This Writing Life

I love writing. I love the swirl and swing of words 
as they tangle with human emotions. 

~ James A. Michener

Two months ago I joined seven other women at Jill Kelly’s “Writing With Intention” workshop. Jill combined writing prompts and visualization with collaging. A very innovative combo!

I first met Jill 13 years ago when I timorously attended one of her a day-long writing classes. I say “timorously” because, while I’ve always used the written word as a way to work through life’s problems as well as chronicle its joys, up until that one-day class my writing had never had another’s eyes look upon it, another’s ears hear the words.

I knew writing could be cathartic for me; however, I never thought anything I wrote might have meaning for anyone else—might verbalize what another was going through—might be of interest to others. As it turns out, I was wrong. I did have something to say and others wanted to hear it.

Jill’s calm demeanor and coaching ability, her very apparent knowledge of the craft of writing as well and her talent to see within another, to prod that bud of creativity and urge it to bloom and grow, served to make the day worthwhile and memorable.

The years ran, stumbled and scurried past. I continued to journal and write essays and poetry—for myself. I attended a term-long writing class at Marylhurst, two separate two day classes at the coast and one or two other six-hour classes. Along the way, I learned something more about the basics of writing. I didn’t learn a lot about myself. Something was lacking. I assumed I was lacking…something.

PACE explained:

The letters forming the word "PACE" arranged themselves in my mind one day about ten years ago as I thought about the impact--negative or positive--my perceptions, attitudes, choices and expectations had on my life.

I remember hearing "there is no reality, there is only perception." When I thought about how I perceived any occurrence in my life, I realized there is no right or wrong to my perceptions; however, I have control over them and therefore control over how I act or react.

When I understood that I owned and therefore was the sole proprietor of my attitude, I discovered I could be much happier if the attitude I chose to own was one of peace and calm.

It is really entirely my choice. No one is forcing me into a particular frame of mind. When I realized this, I gained a huge sense of personal control.
Expectations—we all tend to have them and we are most often brought down by them because the planned for, hoped for, joyful, entertaining or delightful outcome doesn't occur the way we'd expected.

Because I had expectations that may have been unmet, I closed myself off from experiencing life to the fullest.

I continue to work on my PACE. It's not always easy. Every day I give myself a little "CPR." That is, I try to be Calm, Patient and Reasonable so that I might enjoy each step of the way and savor the PACE of my life.