tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9958631222974021552023-11-16T08:57:12.535-08:00Borkin UneditedSusan Borkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10875466432728370913noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995863122297402155.post-50963143389284915392022-06-14T13:33:00.000-07:002022-06-14T13:33:07.921-07:00Recombobluation<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKNtUpP6KDjUpE1PJPvXvx-w3QAk05mwE_KAs9xGTpiHF7OVyDeBusJz5qdopQ-0AavQ-UlwytNadzMHMTYIaoebYlm3YtuvP6K1_u-COyreTwbn5x8pozmlDlaqmL3y3X_q5WMYRe0o6XZpbE_gXprVfXAdSQIsZFDWrZK8c3Xsgs68psHUZvYhjaw/s1000/recombobulation-area.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="1000" height="104" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKNtUpP6KDjUpE1PJPvXvx-w3QAk05mwE_KAs9xGTpiHF7OVyDeBusJz5qdopQ-0AavQ-UlwytNadzMHMTYIaoebYlm3YtuvP6K1_u-COyreTwbn5x8pozmlDlaqmL3y3X_q5WMYRe0o6XZpbE_gXprVfXAdSQIsZFDWrZK8c3Xsgs68psHUZvYhjaw/s320/recombobulation-area.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></span></p>About a year ago I was visiting my sister in Wisconsin. Just after I walked through airport security at Milwaukee's Mitchell International Airport, I looked up and saw a a sign that read "Recombobulation Area." I had never seen this word before and frankly wondered if it was a joke. But it was no joke. It turns out that it is the only such sign of any airport in the world (I couldn't help myself; I looked it up when I got home). As I thought more about it, I realized that discombobulated was pretty much the way I felt when I walked through security. Where are my shoes? Was I wearing a belt? Where is my iPad? So, if I went through security and felt discombobulated, it only made sense that I would want to feel recombobulated when I got out. </span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-left: 10px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;">Urban dictionary defines recombobulation as: "To put something back the way it was, or into proper working order 2. To gather one's thoughts or composure." </p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-left: 10px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;">I especially liked the second definition -- To gather one's thoughts or composure. Something about that seemed familiar. Of course, isn't gathering one's thoughts what happens when we journal? </p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-left: 10px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;">So, consider this.... the next time you sit down and begin writing, you are not just journaling, you are actually recombobulating. </p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-left: 10px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;">Happy recombobulating! </p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-left: 10px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><img src="https://www.mcssl.com/content/79896/take-good-care.png" width="200" /></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-left: 10px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><img height="21" src="https://www.mcssl.com/content/79896/susan_sig_new.png" width="91" /></p>Susan Borkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10875466432728370913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995863122297402155.post-3723960360767923632022-02-14T13:33:00.002-08:002022-06-14T13:35:40.010-07:00Lonely for Myself<p><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRlnznFJpRB0LvHHhQhc9y0iEbxOGBQeFwsxYAd4I-CSJd78OF-NRnnTlyW1mbX-CVIFRlPyrz-PTolybM7PowLpLyLTDkgk_yAvzRdTLv5V4KiuPWE_PUwk_MzY4NZirqRYHQgA0-Me9kzcosXo-jnrjRdpYleyv17A_AcWwMdCTKdE74T-8KkR8rg/s222/lonely-for-myself.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="222" data-original-width="200" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRlnznFJpRB0LvHHhQhc9y0iEbxOGBQeFwsxYAd4I-CSJd78OF-NRnnTlyW1mbX-CVIFRlPyrz-PTolybM7PowLpLyLTDkgk_yAvzRdTLv5V4KiuPWE_PUwk_MzY4NZirqRYHQgA0-Me9kzcosXo-jnrjRdpYleyv17A_AcWwMdCTKdE74T-8KkR8rg/w156-h173/lonely-for-myself.png" width="156" /></a></div><br /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">The other night I was having trouble falling asleep; I felt restless and out of sorts. Something was nagging at me and making me feel uncomfortable. What was it? What was going on with me? Suddenly, my eyes flew open. I was feeling lonely, a very unusual feeling for me. Although I can be quite social, I am at my core, an introvert. I need my space, enjoy alone time --- enjoy my own company. So, what was this lonely feeling about? We had just seen two of our adult children and two of our grandchildren over the holidays. I had been in touch with several friends. My husband and I speak several times a day. What was I lonely for? It occurred to me I was lonely for</span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">myself</i><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">. I hadn’t written in several days. I had no idea what I was thinking or feeling.</span></p><p><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">So, I did what I tell other people to do. I sat down and started to write. At first, I felt disconnected from myself, out-of-touch and uncomfortable. But after a few minutes, I felt myself relax. It didn’t matter what I wrote. It didn’t matter if I knew where the writing was going. What mattered was I was writing. It took a few days of my morning journaling practice to feel like I was returning home, coming back to myself.</span></p><p><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">It reminded me of what I have always known---no matter how far away I get from my own journaling, how far away I feel from myself, how uncomfortable I become, all I have to do is start writing. </span></p><p><img src="https://www.mcssl.com/content/79896/take-good-care.png" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" width="200" /></p><p><img height="21" src="https://www.mcssl.com/content/79896/susan_sig_new.png" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" width="91" /></p>Susan Borkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10875466432728370913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995863122297402155.post-16934163147715159122020-06-11T08:19:00.001-07:002020-06-11T08:23:53.294-07:00Sparking Joy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Perhaps when you saw the title of today's blog post you might have imagined I would be writing about the ubiquitous Marie Kondo, the guru who suggests we spark joy by clearing and organizing our stuff. Only partly right. What I am writing about is sparking joy by stringing together a series of small moments of joy for the purpose of if not happiness, at least, contentment. Here’s what I mean:<br />
<ul>
<li>On the side of my house I have a small container garden (cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, basil, parsley). Each morning I go outside and commune with my little garden, sparking if not an entire salad, a moment of pure joy.<br /><br /></li>
<li>I read a cartoon, a cleverly written paragraph (say Anne Lamott or David Sedaris), or an absolutely laugh out loud page of dialogue in a novel, producing a moment of joy.<br /><br /></li>
<li>I eat a cherry (or a handful of cherries), so perfectly ripe and sweet I close my eyes and have a private, ecstatic moment of joy with my fruit.<br /><br /></li>
<li>I finally work through a huge accumulated pile of papers in my office and experience the sheer pleasure of seeing an empty space on the vintage wooden library table in the back of my office (so there, Marie Kondo).</li>
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These are difficult days; it is all too easy to become overwhelmed by the state of the world. I love this quote by Brenda Ueland: “I learned that you should feel when writing, not like Lord Byron on a mountain top, but like a child stringing beads in kindergarten—happy, absorbed and quietly putting one bead on after another.”<br />
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Take some time to find and string together your own moments of joy!<br />
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Please take very good care!<br />
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Susan Borkin, PhD is a psychotherapist, author, and speaker. A journal writing pioneer, she has specialized in the therapeutic use of writing since 1978.<br />
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Susan Borkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10875466432728370913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995863122297402155.post-2517589697081796442020-05-06T06:51:00.000-07:002020-05-07T07:54:44.680-07:00List Yourself<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Do you ever have days when writing a journal entry just seems like too much work? Fortunately, there are alternative ways to write that don’t require much of a narrative. Although we usually think of using lists for things to do, grocery shopping, or packing a suitcase, there are many other ways to use lists. Consider the following prompts and examples since the start of the covid-19 quarantine:
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<li>What have you learned about yourself? <i>(There are parts of isolation I actually like)</i></li>
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<li>What have you noticed about your own creativity? <i>(I seem to be feeling more creative than usual)</i></li>
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<li>What creative solutions have you tried? <i>(Working out in my living room using soup cans for weights)</i></li>
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<li>What has made you teary or sad? (<i>Talking on the phone to an elderly cousin when she said, “I may never see you again.”)</i></li>
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<li>What have you enjoyed listening to, watching, or streaming<i>? (I seem to be stuck on Australian television shows)</i></li>
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<li>What has made you laugh out loud? <i>(Same answer twice in a row---Australian television shows)</i></li>
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<li>In what ways are you thinking differently about your future? <i>(Definitely on-line teaching, more virtual clients)</i></li>
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Here are some suggestions for using the above prompts:
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<li>Responses to each of the prompts can be short or later developed into longer journal entries.</li>
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<li>This is a very limited list. Make up your own prompts.</li>
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<li>As always, there are no right or wrong ways to use these lists.</li>
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Please take very good care!
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Susan Borkin, PhD is a psychotherapist, author, and speaker. A journal writing pioneer, she has specialized in the therapeutic use of writing since 1978.
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<br />Susan Borkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10875466432728370913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995863122297402155.post-69859739850846272262020-03-31T07:59:00.004-07:002020-04-01T07:29:47.785-07:00Keep Calm and Journal On<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last week when I spoke with Michelle, my virtual assistant extraordinaire, she mentioned we hadn’t published anything for four years. Four years! Yikes! Where have I been? What have I been doing? Well, let’s see. For more than two and one-half years of that period, I was finishing my dissertation. For the next 18 months, I was dealing with Post Dissertation Stress Order. Yes, this is a real thing (which I will cover in another post).<br />
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But in this new age of Coronavirus, I began to ask myself what I could do as a mental health professional. Of course, I could expand working with clients virtually. Also, since journaling and the healing power of writing have been the core of my work for decades, I could certainly offer journaling suggestions for this challenging time.<br />
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While we know that journaling cannot prevent Coronavirus, or any other illness, for that matter, there are numerous ways journaling can help reduce related stress. For instance:<br />
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<ul>
<li><i>Free Form Writing</i> – Close your eyes and sit quietly for a few moments. Begin by setting a timer for 10 minutes. Start writing whatever comes to mind. What you write does not need to make sense or be logical. Don’t worry about spelling, punctuation, or syntax. Just dump out whatever comes to mind. It is definitely okay to write longer than 10 minutes.<br /><br /></li>
<li><i>QuickLists</i> – As fast as you can, start writing a list of all the things that are annoying, scary, or making you angry. Just get it all down.<br /><br /></li>
<li><i>Dialogue </i>– While you may not be able to connect with friends or family as easily as usual, you can create a dialogue anytime you wish. Start a conversation with someone you want to talk to. Imagine the response and write that down. Continue in this way as long as you like. Your dialogue will look something like a screen play.</li>
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Please take good care!<br />
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Susan Borkin, PhD is a psychotherapist, author, and speaker. A journal writing pioneer, she has specialized in the therapeutic use of writing since 1978.
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<br />Susan Borkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10875466432728370913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995863122297402155.post-20521678745073760172016-04-29T08:03:00.002-07:002016-04-29T08:03:23.754-07:00Clutter Control for Creative People<div class="p1">
<a href="http://susanborkin.com/images/bookshelf-apr-2016.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://susanborkin.com/images/bookshelf-apr-2016.png" height="200" width="150" /></a>I was talking to my very creative friend Margot about a visit from my feng shui lady. </div>
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“It was wonderful,” I explained enthusiastically, with the zeal of the newly converted. “One of the most important things we discussed was clutter.” </div>
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I heard a soft laugh from Margot and then, “Do you know how many years we’ve been talking about our clutter?”</div>
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Here’s the problem with creative people like Margot and me -- We live in the land of possibility:</div>
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<li class="li1">“I can’t throw that out, I could make a (fill in the blank) out of it.”<br /><br /></li>
<li class="li1">“But I might need that information for an article I might write some day.”<br /><br /></li>
<li class="li1">“I would so much rather be writing, drawing, or creating something than filing papers!”<br /><br /></li>
<li class="li1">“I’ll just finish this project and then I’ll clean up my office.”</li>
</ul>
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On the other hand, when we do finally begin to deal with the clutter, there is a profound sense of accomplishment. When we let go of things we don’t need, we are freer to be present in the moment, have much more creative energy, and generally feel lighter and happier. </div>
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Here are a few things that I found helpful:</div>
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<li class="li1">Think about how good it would feel to have empty space.</li>
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<li class="li1">Avoid piling your in-box by making it vertical; it’s easier to deal with things lined up instead of piled up.</li>
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<li class="li1">Do some writing in your journal about feelings that come up when you begin to de-clutter.</li>
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<li class="li1">Schedule time each day to deal with new mail and things that find their way into your office. Make an appointment with yourself in your calendar for de-cluttering.</li>
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If you are feeling stuck with clutter in your life and need some help, let’s set up a time to chat. You can reach me at <a href="mailto:susan@susanborkin.com"><span class="s2">susan@susanborkin.com</span></a> or by phone at (408) 973-7877.</div>
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Susan Borkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10875466432728370913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995863122297402155.post-51420844020757657942016-01-25T05:31:00.004-08:002016-01-25T05:32:04.041-08:00Winter Blues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Mindful Living Network states that Monday, January 25<sup>th</sup> is the most depressing day of the year. While I’m not sure whether or not there is actual research to back up that statement, it is pretty clear that the month of January can be a depressing time. Let’s consider what makes this a difficult month for many people. The build-up and excitement of the holiday season is over, but credit card debt is not over. In many places in North America, the weather is at its<span class="s1"><b> </b></span>absolute worse. Days are shorter and daylight is scarce. Psychologically, your fresh resolutions for the New Year might have taken a bit of a nosedive. </div>
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First, it’s important to rule out the difference between winter blues and more serious depression. If you find you are feeling sad much of the time, have nothing you are looking forward, find yourself waking up in the early morning and are unable to go back to sleep, you may be suffering from depression. From time to time, everyone gets depressed. But if the symptoms I mentioned above in addition to changes in appetite, loss of interest in everyday activities, or thoughts of harming yourself are present, you might consider seeking help from a qualified mental health practitioner. </div>
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Whether you are depressed or just having a case of the winter blues, there are a number of things you can do to help yourself feel better. Exercise is a natural anti-depressant. So if you are able and weather permits, get outdoors and walk. Attend a group dance or exercise class. Meditate. Get some colored pencils and an adult coloring book. Of course, journaling will provide you with many options, as well. </div>
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“Three Good Things,” an exercise taken from positive psychology and developed by Martin Seligman, suggests you write down three good things that happened to you every day. Not only does the memory of three good things lift your spirits, but thinking about or anticipating three good things re-frames how you look at your world each day. You are actually in the practice of finding good things. </div>
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An exercise I have found helpful for myself and for clients is called an “I Don’t Want List.” I discovered this exercise for myself many years ago. I found I was really grouchy and didn’t feel like doing anything I was supposed to do. So I started writing down each of those “should.” Somehow, just stating what I didn’t want to do, turned around my negative feelings. Try it; it might surprise you.</div>
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You might also try “Giving Depression a Voice.” Sit quietly and close your eyes for a few minutes. Become aware of your breathing. When you are ready, imagine your depression has a voice. Listen to the voice of your depression and write down what you hear. </div>
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Remember, spring always follows winter. Get some planting bulbs and plant them in a pot. Before you know it the dark days of winter will be over and your flowers will be in bloom!</div>
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If you are feeling stuck with a writing project and need some help let’s set up a time to chat. You can reach me at <a href="mailto:susan@susanborkin.com"><span class="s2">susan@susanborkin.com</span></a> or by phone at (408) 973-7877.</div>
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Susan Borkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10875466432728370913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995863122297402155.post-90106799189181814922015-12-03T00:00:00.000-08:002015-12-02T11:24:46.444-08:00'Twas the Night Before Writing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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'Twas the week before deadline and all through the house,</div>
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An author was disgruntled and could only grouse.</div>
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Words were not flowing from her fingertips,</div>
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And after awhile, angry words flew from her lips.</div>
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“What was I thinking when I thought I wanted to write?</div>
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Each word that I scribble is so boring and trite.”</div>
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Where is the inspiration I dreamed I would hear?</div>
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My Muse is in hiding: she’s nowhere near!</div>
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“What to do? What to do?” she cried out.</div>
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With no one else home, the walls echoed her shout.</div>
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Perhaps there was an answer, some magic pill,</div>
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Or a wand to wave to conjure words at her will.</div>
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Alas and alack, no right words could she find!</div>
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She knew soon that she would lose her mind</div>
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And if she continued her angst with such worry and fret,</div>
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Her writing goals would never be met!</div>
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But then she remembered what she already knew––</div>
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The only way to the end was to work it through.</div>
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Like a whisper she heard “Put your butt in the chair,</div>
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And not only that, you must keep it there!”</div>
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“For the designated time you promised for today,</div>
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Put your fingers on the keyboard; it’s the only way.</div>
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There is no magic here; it is just doing the work.”</div>
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(Did she just hear her Muse chortle and smirk?)</div>
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So she set the timer on her desk clock,</div>
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And then, her phone ringer she set to block.</div>
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Any distraction or malingering tasks</div>
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Were now banned---need you ask…</div>
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What happened next to this sad author’s plight?</div>
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Oh how she hated when her Muse was so right!</div>
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Butt in the chair, fingers to the keys, clock set,</div>
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It all seemed perfect to produce and yet…</div>
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Something still was missing from this situation,</div>
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For she needed to pull words from her imagination.</div>
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She ruminated, thought, and these wild thoughts ran.</div>
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But nothing really happened until she began.</div>
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For all of her studying and planning and care,</div>
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She had forgotten the most important ingredient there,</div>
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She was no dummy; she might be considered smart,</div>
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But rule number one––she did have to start!</div>
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Take good care,<br />
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If you find yourself in a funk, contact me for an informative discovery session via phone or in person. Phone (800) 552-WRITE, that's (800) 552-9748 or write to me at <a href="mailto:susan@susanborkin.com">susan@susanborkin.com</a> to find out more. </div>
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<br />Susan Borkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10875466432728370913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995863122297402155.post-74922017378098092622015-08-14T04:30:00.001-07:002015-08-14T04:41:54.679-07:00Change: Scary or Exciting?<div class="p1">
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Have you ever felt scared and excited at the same time? Feeling two such strong emotions at the same time can be confusing. But let’s look a little more closely at what these emotions mean.<b></b></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>First Day of School</b></span><br />
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Remember when you were a little kid and it was the first day of school? Perhaps you walked to school, or got a ride, took the bus or rode your bicycle. How did you feel on this important day? You may have been scared and not at all excited. (Think: When do I eat my lunch? Where is the bathroom? What if my teacher is mean?) Or, you might have been excited and not scared at all. (Think: I can wear my new school clothes. I’ll see my friends from the neighborhood. I am really grown up now!) </div>
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<span class="s1"><b>Moving to a New Home</b></span><br />
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Do you remember a time when you moved, leaving behind your home or apartment? Scary feelings and thoughts might have been: Will I like the new neighborhood? Will I still see my old friends? What will happen to my cat? On the other hand, you might have been very excited, feeling and thinking: I’m moving to a wonderful new home. This is my dream house. I’m really looking forward to my new neighborhood. </div>
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<span class="s1"><b>Starting a Creative Project</b></span><br />
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Do you remember the last time you started a big project? Perhaps you were writing an article, a book, or starting a new painting. You may have experienced scary feelings like: I have no idea what I’m doing! What was I thinking? What if I really can’t do this? You might have experienced excitement: I am so jazzed about finishing my book and getting it out in the world! I love the new direction of my work. This is going to be so great!</div>
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<span class="s1"><b>Embracing Both</b></span><br />
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In each of these examples and many more you can probably think of, it’s more than likely you experienced both scary and excited thoughts and feelings. When you become aware of this conflict, instead of shying away from it, consider embracing it. Congratulate yourself on your ability to hold two different emotions at the same time. Enjoy the roller coaster ride of mixed emotions. Inevitably, like the weather, feelings seldom stay exactly the same for long.</div>
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If you are going through transition or change, and need some help, let's set up a time to chat.</div>
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You can reach me at <a href="mailto:susan@susanborkin.com"><span class="s1">susan@susanborkin.com</span></a> or by phone at (408) 973-7877.</div>
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<b>P.S.</b> Remember, if you haven’t done so before, take advantage of our Complimentary Coaching Consultation to increase your creativity and productivity.
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>Susan Borkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10875466432728370913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995863122297402155.post-36274033419921883662015-07-10T08:25:00.004-07:002015-07-10T08:27:32.461-07:00When the Going Gets Tough<div class="MsoNormal">
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You’ve undoubtedly heard the adage, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” That may be true, but frankly, my first impulse when things get tough is to hide under a blanket. Actually, I do find that a nap can be extremely helpful, but only as a short-term solution. Here are some other ideas to consider.</div>
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<b>GET ENOUGH QUALITY SLEEP </b></div>
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Make sure you are getting a good night’s sleep. Have you ever noticed how much better everything seems when you wake up in the morning after sleeping well? Scientists confirm that sleep is a critical component to a healthy and balanced life. Do consider a short nap during the day. When timed correctly, napping can be remarkably restorative. </div>
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<b>EAT RIGHT</b></div>
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When in a stressful situation, my impulse is to eat exactly the wrong food. That little energy burst may work for a while, but soon wears off. Eating balanced meals and snacks throughout the day pays off in terms of on-going energy and the ability to think through solutions clearly.</div>
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<b>GET HELP IF YOU NEED IT</b></div>
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Talk to someone you trust. Ask a friend if they would be willing to listen to you. Talk it through. If necessary, seek professional help. Most of the time we really don’t need advice, but rather the opportunity to tell our own story in the presence of a good listener. </div>
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<b>WORK IT OUT</b></div>
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You don’t necessarily need to go to a gym or your local Zumba class, unless this is something you find helpful. Get outside. Move your body. Walk in nature and be among trees and flowers. Walk near water if you can. </div>
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<b>WRITE IT OUT </b></div>
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To be perfectly honest, writing is not always the first thing that comes to mind when I’m feeling stressed, worried, overwhelmed or depressed. But eventually, I find that not writing will actually make me feel much worse. Why is this so? Writing helps me to make sense of things, to sort out the loose ends, to find clarity and direction. A traumatic experience like death, serious illness or a major accident can leave us feeling unbalanced, confused, or like everything is falling apart. Writing helps put the pieces back together, perhaps in a new way, but nevertheless, moving us back to wholeness.</div>
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If you need some help during a difficult time, let’s set up a time to chat.</div>
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You can reach me at <a href="mailto:susan@susanborkin.com"><span class="s1">susan@susanborkin.com</span></a> or by phone at (408) 973-7877.</div>
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Susan Borkin<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
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<b>P.S.</b> Remember, if you haven’t done so before, take advantage of our Complimentary Coaching Consultation to increase your creativity and productivity.
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>Susan Borkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10875466432728370913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995863122297402155.post-82124329251206743562015-05-14T00:00:00.000-07:002015-05-14T00:00:09.398-07:00Just a Traveling Fool<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In the last few weeks I have been doing a lot of traveling. Some travel was business-related, and some was to visit family. But no matter what the reason is for travel, I think there is both bad news and good news about travel when it comes to daily routines. <br />
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First, there is the bad news. For me, travel can certainly upset my schedule, disrupt work deadlines, interrupt my sleep pattern, cause me to eat in less than healthy ways, not exercise, and skip writing. On the other hand, traveling can provide a number of possibilities for keeping up with my creative life. <br />
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HURRY UP AND WAIT<br />
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Have you ever noticed how traveling can be a process of hurry up and wait? Rush to the airport, then sit and wait for your flight to be called. Or, get to your seat quickly and sit down and then wait (and wait, and wait) for the plane to actually leave. Or get in your car and begin your journey and get caught in a massive traffic jam. These scenarios can be less than fun experiences. On the other hand, if you have a book with you and you’re not driving, you can get a fair amount of reading done. Or you can catch up on your daily journaling, brainstorm ideas, or update your contact list. Bottom-line: use your waiting time to be productive. <br />
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PLEASANT SURPRISES<br />
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If you travel, you will notice occasional unpleasant surprises. For example, the hottest day of the year in London in your non air-conditioned hotel room or your flight change that the airline failed to properly record, considerably delaying your arrival. On the other hand, have you ever arrived at a hotel or car rental desk and been upgraded at no extra charge? Or have you ever gone for a walk in a new town and stopped in your tracks and stared at a stunning profusion of azaleas in full-bloom? Bottom-line: be alert for wonderful surprises to inspire you.<br />
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NEW PERSPECTIVE<br />
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Have you ever gotten on a train that was crowded and stuffy or sat in front of a little kid kicking the back of your chair on a cross-country flight? On the other hand, has the greenery, a stream, lake, river, or ocean in a new location ever taken your breath away? After returning home from a trip, have you ever allowed a new perspective from your travels to change your point of view or give you new ideas? Has returning from travel ever provided you with greater resolve and focus? Bottom-line: use returning home from travel to provide you with a new perspective. <br />
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While traveling can be challenging, wonderful, difficult, and fun (sometimes all at the same time!), don’t be a traveling fool. Use your travel time and experiences to stimulate your creativity and your writing.<br />
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Happy traveling!<br />
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<b>P.S.</b> Remember, if you haven’t done so before, take advantage of our Complimentary Coaching Consultation to increase your creativity and productivity.
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Image Copyright: <a href="http://www.123rf.com/profile_marysmn"> marysm / 123RF Stock Photo</a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Copyright </span>© 2015 Susan Borkin</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>Susan Borkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10875466432728370913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995863122297402155.post-34544718665004931272015-04-16T11:27:00.001-07:002015-04-16T11:27:20.904-07:00Writing in Cruise Control<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://susanborkin.com/images/speedometer_sm.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://susanborkin.com/images/speedometer_sm.png" /></a></div>
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While driving on the freeway the other day, I decided to turn on the cruise control in my car. There are lots of good reasons to use cruise control---you’re likely to drive closer to the speed limit, you can relax a little bit at the wheel and give yourself a break from steady pressure on the accelerator. </div>
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But what are the disadvantages to driving in cruise control? Possibly letting your attention stray for a moment? Becoming too relaxed, or maybe even becoming a little lazy? </div>
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Now consider your writing and creative life lately. Has it gone into cruise control? Are you not feeling as excited as you used to about your projects and creative work? Have you lost focus, vision or purpose?</div>
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If your writing has gone into cruise control mode, there are several things you can do. Check out the ideas below:</div>
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<b>TALK WITH YOUR WRITING</b></div>
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Set up a dialogue on paper with your writing or a creative project and ask it about what it needs and where it wants to go. To do this, write down your name (or a nickname or whatever you want to call yourself). Then begin to “speak” on paper. Be honest. Be sincere. Speak from your heart. Ask your writing or your project what it wants and what it needs from you. Next, let your writing or creative project speak back. On paper, this will look like the script for a play. One person speaks, then the other. It’s a conversation. Feel free to interrupt, get angry, and be silly, just as you would with a conversation with a person. </div>
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<b>CHANGE THE SCENERY</b></div>
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Mix things up a bit. Take a new route home or try driving or walking down a different street just for fun. Shop at a new grocery store. When you change your environment you are likely to pay more attention to what is new around you. Change your writing environment, too. Try writing in a different place, at a different time or with a different kind of paper or pen. Try changing your computer font to give the words you write a new perspective.</div>
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<b>TAKE SOME RISKS WITH YOUR WRITING</b></div>
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You can always edit it out or delete it later. Stuck on the plot of your novel? Has it been awhile since you’ve written a poem? Try a whole new genre for a few days (It was a dark and stormy night). Write a story from a different voice.</div>
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<b>DON’T BE AFRAID TO DIG DEEPER </b></div>
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In addition to trying new approaches to your writing, try taking your current writing deeper. Ask yourself what you might be avoiding in your current writing. Or, be willing to experiment with new ideas you’ve been setting aside. </div>
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Sometimes it’s just fine to drive in cruise control for a little while. But if you find yourself stuck in a rut or just skimming the surface, take your writing out of cruise control!</div>
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<a href="http://www.susanborkin.com/images/susan_sig_new.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.susanborkin.com/images/susan_sig_new.png" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
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<b>P.S.</b> Remember, if you haven’t done so before, take advantage of our Complimentary Coaching Consultation and we'll talk about what you need to stay out of 'cruise control' with your writing. Phone (800) 552-WRITE, that's (800) 552-9748 or write to me at <a href="mailto:susan@susanborkin.com">susan@susanborkin.com</a> to find out more.</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Please jump in and respond on this blog, by clicking the green 'Comments' link just below. <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Copyright </span>© 2015 Susan Borkin</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>Susan Borkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10875466432728370913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995863122297402155.post-76539816390111032272015-03-12T10:10:00.004-07:002015-03-12T10:11:13.456-07:00Finding Your Inner Leprechaun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://susanborkin.com/images/leprechaun-gold.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://susanborkin.com/images/leprechaun-gold.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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This month, with spring just around the corner and St. Patrick’s Day coming up in a few days, I thought it would be fun to connect with our inner leprechauns and play with a metaphorical pot o’ gold. </div>
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There is an old film I have always loved called Finian’s Rainbow (circa 1968). The plot of the film weaves together a charming tale that is comedic, romantic and magical. The story revolves around a loveable schemer and a leprechaun fighting over a pot of gold. My favorite song from the film is called “Look to the Rainbow.” Here are the lyrics of the song: <span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span></div>
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…I’ve got an elegant legacy<br />
Waitin’ for ye,<br />
‘Tis a rhyme for your lips<br />
And a song for your heart,<br />
To sing it whenever the world falls apart.</blockquote>
</blockquote>
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Look, look<br />
Look to the rainbow.<br />
Follow it over the hill<br />
And the stream.<br />
Look, look<br />
Look to the rainbow.<br />
Follow the fellow<br />
Who follows a dream.</blockquote>
</blockquote>
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It reminded me that whatever is happening in your life, especially on those days when it feels as if your world is falling apart, keep following the rainbow and searching for that pot of gold at rainbow’s end. </div>
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Here are some practical tips to keep you inspired on your journey:</div>
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<b>KNOW THAT EVERYONE HAS DAYS WHEN IT FEELS LIKE THE WORLD IS FALLING APART.</b></div>
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No matter how successful someone looks to you on the outside, you don’t necessarily have access to how they feel on the inside. As a friend of mine says, “Don’t compare your insides to someone else’s outsides.”</div>
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<b>SHARE YOUR DREAMS WITH OTHERS WHO WILL SUPPORT YOU.</b></div>
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You’ve undoubtedly had the experience of being very excited about something and sharing it with someone who didn’t return your enthusiasm. Try to weed out those people in your life and be around positive folks who will cheer you on.</div>
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<b>LEARN TO LAUGH AT YOURSELF MORE.</b></div>
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Laughter not only raises your beta endorphin level and simply makes you feel better, but being able to step back and laugh at yourself in a loving and gentle way will automatically change your perspective and get you thinking more positively. Challenge yourself to find something amusing about even the most challenging of situations. </div>
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<b>KEEP YOUR DREAM ALIVE.</b></div>
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Let your environment support you. Have pictures, a vision board, a collage or small objects around your workspace, representing where you want to be or what you want to do. Dream big. Play the “what if” game. “What if I could have whatever I wanted?”</div>
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<b>USE PENVISIONING.</b></div>
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I once invented for myself a method I now call “Penvisioning.” It means visualizing exactly what you want, jotting it down quickly, and then dropping back into the visualization and again jotting down your vision. </div>
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Keep dreaming. Keep visualizing what it is you want to have. Consider having your inner leprechaun help you grant your very own wishes! </div>
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Take good care,</div>
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<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<a href="http://www.susanborkin.com/images/susan_sig_new.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.susanborkin.com/images/susan_sig_new.png" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
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<b>P.S.</b> Remember, if you haven’t done so before, take advantage of our Complimentary Coaching Consultation and we'll talk about what you need to get more deeply connected to your writing. Phone (800) 552-WRITE, that's (800) 552-9748 or write to me at <a href="mailto:susan@susanborkin.com">susan@susanborkin.com</a> to find out more.</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Please jump in and respond on this blog, by clicking the green 'Comments' link just below. <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>If you are new to blogging</b>, here are some instructions. If you are the first leave a comment, it will say '0 Comments' - just click that link. If you do not have one of the listed accounts, please choose either Name/URL or Anonymous from the profile list before you click 'Post Comment' </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Copyright </span>© 2015 Susan Borkin</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />Image Copyright: <a href="http://www.123rf.com/profile_pixdesign123"> pixdesign123 / 123RF Stock Photo</a></span>Susan Borkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10875466432728370913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995863122297402155.post-27232062479052280002015-02-11T08:50:00.003-08:002015-02-11T08:50:43.602-08:00Stormy Weather & Winter Writing<div class="p1">
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<a href="http://susanborkin.com/images/snowbound-house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://susanborkin.com/images/snowbound-house.jpg" height="200" width="175" /></a></div>
If you have picked up a newspaper or listened to a newscast within the last month, you have certainly heard enough about winter storms! Why not take advantage of the cold, snow or rain outside and curl up with your journal inside? </div>
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Here is a great technique for doing some in-depth winter writing. </div>
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<b>DIG DEEPLY</b></div>
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Winter can make you feel like hibernating. Take advantage of the season and go deeply into an area you have been ignoring or avoiding. Perhaps it is a relationship you have been struggling with, a decision you are having trouble with or a project you have been procrastinating. Whatever the issue, commit to writing about it for seven days in a row. That’s right. Take a week and in as little as ten minutes a day (of course you can write more if you want to!), write about this subject. </div>
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Go ahead and complain, whine and dump. Get it out of your system. Continue writing for seven days, even if it feels like you aren’t going anyway. Continue to get it all out.</div>
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<b>INTERVIEW YOURSELF</b></div>
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Now pretend you are an interviewer and set up a dialogue with yourself. Ask yourself questions like:</div>
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<li>What is this all about?</li>
<li>What is really going on here?</li>
<li>Why have I been avoiding this issue?</li>
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During your “interview,” answer the questions honestly. Write quickly without editing. Allow feelings to come up. Don’t think about it. Just write.</div>
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<b>LET IT REST</b></div>
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After you are done with the dialogue between you and your “interviewer,” let the writing sit for a day or two. When you go back to it, you may have a new perspective, insight or direction.</div>
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In the next few days, find another topic and start the process again. Pick something that’s bothering you, feels unfinished or needs to be taken care of. </div>
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It may be cold, rainy or snowy outside, but your winter writing can generate plenty of heat!<br />
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Take good care,</div>
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<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<a href="http://www.susanborkin.com/images/susan_sig_new.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.susanborkin.com/images/susan_sig_new.png" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
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<b>P.S.</b> Remember, if you haven’t done so before, take advantage of our Complimentary Coaching Consultation and we'll talk about what you need to get more deeply connected to your writing. Phone (800) 552-WRITE, that's (800) 552-9748 or write to me at <a href="mailto:susan@susanborkin.com">susan@susanborkin.com</a> to find out more.</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Please jump in and respond on this blog, by clicking the green 'Comments' link just below. <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>If you are new to blogging</b>, here are some instructions. If you are the first leave a comment, it will say '0 Comments' - just click that link. If you do not have one of the listed accounts, please choose either Name/URL or Anonymous from the profile list before you click 'Post Comment' </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Copyright </span>© 2015 Susan Borkin</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />Image Copyright: <a href="http://www.123rf.com/profile_joannsnover"> joannsnover / 123RF Stock Photo</a></span>Susan Borkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10875466432728370913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995863122297402155.post-75327496981879004732015-01-14T07:14:00.001-08:002015-01-14T07:17:35.705-08:00Looking Backward, Aiming Forward<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://susanborkin.com/images/goals-thinking-woman.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://susanborkin.com/images/goals-thinking-woman.png" height="194" width="200" /></a></div>
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Happy New Year! This month rather than resolutions, I want to discuss setting goals. What’s the difference? Generally, when we make New Year’s resolutions, it’s more of a wish list. I am resolving to do something, but I have no specific plan to do so. To give your goals more “oomph” here are some ideas.</div>
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<b>LOOKING BACKWARD</b></div>
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It’s easy to be hard on yourself when you look back at last year and think about what you didn’t accomplish. Try this instead. On a piece of paper write down everything you did accomplish, no matter how small you judge the accomplishment to be. Did you clean out a closet or get caught up on your filing? Did you try any new recipes or finally start writing in your new journal? Was this the year you actually used your gym membership? Try this method of giving yourself credit for what you have done before you start with new goals. </div>
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<b>THE WHEEL OF LIFE</b></div>
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Here’s a way to organize your list of goals.<b> </b>Start by drawing a circle in the middle of a piece of paper. Now, divide the circle into eight different sections, just like you would if you were cutting up a pie. Label the sections with titles such as friends & family, finances, work and career, health, personal and spiritual growth, partner or romance, and physical environment. These are only suggestions; create section titles that work best for you. </div>
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Taking one area at a time, write down what you really want to accomplish in this area of your life. What is it that you really want to happen? Be as specific as possible.</div>
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<b>THE GOOD…</b></div>
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With each goal you have written, write down how you will feel when you accomplish it. Take your time, close your eyes and really see what your life will be like when you accomplish this goal. If you would like, create a collage or symbol to represent this goal.</div>
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<b>THE BAD…</b></div>
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This part isn’t as much fun, but it is equally as important to do. Again, taking your time and closing your eyes, imagine how you will feel if you don’t accomplish these goals. Take them one at a time, and without dwelling on it for too long, get a sense of what it will be like if you don’t accomplish these goals. Write down what you see. </div>
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<b>THE CHALLENGE</b></div>
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Based on what you’ve written, select one or two goals to begin. Don’t worry about the goals that you haven’t selected at this time. Everything you really want to get done will get done; but you can’t do everything at once. The challenge here is prioritize what is most important to start. Perhaps you have had this experience in the past---doing too many things at once only results in getting nothing done. </div>
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<b>STEP-BY-STEP</b></div>
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Finally, for the one or two goals you will be working with, make a list of action steps you will need to complete to accomplish this goal. One way of doing this is to begin with the end result you are trying to accomplish. Work backwards, and then reverse your list of steps. Pick up your paper or electronic planner and note deadlines for these steps. Remember that breaking each step down into tiny action steps will move the process along. </div>
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<b>OBSTACLES AND SUPPORT </b></div>
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You may also choose to write down any obstacles you can anticipate or might run into along the way. Anticipating obstacles will help keep you focused and on top of your action steps. Don’t forget to also note what you will be doing to make sure you have accountability and support.</div>
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Good luck and let me know if I can help!</div>
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Happy New Year,</div>
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<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<a href="http://www.susanborkin.com/images/susan_sig_new.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.susanborkin.com/images/susan_sig_new.png" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
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<div class="p1">
<b>P.S.</b> Remember, if you haven’t done so before, take advantage of our Complimentary Coaching Consultation and we'll talk about what you need to get those goals accomplished. Phone (800) 552-WRITE, that's (800) 552-9748 or write to me at <a href="mailto:susan@susanborkin.com">susan@susanborkin.com</a> to find out more.</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Please jump in and respond on this blog, by clicking the green 'Comments' link just below. <br />
<br />
</span>
<br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>If you are new to blogging</b>, here are some instructions. If you are the first leave a comment, it will say '0 Comments' - just click that link. If you do not have one of the listed accounts, please choose either Name/URL or Anonymous from the profile list before you click 'Post Comment' </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Copyright </span>© 2015 Susan Borkin</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />Image Copyrights: <a href="http://www.123rf.com/profile_pixelsaway"> pixelsaway / 123RF Stock Photo</a> and <a href="http://www.123rf.com/profile_piksel">piksel / 123RF Stock Photo</a></span>
Susan Borkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10875466432728370913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995863122297402155.post-90658386468232355762014-12-01T09:16:00.004-08:002014-12-04T05:00:52.691-08:00'Twas The Night Before Writing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://susanborkin.com/images/stressed_pulling_hair_woman.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="2" src="http://susanborkin.com/images/stressed_pulling_hair_woman.png" /></a></div>
'Twas the week before deadline and all through the house,</div>
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An author was disgruntled and could only grouse.</div>
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Words were not flowing from her fingertips,</div>
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And after awhile, angry words flew from her lips.</div>
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“What was I thinking when I thought I wanted to write?</div>
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Each word that I scribble is so boring and trite.”</div>
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Where is the inspiration I dreamed I would hear?</div>
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My Muse is in hiding: she’s nowhere near!</div>
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“What to do? What to do?” she cried out.</div>
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With no one else home, the walls echoed her shout.</div>
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Perhaps there was an answer, some magic pill,</div>
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Or a wand to wave to conjure words at her will.</div>
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Alas and alack, no right words could she find!</div>
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She knew soon that she would lose her mind</div>
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And if she continued her angst with such worry and fret,</div>
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Her writing goals would never be met!</div>
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<br /></div>
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But then she remembered what she already knew––</div>
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The only way to the end was to work it through.</div>
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Like a whisper she heard “Put your butt in the chair,</div>
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And not only that, you must keep it there!”</div>
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<br /></div>
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“For the designated time you promised for today,</div>
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Put your fingers on the keyboard; it’s the only way.</div>
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There is no magic here; it is just doing the work.”</div>
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(Did she just hear her Muse chortle and smirk?)</div>
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<br /></div>
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So she set the timer on her desk clock,</div>
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And then, her phone ringer she set to block.</div>
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Any distraction or malingering tasks</div>
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Were now banned---need you ask…</div>
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<br /></div>
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What happened next to this sad author’s plight?</div>
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Oh how she hated when her Muse was so right!</div>
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Butt in the chair, fingers to the keys, clock set,</div>
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It all seemed perfect to produce and yet…</div>
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<br /></div>
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Something still was missing from this situation,</div>
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For she needed to pull words from her imagination.</div>
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She ruminated, thought, and these wild thoughts ran.</div>
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But nothing really happened until she began.</div>
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<br /></div>
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For all of her studying and planning and care,</div>
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She had forgotten the most important ingredient there,</div>
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She was no dummy; she might be considered smart,</div>
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But rule number one––she did have to start!</div>
<br />
Take good care,<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
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<div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
If you find yourself in a funk, contact me for an informative discovery session via phone or in person. Phone (800) 552-WRITE, that's (800) 552-9748 or write to me at <a href="mailto:susan@susanborkin.com">susan@susanborkin.com</a> to find out more. </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Copyright </span>© 2014 Susan Borkin</div>
<br />Susan Borkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10875466432728370913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995863122297402155.post-52507192408843235822014-10-09T05:41:00.004-07:002014-10-09T05:41:33.177-07:00Writing In Your Sleep & Creative Napping<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://susanborkin.com/images/sleeping.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://susanborkin.com/images/sleeping.png" height="200" width="192" /></a></div>
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Having occasional bouts of insomnia, I have found the art of napping to be a true blessing. In this article we’ll explore how to use naps and a good night’s sleep as a writing and creativity enhancer.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span></div>
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<b>ASK A GOOD QUESTION BEFORE YOU NOD OFF </b></div>
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<b></b><br /></div>
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Just before you close your eyes before bed or a nap, ask a question about a current project. You might ask “What’s bothering me about the character in chapter 4 of my novel?” Or, “Where am I stuck with the copy for my website?” You might be wondering, “What would be the best market for the article I want to write about my recent trip?” </div>
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You need not limit yourself to asking questions about your writing or creative life. You may have relationship or career choice questions. You may have questions about your spiritual life or larger questions about your life purpose. This technique will work in any area of your life. </div>
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Your brain is like a search engine, just waiting to begin scanning for an answer to your question.</div>
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Try to let go and trust that whatever information you do get is meant to be helpful or guide you in some way. </div>
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<b>PAY ATTENTION TO THE LANGUAGE OF YOUR DREAMS</b></div>
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<b></b><br /></div>
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Once you ask the question, know that the creative process is already underway. But because it is a creative process, you don’t necessarily know the format in which your answer will come. </div>
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Information may come in the form of a dream. You may see yourself on a stage performing, with the words you were searching for coming in the lyrics of a song. Or, your dream may be more of a treasure hunt. Perhaps you see yourself walking along a path, picking up objects as clues to a new direction.</div>
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Your answer may be quite concrete and obvious or it may need some interpretation. Sometimes the answer to your question will be more subtle than you expect. For example, if I am stuck with writing copy for my website, I may get an image of tangled string or of something trapped in a maze. Perhaps I’ve become tangled in my words or trapped myself by making the project too complex. </div>
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The more open you are to the information you receive, whatever the format, the more useful it will be.</div>
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<b></b><br /></div>
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<b>BE PREPARED FOR ANSWERS TO COME IN UNEXPECTED WAYS</b></div>
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<b></b><br /></div>
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While dreams and images are the most common ways to receive information from sleep writing questions, be prepared for answers to come at other times. </div>
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There may be times when you don’t remember a dream at all. Or, you may get no images at all upon awakening. </div>
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However, thoughts or ideas may come to you in the shower, later in the day or while out on a walk. It will seem as though the ideas came “out of the blue.”<b> </b></div>
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<b></b><br /></div>
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Keep experimenting and notice what happens. Try both sleep writing before going to bed at night or prior to a catnap during the day. </div>
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<b></b><br /></div>
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<b>SLEEP WRITING HAS A CUMULATIVE EFFECT</b></div>
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<b></b><br /></div>
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Quite simply, the more often you ask questions and write down the answers you receive, the more information you will get. If you use this technique on a regular basis you will find yourself getting increasingly better results. </div>
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Over time, sleep writing will give you a new perspective on issues that have challenged you. It will help you develop a sense of curiosity and wonder. Keep track of your questions and the answers you receive over time. You will be surprised at the profound impact sleep writing can have.</div>
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<br /></div>
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By the way, guess where I got the idea for this article? Following a nap, of course!</div>
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<b></b></div>
<br />
Take good care,<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
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<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you find you could use some help integrating your writing and creative projects this fall, schedule a GRATIS SAMPLE COACHING SESSION via phone or in person to find out if writing & creativity coaching is for you. </span>Phone (800)
552-WRITE, that's (800) 552-9748 or write to me at susan@susanborkin.com
to find out more. </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Please jump in and respond on this blog, by clicking the green 'Comments' link just below. <br />
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Susan Borkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10875466432728370913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995863122297402155.post-81360191974624060392014-09-10T10:38:00.000-07:002014-09-10T13:09:46.535-07:00I Have a Confession...<div class="p1">
<a href="http://susanborkin.com/images/whisper-secret-confess.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://susanborkin.com/images/whisper-secret-confess.png" height="200" width="200" /></a>I have a confession to make, an embarrassing and quite disconcerting confession. If you read the description of the two upcoming events above, or have been following this newsletter for any length of time, you know how important journaling is in my life. But somewhere between completing my book, <i>The Healing Power of Writing,</i> course work and essays for the graduate program I’m enrolled in, my clients, and summer travel, I stopped journaling. </div>
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<b>HOW THIS HAPPENED</b></div>
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It’s not that I woke up one morning and thought, “That’s it, no more journaling for me!” It was nothing like that. It was more like, “I’ll get to it as soon as I finish my essay (or paper, or book chapter, or…).” It was like, “I’m doing so much other writing (or studying or reading) I can’t do any journaling.” And, it was like, “I just don’t have the energy to do any journaling.”</div>
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<b>WHAT I NOTICED </b></div>
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It was subtle, at first. I began to notice that something was wrong but it was nothing I could put my finger on. I noticed that I felt slightly out of sorts and easily annoyed. Then I noticed a feeling of restlessness; I couldn’t seem to settle down or get comfortable within myself. I began to notice that my afternoon power naps were becoming longer and longer. Finally, I was able to identify the culprit -- low level depression. </div>
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<b>WHAT HAPPENED NEXT</b></div>
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It occurred to me that in order to get out of this funk, I needed to do something, to create some kind of plan, or at least do something differently. One of the best ways of getting myself untangled and re-focused is, of all things…journaling. It wasn’t a question of whether or not I <b><i>wanted</i></b> to write; it was more an awareness that I <b><i>needed</i></b> to write. I simply could think of no better way to sort out my feelings and figure out what to do to feel better.</div>
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<b>WHAT I LEARNED</b></div>
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I began journaling for a few minutes in the morning, easing my way back. The next day I wrote for ten minutes. I began to feel a little bit better. This felt familiar, comfortable, like putting on a well-worn bathrobe. By the third day of journaling, I could feel the tension easing in my neck and shoulders. By the fourth day, I knew what this month’s article would be about. I even remembered one of my all-time favorite quotes about writing: </div>
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"I have forced myself to begin writing when I've been utterly exhausted, when I've felt my soul as thin as a playing card, when nothing has seemed worth enduring for another five minutes . . . and somehow the activity of writing changes everything."<br />
<br />
---Joyce Carol Oates</blockquote>
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<b></b></div>
Take good care,<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
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<br />
<br />
If you find yourself with a case of the summertime blues, contact me for
an informative discovery session via phone or in person. Phone (800)
552-WRITE, that's (800) 552-9748 or write to me at susan@susanborkin.com
to find out more. </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Please jump in and respond on this blog, by clicking the green 'Comments' link just below. <br />
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Susan Borkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10875466432728370913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995863122297402155.post-77341198899777536972014-08-12T10:31:00.004-07:002014-08-12T10:31:49.457-07:00Ain't No Cure For the Summertime Blues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You might remember a song called “Summertime Blues,” written and recorded by Eddie Cochran and later recorded by Alan Jackson. The lyrics tell the story of a teenager bemoaning his plight---having to work at a summer job. The catchy refrain is of course; “Ain’t no cure for the summertime blues.”<br /><br />I don’t know about you, but I’ve been feeling a bit of the summertime blues the last few days as I realize how quickly the summer seems to have flown by! <br /><br />I invite you to join me and shake off the summertime blues. Get creative with these last few weeks of summer before school starts and fall programs begin. <br /><br />Grab your journal to make notes and find a quiet, private spot. Then try these three ways to savor what remains of these precious summer days.<br /><b><br />SAVOR THE MEMORY</b><br /><br />When you’ve settled in, close your eyes and take several deep breaths. Let your breathing slow and deepen. Now, remember three absolutely favorite moments of the summer so far. <br /><br />One of mine was watching my grandsons play with a Lego set with intense concentration and total involvement in their task. What do you remember? A walk on the beach as a cold wave lapped at your ankles? Cotton candy at a state fair tasting just as good as you remembered it from childhood? Pause, remember and make some notes. <br /><b><br />SAVOR THE PRESENT</b><br /><br />Today, right now, stop whatever you are doing (even reading this article!) What are you aware of? What do you notice as you look around? What do you see that brings you pleasure? <br /><br />I’m sitting in my office as I write this, a Steven Halpern CD, in the background. I stop for a moment and let the music wash over me; hearing each individual instrument and the harmony as the sounds meld. I smile as I look more closely at a portrait on a wall calendar, seeing details in the picture I never noticed before. Stay present with your experience. Then, make some notes.<br /><br /><b>SAVOR THE FUTURE</b><br /><br />As you settle, become more relaxed and take a couple of deep breaths, use your imagination and think of something coming up in the near future. Are you going camping in the woods next weekend? Are you anticipating an exceptionally mouth-watering meal?<br /><br />As I close my eyes, I think about getting back to a laugh out loud book I have been reading. I think of the farmer’s market I’ll shop at in a few days and the taste of ripe strawberries. Write down what you anticipate and increase the depth of your savoring.<br /><br />You get the idea. So, is there a cure for the summertime blues? Try savoring your experiences - before, after and during. It’s practically guaranteed to cure the summertime blues!<br />
<br />Take good care,<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
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<br />
<br />
<br />
If you find yourself with a case of the summertime blues, contact me for
an informative discovery session via phone or in person. Phone (800)
552-WRITE, that's (800) 552-9748 or write to me at susan@susanborkin.com
to find out more. </div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Please jump in and respond on this blog, by clicking the green 'Comments' link just below. <br />
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Susan Borkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10875466432728370913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995863122297402155.post-56666626362416360382014-07-15T00:00:00.000-07:002014-07-14T09:38:30.605-07:00Vacation Perspective<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://susanborkin.com/images/writing-outdoors-sunset.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://susanborkin.com/images/writing-outdoors-sunset.png" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
Even if you don’t actually have a summer vacation planned, it’s still possible to make use of the vacation perspective. What I mean by that is to use taking a vacation, a weekend away or even an afternoon hike to gain perspective on your life, goals, plans and daily activities.<br />
<br />
Try this. If you’ve recently returned from a vacation or are planning one in the near future or have a get away weekend or daytime outing planned, consider being on the lookout for a new perspective on your return.<br />
First, plan ahead. Be open to seeing your life, home, work, relationships, or daily activities from a new point of view.<br />
<br />
<b>Here are some examples:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Am I enjoying the physical space I’m living in?</li>
<li>Am I keeping the schedule I want to be keeping?</li>
<li>What do I want to be doing more of?</li>
<li>What do I want to be doing less of?</li>
<li>What’s missing for me in my home or office?</li>
<li>Am I spending time with the people I want to be spending time with?</li>
<li>Am I doing work I love and is it satisfying to me?</li>
<li>What changes do I need to be making in other areas of my life?</li>
</ul>
Second, be prepared to take notes very soon after returning from your vacation, weekend away or daylong outing. Write down the first reactions of what you see or think about.<br />
<b><br />Here are some ideas:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>How long have those piles of clothes, books and papers been sitting in the corner? </li>
<li>I just looked at my calendar for the week and notice there is no down time for me!</li>
<li>I loved reading 4 books at the beach. How can I schedule more time to read? </li>
<li>I notice I’m avoiding returning certain phone calls. What’s going on here? </li>
<li>I’m feeling really refreshed and energized from my trip. What can I do to retain that feeling? </li>
<li>Am I getting enough rest? Maybe I need change the time I go to bed or get up in the morning. </li>
<li>Maybe it’s time to consider a job that makes me happier.</li>
</ul>
Third, set aside some time to do some thoughtful analysis. This is important to do. The “newness” of your vacation perspective will disappear quickly.<br />
<br />
<b>Here are some sample remarks:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>I can’t afford to paint right now, but a new plant might spruce up the living room. There are probably other small things I can do to fix up my apartment. </li>
<li>I need to schedule in more recreational and downtime during the week. </li>
<li>I need to set better boundaries between work and play.</li>
<li>There are people I want to be connecting with and I’ve gotten out-of touch. I want to begin to re-connect. </li>
<li>I think I’ve been avoiding some calls because I hate telling people “No.”</li>
</ul>
Fourth, schedule time to make the changes you’ve become aware of in this process. Break down each change into specific tasks and schedule time to do them. <br />
<br />
<b>Here are several ways to organize your follow-up tasks:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Use your planner, to block out specific time to do tasks. Even if you need to adjust the time later, at least you’re now more conscious of what needs to be done. Tasks are more likely to be completed when written down.</li>
<li>Create mind maps for projects. It’s a great way to make sure you’re not skipping any steps.</li>
<li>Use open-ended lists to add new ideas and tasks as they come to you.</li>
<li>Create a simple collage or find a picture representing completion of your tasks and projects to keep yourself focused and motivated.</li>
</ul>
Enjoy your summer vacation plans. Remember to get even more from your time away by using “vacation perspective” when you return.<br />
<br />
Take good care,<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
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<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
If you find yourself wanting some support on gaining perspective on your
life, contact me for an informative discovery session via phone or in
person. Phone (800) 552-WRITE, that's (800) 552-9748 or write to me at
susan@susanborkin.com to find out more.</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Please jump in and respond on this blog, by clicking the green 'Comments' link just below. <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>If you are new to blogging</b>, here are some instructions. If you are the first leave a comment, it will say '0 Comments' - just click that link. If you do not have one of the listed accounts, please choose either Name/URL or Anonymous from the profile list before you click 'Post Comment' </span></div>
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Susan Borkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10875466432728370913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995863122297402155.post-85994373318613997332014-06-11T05:40:00.005-07:002014-06-11T08:52:36.049-07:00Your Best Possible Self<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In my introductory message I mentioned some research I recently came across about writing about your best possible self. Laura King, a researcher at Southern Methodist University found that by writing about your best possible self in the future, you can feel significantly better both emotionally and physically.<br />
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Here’s how it works: At least four times a week, spend 20 minutes imagining your life in the future. Think about what it would be like if everything had gone as well as possible. Imagine that you have accomplished all your life goals. Imagine that you have fulfilled your life dreams. Write down what you have visualized.<br />
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<b>Health: </b><br />
Imagine yourself being in the best possible health. How do you feel? How is your energy? How do you feel when you get up in the morning? Are you at your optimal weight? What does that feel like? Are you exercising regularly? How does your body feel? How do you feel in your body? <br />
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<b>Relationships, Family, and Friends:</b><br />
Imagine yourself being in the relationships you have always dreamed about. Are you with a significant other? Or are you enjoying the solitude of living on your own? Do you have children? Grandchildren? How are things going with your children. What are relationships like with members of your family? Do you have friends who care about you and friends you care about? Are you on good terms with those people important to you?<br />
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<b>Work and Professional Life: </b><br />
Are you doing work you love? Does it feel like you are doing the work you are here to do? Is your work satisfying? Do you have an opportunity to continuously learn and grow in your field? Do you have good relationships with colleagues, business associates, and co-workers?<br />
<b><br />Spiritual Life:</b><br />
Are you happy with your spiritual life? Do you feel at peace with yourself? Do you feel supported by something beyond yourself? Do you feel as though you are on your true life’s path?<br />
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<b>Finances:</b><br />
Are your finances in good order? Are your bills paid and are you debt-free? Have you made wise investments? Do you feel comfortable with what you have; are you able to live the lifestyle you desire? <br />
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<b>Leisure Time and Recreation: </b><br />
Do you take time for yourself to vacation and play? Do you have sufficient down time? Do you do quality activities in your leisure time? Is your leisure time balanced with work? <br />
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These are only suggestions to spark your imagination. If you are up for the challenge this month, take about 20 minutes a day, three or four times a week and spend some time imagining how it would feel to look back having lived the life of your dreams. In the next four weeks, notice if your feelings change in any way.<br />
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Have fun!<br />
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Take good care,<br />
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If you find yourself wanting some support or help in discovering your best self, contact me for an informative discovery session via phone or in person. Phone (800) 552-WRITE, that's (800) 552-9748 or write to me at susan@susanborkin.com to find out more.</div>
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Susan Borkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10875466432728370913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995863122297402155.post-79336015952984610522014-04-08T00:00:00.000-07:002014-04-08T00:00:02.654-07:00How Does Your Garden Grow?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I glanced at the small garden area of my yard the other day, fantasizing about what I will soon be planting. Even if spring has not found its way to your corner of the world, perhaps you have noticed an opening bud or new green leaves popping up somewhere. <br />
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I’ve always thought gardening and creativity had a lot in common. Both require planning, preparation, getting your hands dirty, planting seeds, watering, feeding, sunshine, and waiting. Consider these ideas: <br />
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<b>Planning</b><br />
Before you begin growing your garden, it would be wise to figure out what it is you want to plant. Do you want a vegetable garden? Do you want flowers in your garden? How much sun and water will your plants require? Before you begin a creative project like sewing a new dress you will need to decide what type of dress you want to make. What type of fabric will you need? Will the dress be formal or casual? <br />
<b><br />Preparation </b><br />
Once you have decided what you want to plant, you will need to prepare. You might need to visit your local nursery to get packets of seeds or small plants to put into the ground. Before you begin to paint, you will need to have your supplies in order. You will need to visit your local art store. What kind of canvas will you need? Will you be painting with oil, pastels, or water color? <br />
<b><br />Get Your Hands Dirty</b><br />
At some point you will need to dig in the ground and get your hands dirty. You will need to remove rocks and weeds that are in your way. At some point you will need to sit down and start writing that novel. You will need to deal with your writing blocks and critical voice. <br />
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<b>Plant the Seeds </b><br />
You will soon need to carefully plant seeds or seedlings in the ground, while not knowing for sure how long it will take before they begin to sprout. You will need to trust that your plants will grow. When you write, you have to begin putting down words, not knowing if they actually make sense. You will need to trust your creative process.<br />
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<b>Nurturing</b><br />
You will need to nurture your plants. You will need time to weed, water, and feed your plants. If you neglect them or do not protect them, they will die. You will need to nurture your creative process, take care of yourself and protect your work or it too, will die. <br />
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<b>Waiting</b><br />
Perhaps the most difficult part of both planting a garden and doing creative work is waiting for the plants to grow and for creative work to evolve. Love and patience are required. <br />
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This spring, if you have an opportunity to plant even a small garden, love the process of both the sowing and reaping. As you create, love the process of creation as well. <br />
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Take good care,<br />
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If you find yourself wanting some support or help in clearing your garden, contact me for an informative discovery session via phone or in person. Phone (800) 552-WRITE, that's (800) 552-9748 or write to me at susan@susanborkin.com to find out more.</div>
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Susan Borkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10875466432728370913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995863122297402155.post-68323092938063707122014-03-11T05:16:00.002-07:002014-03-11T05:16:32.848-07:00New Year's Resolutions - Revisited<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It’s March. Already, just like that? It may have taken you a few months to settle into the New Year, but now that it’s here, you may be wondering where the time has gone! You may also be wondering, “Whatever happened to those New Year’s resolutions?” Or you may be denying them, as in “What New Year’s resolutions?” Or you simply may have avoided New Year’s resolutions all together.<br /><br />
Whatever happened to that list of “I promise I’ll really get to it this year” stuff that’s looking a bit daunting about now, here are some suggestions to get re-energized.<br />
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<li>BREAK BIG PROJECTS INTO TINY STEPS. A friend of mine recently reminded me of the old joke, “How do you eat an elephant?” The answer, of course, is “One bite at a time.” Go back to your list of goals or resolutions for the year and focus on one project at a time. Break down the project into as many small bite-sized pieces as possible. Here’s an example. Many of my clients have mentioned getting stuck on creative projects like putting photos in albums. This can feel like an overwhelming amount of work, taking all the pleasure out of it. Break down the project into cropping pictures or arranging photos one page at a time. Or take a small stack of pictures and sort or purge. That’s all you have to do. Breaking any project into small pieces makes it infinitely more do able and a lot more fun.<br /><br /> </li>
<li>WE ALL BITE OFF MORE THAN WE CAN CHEW. What looked perfectly reasonable to accomplish two months ago may no longer be realistic. You know, life enters in---your computer crashes, your car develops a mysterious leak, your child gets the flu. When you made your goal list at the end of last year or the first few days at the beginning of this year, there was no way you could have anticipated exactly what would be happening every single day. You can be clear, organized, focused and things still happen to you without your consent. No need to abandon the list. Take some time, get quiet and gently look at your list of goals or resolutions. You may just want to re-vamp and update it a bit.<br /><br /></li>
<li>KEEP THE GOAL; CHANGE THE DEADLINE. One of the most important things I ever learned about goal setting was to keep the goal if I really wanted it and believed in it. I have learned, however, to change the deadline. If I possibly can, I allow myself to change the due date, moving it slightly ahead instead of dropping the project all together. Things make take two or three times as long as we had anticipated. Your original deadline may simply have not been realistic. There are certain deadlines we do need to keep to like registration deadlines or other cut-off dates. On-going, creative projects may need a little more flexibility. This is not permission to procrastinate; but you might just be a little kinder. Keep the goal, move the deadline out a bit and keep going. <br /><br /></li>
<li>LET GO OF HAVING IT BE PERFECT. I frequently say to my writing clients, (as well as to myself!) “Done is better than perfect.” Finishing a writing project, a draft of a short story or the draft of your novel is more important than having it be perfect. Being able to attain perfection is a myth if it blocks the creative process. That’s what editors are for, to help with rewriting, untangling and clarity. For now, just aim to finish what you’re working on and leave the fixing up for later. Consider this thought from Joseph Chilton Pearce: “To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong.”<br /><br /></li>
<li>START! The hardest part of any creative project is getting started. Ever notice the draft feature on your e-mail program? Use it! Start your reply the moment you read an e-mail and have any thought at all how you would like to reply. Use your initial energy and first response thoughts to get started. Apply this same principle to other projects. Maybe you’re not ready to write a long journal entry. But at least sit down, note the date and time and open your journal. Write for ten minutes. You can always add more later. <br /><br /></li>
<li>GET HELP VIA COACHING, MENTORING OR TRAINING. Eric Maisel author of Coaching the Artist Within and several other books, says that those of us involved in creative work might have no accountability. It is too easy to work in isolation and then shove a short story or manuscript into a drawer. Checking in with a coach, mentor or trainer provides accountability as well as support. If your creative dream or project is stalled and you can’t seem to get it started, get help!</li>
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Ready to do a few revisions on those New Year resolutions? Review these ideas and get yourself re-energized and re-focused for spring!<br /><br />
Take good care,<br />
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Susan Borkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10875466432728370913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995863122297402155.post-32180068431766589502014-02-11T00:00:00.000-08:002014-02-11T04:32:53.253-08:00Take a Mid-Winter Mini Retreat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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To go on a retreat usually conjures up images of remote, sometimes exotic, locations for anywhere from a weekend to a month. When we can’t afford the time away, or the cost, we can still derive some of the benefit by finding ways in our everyday lives to retreat and renew. Here are just a few ideas:<br />
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<b>1. Abstain from speaking.</b> Silence leads to inwardness, even in the midst of family life. <br />
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<b>2. Fast for a day. </b>Fasting reminds us of the bounty of food available to us. It also lets the body rest from the busy-ness of digesting. <br />
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<b>3. Spend a day in the garden.</b> Or the container pots. Or a community garden. Plant bulbs for the spring. Anything to get your hands in the earth. <br />
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4. <b>Go for a hike. </b>Even an hour of one-on-one time with Mother Nature can reap huge relaxation dividends. <br />
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<b>5. Lie in bed reading—all day!</b> Can you say, “Ultra-nourishing?”<br />
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<b>6. Do a media fast for a week.</b> Turn off all input—TV, radio, stereo, newspaper, Internet, videos, books—and see what insights “tune in.”<br />
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<b>7. Get a massage in your home. </b>Follow that with down-time and the R&R is complete.<br />
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<b>8.</b> <b>Take a long, hot bath.</b> Candlelight, bath salts and wine optional. <br />
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<b>9. Spend a day doing what you love, not what you must.</b> Paint, poke around the architectural salvage yard, take a book to the park—anything but what’s on your to-do list. <br />
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<b>10.</b> <b>Take a nap.</b> These are especially delicious when strategically placed in the middle of a hectic day.<br />
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You may want to use these ideas, but more importantly, begin to create a list of your own ways to create a mid-winter mini retreat. <br />
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Take good care,<br />
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Susan Borkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10875466432728370913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995863122297402155.post-26958844098412019022014-01-14T11:20:00.000-08:002014-01-14T11:20:00.745-08:00Small Steps to Big Changes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ahh…a freshly minted new year! Doesn’t it feel great to begin a new year? For weeks you have more than likely been telling yourself, “Next year I will lose weight, exercise more, be on time, start writing in my journal” or any one of a dozen other promises. But stop for a moment and consider what it would like to actually make these changes. If you feel overwhelmed, don’t panic! Before you make any drastic changes and then crash and burn in a month or so, consider taking smaller steps to making change. Let me explain:<br />
<b><br />Before You Change Anything, Figure Out What’s Already Working</b><br />
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Remember the old adage, “Don’t fix it if it ain’t broke?” Beware of the bright and shiny new idea or the system that will change everything and make life perfect. If your method of paying bills, creating shopping lists, or exercising is working for you, do you actually need to make a change? <br />
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<b>Make One Change at a Time</b><br />
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If this year you intend to lose weight, step up your fitness regime, get places on time, get a new job, and buy a house, consider taking on these challenges one at a time. For example, start with your weight loss goal and when you feel confident you <br />
have a good system in place, then consider the fitness regime. <br />
<b><br />Count Every Tiny Step </b><br />
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Many people I work with are hyper critical of their accomplishments. It seems easier to focus on what didn’t work or what didn’t get done than what did get accomplished. Don’t wait until you’ve lost the first five pounds on your new diet to congratulate yourself or give yourself a (non-food) reward. Changes take time and patience. Stop and acknowledge yourself every single day. <br />
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<b>Extend the Deadline, Don’t Nix the Goal</b><br />
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It can be extremely difficult to measure progress. Rather than dropping a goal because you didn’t finish it when you anticipated, try extending the deadline. If you are making any progress at all, even slow progress, you are moving ahead. Think about a baby learning to walk. Just because a child takes 14 months instead of the anticipated 12 months to begin walking, she doesn’t fall once and just sit there. She gets up and tries again.<br />
<b><br />Be Around Positive People </b><br />
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Sometimes without meaning to, we find ourselves around naysayers and people with negative energy. Once you realize this is happening to you, move on. Negativity begets more negativity as positive energy begets more positive energy. There is a time and a place for critical feedback, but the tiny beginning steps of change require love and nurturing, not criticism. <br />
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All good wishes for a happy, healthy and productive New Year!<br />
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Take good care,<br />
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PS: If you find yourself wanting some support in figuring out how to accomplish your goals this year by creating bite-size, doable steps, contact me for an informative discovery session via phone or in person. Phone (800) 552-WRITE, that's (800) 552-9748 or write to me at susan@susanborkin.com to find out more. <br />
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