspiring individuals. I discovered that Susan grew up in the same town that I call home – Levittown, PA – and we had a delightful discussion about our shared appreciation for this beloved community.
I studied acting in college and discovered a creative interest that both captivated and motivated me. I happened upon an art form that I hadn’t considered prior and found that I not only enjoyed it but was good at it. The confidence I had as an actress didn’t hold when I transferred colleges, and it certainly waned over the many years since. However, while the flame diminished it never extinguished. I took a risk, stepped out of my comfort zone, and signed up this week to audition for a play at one of my local theaters. I’m excited and nervous, but mainly proud, to take this step.
I may lose my footing as I walk along the path, but I’ll keep moving forward with the creative arts guiding my way!
*REMINDER: Use #keepmovingforwardchallenge on social media to connect with others who have joined in this journey.*
What helps you move forward when you stumble? What motivates you to keep going?
You…yes, you! You are creative. Did you know that? Do you embrace that descriptive term or cringe at the mere idea? I ask you to consider that we are all creative beings in one way or another.
Throughout the course of the day, jot down three examples of your creative interests. Do you like to cook/bake, quilt, play sports, sing in a choir, or write editorials? Maybe you enjoy coming up with fun and inventive games for children. Perhaps you facilitate professional development events, always striving to engage and motivate the staff.
Kelly Deeny