Chris Brogan challenged his readers to write a quick blog post about the importance of story in our lives. It's so like him to give a call to action and is one reason I follow him. You need people like that in your life, whether that be on the web or in person. Funny thing is that I did this "assignment" many months ago, which goes to show that the most important thing to do is to start creating your body of work even when you are not aware of where each piece will fit together. I refer to a dream in this post, which was a symbol of how critical we can be of ourselves. Some time later, I had another dream. A crowd of people where gathered in a small community hall. The windows were open. It was a beautiful spring day. All at once every person turned their heads and ears towards the open windows. Smiles formed upon their lips. A beautiful song could be heard.
January 5, 2009 - When you view your life as a story it becomes magical, even when it doesn't bring a happy ending. It's the magic of purpose, awareness, understanding, connectedness. To tell is to listen. To listen is to tell. "Life, I'm listening."
So you see, my purpose is to tell stories and it is so freaking FUN! I have given myself permission to view the world with a young. hopeful heart and mind. I have given myself permission to be truthful, honest and open. I have given myself permission to be myself, while realizing my inner critic can be as harsh as Simon Cowell. I actually came to myself in my dream, disguised as Simon Cowell, just so I could tell myself my writing stunk. This proved to me that we are our harshest critics.
So I say, "Simon Cowell, stick it up you know where" and I will continue to wake up saying, "Good morning world, what will I write about today?"
I journal, post on my blog and write a weekly newsletter, which would be quite the surprise to Mr. Wilkerson, the toughest English teacher in southeast Iowa's tri-county area.
So what's Kim's point today? Blah blah blah, get to the point. Even if you can't quite find the time to journal, don't want to start a blog or don't have a fan base that you fantasize soaks up every single word of your newsletter (a girl's gotta dream), you should view your life like you are required to share it through the written word. Why? Because when you are looking for material you have to be open, aware. You start to see the thread that connects the dots. You again view the world through your children's eyes. Besides story telling is fun even when you're reading silently to yourself.
Honestly, I write for me and I hope you get some enjoyment from it as well. And Mr. Wilkerson, I give myself an "A" for this post.
