Words are events they change things

 I was reading my twice-weekly post from The Marginalian by Maria Popova <newsletter@brainpickings.org > and Maria in her first article of the post called "The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows: Uncommonly Lovely Invented Words for What We Feel but Cannot Name." started with this quote:

 Words are events, they do things, change things. They transform both speaker and hearer; they feed energy back and forth and amplify it. They feed understanding or emotion back and forth and amplify them, by Ursula K. Le Guin,

I love Maria's work because it makes me think outside the box and she challenges my thinking. If you are not a subscriber of hers you should check her out. 

This statement beautifully captures the dynamic power of words in shaping our experiences and interactions. In essence, Le Guin's statement emphasizes that words are not passive symbols but active agents that shape our thoughts, feelings, and interactions, ultimately influencing the course of our lives.

Words have power. They have the power to transform, to change to feed energy and amplify it. They have the power to create understanding and evoke emotions. 

Words are events Words are not just random sounds or written symbols. They hold meaning, and when used effectively, they can create a significant impact. They can be used to convey ideas, tell stories, share experiences, and express emotions. Words can inspire, motivate, educate, and entertain. They have the power to move people, to make them think, to make them feel. When someone says, "I believe in you," these words can inspire confidence and motivate the listener to take on new challenges or pursue their dreams. Similarly, words like "I'm sorry" or "I forgive you" have the power to mend relationships and initiate healing processes.

Words are not just passive symbols. They are active agents that can change the way people think, feel, and behave. They can influence people's beliefs, attitudes, and actions. They can inspire people to act, to make a difference, to create positive change. Positive affirmations such as "You can do it!" or "You're amazing!" can uplift spirits and energize individuals to overcome obstacles. Words can also hurt, divide, and destroy. Conversely, negative words like "You'll never succeed" can drain motivation and create self-doubt.

Words have power, and it's up to us to use them responsibly. They transform both speaker and hearer Words not only affect the listener, but they also transform the speaker. When we speak or write, we convey our thoughts, emotions, and experiences. We share a part of ourselves with others, and in doing so, we open ourselves up to feedback, criticism, and validation. Words can build connections, create communities, and foster understanding. In conversations, words act as bridges between people, fostering understanding and empathy. For instance, when someone shares their personal story, it creates a connection and deepens the bond between the speaker and the listener. A simple "I love you" can convey profound emotions of love and affection, intensifying the bond between loved ones. On the other hand, hurtful words can escalate conflicts and amplify negative emotions, leading to misunderstandings or resentment. 

When we communicate effectively, our words have the power to exchange energy, emotions, and ideas between people. We resonate with each other's frequencies, creating a symphony of understanding and empathy. Words can amplify emotions, creating a ripple effect that touches the hearts and minds of people. They can inspire hope, spread joy, and ignite passion. Inspirational speeches, motivational quotes, or insightful teachings can transform perspectives, challenge beliefs, and spur personal growth. For example, a powerful quote like "The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today" by Franklin D. Roosevelt can inspire individuals to embrace optimism and take bold actions.

Another example, consider a speech by Martin Luther King Jr. His words inspired hope, ignited passion, and created a movement. His words continue to inspire generations, feeding energy back and forth, amplifying the message of equality and justice. 

Another example is the poem "Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou. Her words evoke emotions, creating a deep understanding of the human experience. Her poetry feeds energy back and forth, amplifying the voices of those who have been silenced, ignored, or marginalized. 

In conclusion, words are powerful. They are events that transform people, ideas, and societies. They feed energy back and forth, amplifying emotions, creating connections, and inspiring change. We must use words responsibly, recognizing their power to create and destroy. 

Writers block again

 Here are some ideas to help seniors and other bloggers overcome writer's block and enhance their writing productivity and quality.

Set SMART goals. SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. By setting SMART goals, you can create a clear roadmap for your writing projects and track your progress effectively. For example, instead of saying, "I want to write more," a SMART goal would be, "I want to write 500 words per day, three times a week, for the next six months." Another  example, instead of a vague goal like "write more," you could set a SMART goal like "Write one blog post per week on a topic related to healthy aging." These goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, allowing you to stay focused and motivated.

Plan your writing process. Planning your writing process involves breaking down your project into smaller, manageable tasks and creating a schedule to complete them. For example, you can start by brainstorming ideas, then create an outline, write a first draft, revise and edit, and finally, proofread. By planning your process, you can avoid procrastination and stay on track with your writing goals.

Write in batches. Writing in batches, also known as batching, is a productivity technique that involves grouping similar tasks together and completing them in one session. For example, you can dedicate one day to writing and another to editing. Batching can help you stay focused and avoid the time-consuming task of switching between tasks.

Get feedback. Feedback is an essential part of the writing process, as it allows you to identify areas for improvement and refine your work. You can join a writing group or find a writing buddy to exchange feedback. Feedback can also help you stay motivated and accountable, as you know someone is waiting to read your work. Constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement and refine your writing style.

Keep learning. Learning is a crucial part of the writing process, as it allows you to improve your skills and stay up to date with the latest writing techniques. You can attend writing workshops, conferences, and online courses to learn new skills and network with other writers. Learning can also help you stay motivated, as you'll be excited to try out new techniques and strategies in your writing. Continuously expand your knowledge and skills by reading, attending workshops, or taking online courses related to writing.

Have fun. Writing is a creative process that should bring you joy and fulfillment. Don't forget to have fun and enjoy the process. Injecting humor, personal anecdotes, or creative storytelling can make your content engaging and relatable. Take breaks when needed, and don't be too hard on yourself. Remember, writing is a skill that takes time to develop, and it's okay to make mistakes.

Here’s what else to consider:

Consider factors like your writing environment (e.g., a quiet space, ergonomic setup), time management (e.g., prioritizing writing tasks), and self-care (e.g., taking breaks, staying physically active) to support your overall writing productivity and well-being.

Create a conducive writing environment. Invest in a comfortable chair, a good desk, and a quiet space to write.

Use writing tools and software that work best for you. There are many tools and software available that can help you stay organized and focused, such as Grammarly, Evernote, and Scrivener.

Take breaks and exercise regularly. Writing can be a sedentary activity, so it's essential to take breaks and move your body. Exercise can also help improve your creativity and focus.

Read widely. Reading is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and get inspiration for your writing projects.

Join a writing community. A writing community can provide support, accountability, and motivation to reach your writing goals.

Celebrate your achievements. Celebrate your writing achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Recognizing your progress can help you stay motivated and encouraged to continue writing.

By incorporating these strategies and maintaining a positive mindset, you can overcome writer's block, boost your writing productivity, and produce high-quality content that resonates with your audience. Happy writing!

 

Writers block

Have you ever had writer's block? I have and it is a terrible affliction. I don't know how or why it comes upon me, but when it does I feel as if a part of my mind has closed and I am floundering in a sea of despair. It may take days for the mood to end, and the desire or the need to write comes back. There are, according to the experts I have read, at least 4 reasons for writer's block.
1. Fear 
2. Procrastination
3. Perfectionism
4. Distractions.
I agree with the causes, but it doesn't help the kickstart the writing process. I know that fear can be real or imagined. If I was writing a book or some great essay I would be afraid of rejection but I am writing for myself and a few of you who may or may not agree with me, so fear is not the cause of this particular block.
Procrastination is a wonderful excuse for not writing, but I sit down and caress the keyboard, but what comes out is a confusing series of letters and spaces that make no sense. 
I have never been a perfectionist, just ask my friends and those who know me. I don't sweat the small details but focus on getting out the big ideas, and sometimes make errors in grammar, and structure that are inexcusable to a perfectionist.
Distractions, yes that must be the reason for the block this time, I have a lot going on at this time of year and it is easier to deal with stuff then sit down and listen to the voices in my head that are trying to escape onto paper or the computer. 
To end here are some quotes on writer's block by some high powered writers.

“Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration; the rest of us get up and go to work.” — Stephen King

“My cure for writer’s block? The necessity of earning a living.” — James Ellroy

“Writer’s block is just another name for fear.” — Jacob Nordby

“I don’t believe in writer’s block. Just pick up a pen and physically write.” — Natalie Goldberg

“If I waited till I felt like writing, I’d never write at all.” — Anne Tyler

“If you tell yourself you are going to be at your desk tomorrow, you are by that declaration asking your unconscious to prepare the material. ‘Count on me,’ you are saying: ‘I will be there to write.’” — Norman Mailer in The Spooky Art: Some Thoughts on Writing


“The secret to getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.” — Mark Twain