Julie Unplugged

Some People Call it "Strong Willed" or "Stubborn" : What do YOU call it?

What do you call it? My three kids prefer.... Tenacious....(enjoying the beauty of Zion National Forest last Summer)

We like to call it TENACITY but the outside world calls it by other names like “strong-willed” or “stubborn.”

Somehow they think this trait is a negative thing. I think of it as a powerful gift in determination and consistently making that choice to be determined to bring a goal to fruition rather than being another cog in the wheel like everyone else.

My children even gained a facial expression that screams tenacity that I have seen in my father and probably appears on my own face. The tongue is poked out in the corner and the effort just zings through the shoulders and into the eye brows. It shouts the words of “The Little Engine That Could” chugging along mumbling, “I think I can. I think I can, I think I can.”

Sure, we all share blue eyes. We all share fair skin. We all share a silly streak and a higher than average level than intelligence. What always stands out though is our stubborn streak.

My brother, John, had Down’s Syndrome and the same ridiculous “got to hold on tight because I will do what I will do whether you like it or not or actually, just try to stop me!”

My tenacity helped me to take leaps and bounds when people didn’t even believe I could put my toe in the water.

My daughter made her way into a top notch school and now is being courted by a top notch graduate school even after attending what we fondly call a “ghetto high school.” She knew what she wanted and off she went, even when others never thought she could.

Yes, we will tell you “Tenacity is the polite word for stubborn.” It all sounds good to me!

Follow me on Twitter: @juliejordanscot 

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Julie Jordan Scott has been a Life & Creativity Coach, Writer, Facilitator and Teleclass Leader since 1999. She is also an award winning Actor, Director, Artist and Mother Extraordinaire. She was twice the StoryTelling Slam champion in Bakersfield.

After April 3, 2007: Everything Changed & Everything is Finally Beginning Again

It is time for the Five Minute Friday Flash Mob of writers. Every Thursday night until Midnight Eastern time a group of incredible women gather, waiting for our prompt for the week. We never know what our prompt will be, but we catch up, nibble on nutella, laugh and sometimes cry and then we write write write!

Thank you for being here for Five Minute Friday!

Now: my words on

AFTER

I realized tonight yesterday was the six year anniversary of my brother John’s death.

Six years have passed since that time when it felt as if my life inverted itself and the version of me at my best disappeared for a while.

After John died, my Mom got cancer, my best friend in the world who I depended on for support disappeared, I lost my domain name and in effect, much of my business oh, and yes – my perfect brilliant son was diagnosed with autism and because of being in such a blinding whirlwind force of loss and loss and fear of more loss. I couldn’t. Do. It. Anymore.

Last week it felt like I was finally recovering. Six years after.

No, not last week. Yesterday. Last week I felt it building. Yesterday I had a very scary conversation from a completely unemotional space. I didn’t cry, I didn’t back peddle, I didn’t question my wisdom.

For whatever reason it is during Five Minute Fridays that I let go of whatever false pretenses I may kick up and am completely totally nakedly embarrassedly me.

Here’s what happened yesterday: I finally had an a-ha about freedom and what my life would be like on a moment-by-moment basis if I released myself from certain friendships. I have been so much more hermit-y lately, partially because I can feel the creative momentum building, the momentum of the sort I haven’t felt since before John died.

Yesterday, I started lifting the most important building bricks back to my old-new life where all that after stuff is still true, but the after me just continues to grow, continues to get stronger, continues to feel empowered enough to say “This is what is so” and is willing and able to live with the consequences.

 # # # # #

 A quick look at the guidelines from the gypsy mama - Lisa Jo Baker who is also our ringleader!

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..

Oh and Ahem, if you would take pity and turn off comment verification, it would make leaving some love on your post that much easier for folks!

Follow me on Twitter: @juliejordanscot 

Be sure to "Like" WritingCampwithJJS on Facebook (THANK YOU!)

Julie Jordan Scott has been a Life & Creativity Coach, Writer, Facilitator and Teleclass Leader since 1999. She is also an award winning Actor, Director, Artist and Mother Extraordinaire. She was twice the StoryTelling Slam champion in Bakersfield.

5 Simple Ways to Stay Alert to Life and Live with More Passion, Joy and Intense Pleasure

I don't know anyone who wouldn't like more passion, joy and pleasure in his or her life. These five methods are so easy to incorporate into your life and yes, even though simple they will make a significant difference. You will be able to take your life today and make it better for tomorrow. Keep repeating until all of a sudden you notice your life has improved without much an effort at all. This stuff is easy!

Let's start now -

1. 1. Show up wherever you are with all your senses turned on. Sometimes practicing using the less dominant senses – for example, sense of sound rather than using vision for all your information – will help you observe life differently. Remember the sense of smell is our most ancient so its memory power is incredible. Your first grade teacher’s perfume on the first day of school is probably tucked away in there. Plus taking a deep breath to smell it all in will also help you learn to practice calming down through using your breath.

 2. Keep your eyes on the metaphorical ball while scanning the horizon. There was an old saying when I was in Drivers Ed back when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. “Aim high in steering” they told us. I think to this day I get some of my best insights and a-ha’s while driving because my eyes are constantly scanning and my brain is constantly engaged. Wisdom just floats in. Sometimes I even pull over to take notes other times I tell my brain, REMEMBER THIS! And guess what? It does!

 

1. 3. Listen to all the sounds around you – the most surprising messages may be there.There is a famous book called “Do what you love and the money will follow”… I say "If I'm not having fun, its not getting done,"because my philosophy is I can make anything fun by simply being creative. Yes, even washing dishes and doing laundry can be fun. If you can’t change what you do, change your attitude about it. Be more childlike - remember how children make everything fun?
   

 4. Don’t be a creature of habit! Simple things like taking a different road will open your eyes to wonders right in your neighborhood you never knew were there. When you hear yourself start to say, "Well, you know me I always do it..." stop! Replace with, "Well, you know me. I love adventure and discovering new places, people, activities... you name it!"

 5. Devote yourself to trying something new as often as possible. Give yourself a weekly goal, perhaps, and a challenge goal of two new things a week. It can be simple, like eating a new veggie or a new flavor of ice cream. It can be big, like actually volunteering to learn the hula in front of a bunch of strangers. Always wanted to rock climb? Take a class! Never been to an art opening? GO! Dress up! No one will point and laugh at you. I promise.

 

Here’s a bonus example from my life just this week:

 I woke up way too early yesterday morning. I opted not to go back to sleep since before I knew it I would be getting the kids ready for school. What did I do? Some small chores, some writing. I took the trash out and on the way to the outdoor trash can I looked up.

 I was instantly awestruck. The sky was more beautiful than any painting I had ever seen. The day was dawning at a time I was normally asleep. If I had kept my head down, focused only on my tasks and to-do's, I would have missed it completely.

 It took less than five minutes to have a complete transformation of mood  because I was alert to life and I took what life spooned up for me. I didn’t get angry about waking up too early, I took care of business and noticed the beauty of nature right outside my front door. It doesn’t get much better than that… and you can do this anywhere, even in the middle of an urban area you will hear crickets or hear dogs barking far away or see stars or notice how differently the neighborhood smells in the fresh new, before sunrise day.

I will remember August 21, 2012 for the rest of my life simply because I agreed to stay awake rather than go back to sleep.

I wouldn't change waking up early for anything now.

Follow me on Twitter: @juliejordanscot 

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Would you gain benefit in applying any of these principals or just make your life more fulfilling? Call for a complimentary coaching session now - 661.444.2735.

Julie Jordan Scott has been a Life & Creativity Coach, Writer, Facilitator and Teleclass Leader since 1999. She is also an award winning Actor, Director, Artist and Mother Extraordinaire. She was twice the StoryTelling Slam champion in Bakersfield.

What Can a 15 Minute Mini Retreat Get You? No More Molasses, a Lot More Hope, Joy and Gratitude

You know that restless, you’re sitting at your desk or trying to get your household chores done but every move feels like it is being swished around with a bunch of molasses?

I had that earlier tonight and remembered a thought I had this morning. I said then I wanted to watch the day become night. I wanted to focus on that transition in addition to the sunrise which I know exceptionally well.

I told my family, “I’ll be back in 15 minutes!” and I went three blocks from my home to the Panorama Bluffs where there are benches and paths and trees and views. My notebook was with me and I brought along some art inspiration I’ve been toying with as well as my phone for its camera and whew.

In just fifteen minutes I was able to experience more creativity than I knew was possible.

I wrote a list of today’s wins, today’s “couldas” (missed opportunities primarily due to procrastination) and tomorrow’s “I wills” – the beginnings of my possibility list for tomorrow.

I watched joggers and walkers and chatted with a Mom and her curly haired toddler with deep brown eyes who was riding on a fancy car-stroller toy and desperately wanted to tell me… something he was pointing to was very significant.

I wrote a theater inspired sunset haiku:

Light's memory fades

Nightfall moves down left, just... so

Ponytail points east

And I headed home after fifteen extravagantly stretched minutes.

How did I accomplish such serenity in this tiny little mini-retreat on the bluffs?

1. A pure intention guided me ever since I wrote it this morning: I wanted to try writing sunset haikus as a counterpoint to my regular sunrise haiku practice.
2. I put my mini-retreat into a timed container. Yes, I literally timed myself.
3. I asked permission of myself first and then my family. I was very specific, “Is it fine with you if I go up to the bluffs for fifteen minutes? I want to write and take photos.”  They are used to me both writing and taking photos so it seemed 100% reasonable.
4. I took advantage of every single moment I was there. Not a single second was wasted thinking negative thoughts or critiquing anything. I was open and willing to squeeze the marrow out of the bones of these fifteen minutes I invested.
5. When my timer went off, I packed up and headed home. I honored my commitment to my family and myself. It was so gorgeous, I wanted to stay longer but… I didn’t.

 These fifteen minutes were transformative. I was able to consciously survey my day in a short, non-judgmental and constructive way. I was able to experience joy, beauty and hope.

Who could ask for more than that?

Follow me on Twitter: @juliejordanscot 

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© 2012 by Julie Jordan Scott

Julie Jordan Scott has been a Life & Creativity Coach, Writer, Facilitator and Teleclass Leader since 1999. She is also an award winning Actor, Director, Artist and Mother Extraordinaire. She was twice the StoryTelling Slam champion in Bakersfield. 

Did you enjoy this essay? Receive emails directly to your inbox for Free from Julie Jordan Scott via the Daily Passion Activator. One inspirational essay and poem (almost) every week day. Subscribe here now -

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Soul Assignment: Becoming a More Engaged, Educated, Inspiring Woman Leader, Part 2

“ Intelligent discontent is the mainspring of civilization. ”

— Eugene V. Debs

I was discouraged yesterday and believe it or not, I made that discouragement mean I was wrong. My not very productive thought was “If I was doing the right thing with my life, I wouldn’t feel discouraged. I wouldn’t feel discouraged.”

What I did next was important, though. I got up and moved away from my stuck place behind the keyboard.

I went about doing chores, taking care of my children, doing my afternoon Mom-Schlep and I allowed my mind to wander.

My mind wandered to my soul collage card from yesterday to Women and Leadership.

I had recently decided to leap into the discovery of current women in politics, especially those beyond the United States. I was an international relations major but somehow I had gotten way out of touch with the political world, especially on an international level.

One conversation knocked on my heart and helped me break through the inertia.

Last weekend I created a soul collage card that to me called me to personal leadership as well as the study of women leaders. I quickly discovered Angela Merkel, chancellor of Germany.

I confess, I had never even heard of Angela Merkel until yesterday. Now, I am deep into a study of Merkel and other top women leaders. The Forbes list for 2011 includes two powerful wives, a handful of politicians and a smattering of business women.

This made me feel very uncomfortable. It made me feel squirmy in my seat and more than a little bit disappointed in myself. Instead of getting stuck deeper in the quicksand of “my shortcomings” instead I accepted that for the past and now, I have turned the corner into spending more time learning about women leaders so that I may also become a better leader in the work I do.

I may not be the secretary of state, I may not be the head of a multinational corporation worth billions, but I do serve on several educational committees and I run successful Writing Camp programs and am in the midst of raising three phenomenal human beings.

My discontent of today, my squirmy ickiness isn’t holding me back any more, my vision of being a better leader is pulling me forward.

What will you do, today, to become a more engaged, educated leader?

This may be as simple as a shift in thinking or a quick google search on a woman who intrigues you. Allow your vision of yourself as a better leader pull you forward. The discontent is the nudge and the vision is what gives you wings.

This is post #18/31 for the Ultimate Blog Challenge. Slowly and surely I am getting caught up!

Follow me on Twitter: @juliejordanscot 

Be sure to "Like" WritingCampwithJJS on Facebook (THANK YOU!)

© 2012 by Julie Jordan Scott

Julie Jordan Scott has been a Life & Creativity Coach, Writer, Facilitator and Teleclass Leader since 1999. She is also an award winning Actor, Director, Artist and Mother Extraordinaire. She was twice the StoryTelling Slam champion in Bakersfield. She leads Writing Camp with JJS & this Summer will be traveling throughout the US to bring this unique, fun filled creative experience to the people wherever she finds the passion & the interest.

Did you enjoyed this essay? Receive emails directly to your inbox for Free from Julie Jordan Scott via the Daily Passion Activator. One inspirational essay and poem (almost) every week day. Subscribe here now -

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The Super Power Every Mom Needs: The Time Stretcher! always Victorious Over the Time Beast -

Day 56: If you could have a super power, what would it be?

I set a timer to write this: 5 minutes to decide the Super Power, what it is and why it would be so often to have.

So – I am a busy mom – writer – actor – poet – performer – friend – teacher – leader – and on – and on- and on. My biggest nemesis?

The Time Beast!

(Special Note - the only images remotely resembling what I had in mind for this on flickr were both obscene. Please accept these goofy, loveable yet heinous critters in their place.)

License

Some rights reserved by Daniel Ferenčak

Have you seen this big old hairy wort covered monster?

It huffs, it puffs, it continually blows down my house-of-cards-slice-of-time calendar and drives me into Mama-etc, insanity!

Because I have the super power of intuitive mind reading even now, I can see some of you nodding, smiling and yes – I even hear a groan or two.

My Super Power of Choice – The Time Stretcher!

Yes – when need be, I am able to stretch moments of time so that I can get what I need to get done, done without becoming a crazed whirling dervish at the same time – unless, ofcourse, I feel like being a Sufi Dancer – which is what a whirling dervish is so perhaps, if your super power is “I have to learn more cool interesting trivia” with that fact, you are now on your way.

I don’t need much, I just need that.

You know, when your best friend is coming over and you haven’t mopped your hard wood floor yet? It will only take ten minutes but there she is, pulling up in front of your house?                                

Zap the Time Stretcher into motion and the entire world, except for you, is on slo-motion.

You can get that floor mopped, calmly whisk on some mascara and lipstick, and greet her at the door with her favorite cup of tea and a smile on your face.

Plus you haven’t even broken a sweat.

My timer just went off. I was able to stretch time enough to write a respectable blog post in five minutes. I’ll take that, too.

(Special Note: There need to be more Moms posing as Super Hero's for the next round of Summer Blog Challenge. This is why I am stuck with a Mom Mobile image which is quite cute, but not exactly what I hoped to use! Grateful, though for the usage -

License

Some rights reserved by Brett L.)

10 Ways to Use Your Cell Phone to Write Blog Articles, Top 10 Lists, How-to's, Poetry and More

I never knew my cell phone would become such an important part of my life. I thought I would be texting and searching the internet, catching up on facebook and twitter and other fun, playful aps, but I didn't realize it would actually help me with so many of my writing adventures.

Here are ten ways you may use your cell phone as I do for writing purposes. Try one of these you don't currently use and please comment to share either a new way we may all use our phones OR let us know how you experiment with these ten ways to use your smart phone.

10 Ways to Use Your  Phone to Write Articles, Top 10 Lists, How-to's, Poetry and More

1. Listen to conversation being spoken around you. Eavesdrop to capture rich/true dialogue
2. Take photos, especially those surprise images to write about later. Once you set the intention to be surprised visually, your eyes will begin to see more and more intriguing sights.
3. Collect "jots" of writing in three words or less... what you see, hear, smell, taste, touch, feel emotionally
4.  Use your timer: Do timed stream of consciousness writing at any time in any space. Do timed writing with your notebook while on a hike. Do timed writing on your laptop sitting in a coffee shop. Do timed writing directly into your smart phone.
5. Keep a one sentence journal. At the end of the day, write a one sentence summary of either the entire day or whatever stand out event happened, even if it is “The intersection at Stockdale and California was more annoying than infomercials as I drove through it fourteen times today.”
6. Haiku everywhere and then tweet what you write from your smart phone.  You may want to make one day a week your haiku day or make it a practice to see the normal differently – such as writing the dawn every day for a week or month.
7.  In your calendar note times (and set alarms!) for sunrises, sunsets or other "time attached" subjects. For example, an older slightly battered truck rolls by my house at about 6:40 a.m. daily. I consciously make a point to be out there so I can wave as I take notes. This truck and its driver has become a rich part of my writing life and we have never officially met.
8.  Take notes when people think you are texting. I recently did this at a birthday party where I didn’t know anyone. Since people are used to texting, in some circles this isn’t seen as rude. Be careful to not be totally oblivious to social nuances.  Interaction at the party itself will also give you gems you can capture as you sit in your car before leaving or on the bus on the way home after the party is over.

9. Create writing prompts from what you see. There is never, ever, ever “nothing to write about.” Look around as you live. Examples: “The waitress with the very red lipstick reminds me of…” and write, using your timer, for at least five minutes stream of consciousness style. “The fallen tree on the side of the road made me feel…”. “The old man waiting at the bus stop looked….” Or “I wonder where the old man at the bus stop is going? It could be…. Or… or… and why isn’t someone from his family driving him?”

 10. Write how-to articles. What technology do you suppose I used to write this one?

 © 2012 by Julie Jordan Scott

Julie Jordan Scott has been a Life & Creativity Coach, Writer, Facilitator and Teleclass Leader since 1999. She is also an award winning Actor, Director, Artist and Mother Extraordinaire. She was twice the StoryTelling Slam champion in Bakersfield. She leads Writing Camp with JJS & this Summer will be traveling throughout the US to bring this unique, fun filled creative experience to the people wherever she finds the passion & the interest.

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Top 8 Ways to Wake Up Ready & Raring to Go with Passion Flowing through Your Brains

I have taught myself how to be cheerful in the morning. There may be a bit of a hereditary piece here, but I believe all people are capable of waking up with a brighter perspective in front of their eyes. Please try at least one of these tips to see how it will change you.

Ready to Wake Up?

1. Know what you need to get done – and start the day doing something you are passionate about doing every time: This may mean to start the day writing in your notebook or taking photos of dawn or, if you’re like me, sitting on my porch writing haiku.
2. Use yummy smelling (to you) morning things: soap, face cleanser, toothpaste… or if you use unscented personal items, how about waking up and lighting a candle – initiating light into your day and dedicating your day to passion, love and light (or your greatest intention.)
3. Don’t rush, don’t delay. If you wake up with an alarm, get up when it goes off. Stretch when you turn it off. This is so simple and it works. Arms up over your head, stretch and smile! Greet yourself (even if this sounds corny.) If you keep a dream dictionary, write in it.
4. Play music (softly) preferably “language free”. Words are so powerful, they punch your subconscious mind with all sorts of suggestions. Early in the morning, instrumentals are best to keep your mind clear and your attitude moving forward.
5. You’ve heard it a thousand times before: have a healthy breakfast. Sometimes a smoothie is the best breakfast there is. A donut and coffee definitely don’t count as a healthy breakfast. If this means rethinking your routine then rethink your routine.
6. Start your day with radical self care and if you are one to add spirituality to your self-care, do so daily. Meditation, Free writing,  Yoga, Pilates, a Walk or any combination of the above to begin refreshed and renewed: These work.
7. Stay Unplugged: Give yourself an hour before you turn on your computer or check your text messages. Really, all this can wait. No email with barely awake eyes, please. Settle into your day away from the keyboard or television. You will be grateful!
8. Tell your housemates what works best for you. This includes children, spouses and parents. My children know I write every morning, so they will sit at a table with me, quietly. I simply set that expectation and they know the expectation. Once I arranged it, everything has been just right.

This is post #13/1 for the Ultimate Blog Challenge. Slowly and surely I am getting caught up!

Follow me on Twitter: @juliejordanscot

Be sure to "Like" WritingCampwithJJS on Facebook (THANK YOU!)

© 2012 by Julie Jordan Scott

Julie Jordan Scott has been a Life & Creativity Coach, Writer, Facilitator and Teleclass Leader since 1999. She is also an award winning Actor, Director, Artist and Mother Extraordinaire. She was twice the StoryTelling Slam champion in Bakersfield. She leads Writing Camp with JJS & this Summer will be traveling throughout the US to bring this unique, fun filled creative experience to the people wherever she finds the passion & the interest.

Did you enjoyed this essay? Receive emails directly to your inbox for Free from Julie Jordan Scott via the Daily Passion Activator. One inspirational essay and poem (almost) every week day. Subscribe here now -

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Top 7 Ways to Make the Most of Your “Mom Schlep” (or any time you have to drive hither and yon when you would really rather be doing something – anything – else)

Yesterday I was having a great time sitting at my writing desk letting the insights and inspiration flow when I realized I needed to go pick up Samuel. I lose about an hour a day (or more!) schlepping kids here and there. I get pretty darned cranky about it SO in order to keep my sanity – and a positive relationship with my children – I have come up with strategies to thrive while doing this least favored chore. Some are simple and some may be life changing for you. Try the first couple or two that appeal to you and then… try more. It will make a big difference!

1. Smile. Just putting on a happy expression, believe it or not, makes a difference in your emotions. Put your key in the ignition of your car, put a smile on the ignition of your face.
2. Don’t turn on the radio immediately. Enjoy some quiet instead of a barrage of bass-filled beats or advertisements. This also creates room for more conversation. Teens especially need this space and will tell you more while schlepping around than anywhere else.
3. Practice creativity while driving. My children, even the youngest ones, enjoy “writing haiku” as we drive. This simple Japanese poetry form is simply 17 syllables of “what you see” in its most simplest guise. My kids are still talking about my “blue surrounds the clouds” line.
4. Have a “surprise phone-tography shot” challenge. Who can spot the most interesting image during the drive. Mom, pull over and take a photo & then together, vote on the winners. Prizes? Hugs from Mom or a relief from the simplest chore/household task on the list. And yes, Mom, you are included in this “photo spotting” project.
5. Let the view spark family and life stories. “Do you see that guy, on the corner? That reminds me of a story grandpa used to tell me when he was a little boy.” My children have learned more about my life – and the entire extended family life – because we make the most of what we see. After you are finished with your quick story, ask your child, “What does it (or that something else) remind you?
6. I know it’s illegal in most places, anyway – but put your phone away! (this is why I said to pull over for the phone-tography. A recent tweet from my fifteen-year-old “calling me out” made me choose to just put it away! (You may do the same with your children, too. Make the car “family” time. If the habit is too tough to break, as child to read amusing tweets on a favorite shared subject by searching twitter hashtags. 
7. With that in mind my final suggestion is this: set ALL electronic devices aside, except for GPS ofcourse. Unhook the headphones, put the hand held devices on standby, and use Mom-Shlep time to connect with one another rather than connect with technology.

Follow me on Twitter: @juliejordanscot 

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© 2012 by Julie Jordan Scott

 

Julie Jordan Scott has been a Life & Creativity Coach, Writer, Facilitator and Teleclass Leader since 1999. She is also an award winning Actor, Director, Artist and Mother Extraordinaire. She was twice the StoryTelling Slam champion in Bakersfield.

 

5 Best Ways to Be Sure to Write, Everyday and Enjoy the Heck Out of It! #blogathon2

I know "busy" very, very well. I am one of those many-dashes-women. I am a Writer-Performance Poet-Blogger-Educational Advocate-Equality Activist-Mommy Extraordinaire-Singer-Mixed Media Artist-Photographer-Director-Actor…. You get the drift. I am not easy to put into a box nor am I able to say “what I do” in one breath. One thing I know I AM is a writer, partially because of my daily writing practices. Even when I am in the busiest of busy weeks, by following these simple techniques I share here, I flex my writing muscles. Try each top one at a time and see your writing flourish.

1. Carry a small notebook for writing & sketching. Yes, old school with pages and require a pencil or pen to use. If you prefer using your smart phone, that’s fine. Just please please please do some doodling & sketching while you are out and about, too.
2. Learn and use a note system for your smart phone. I use ColorNote. Lately, I have been writing “story starts”,”poetry starts”, and interesting quotes I hear. Eavesdropping has become an artform for me… makes for some great creative writing. People just think I am texting.
3. In the beginning of the day, set a one sentence intention such as: Today, I intend to experience my work as a paralegal with passion, with integrity and with joy as I greet my clients and engage with whomever I encounter. I also intend to have enriching experiences outside of the office. YAY!
4. At the end of the day, jot a few sentences about your accomplishments or those gleaming moments you would forget if you didn’t write down. Something like these. “How did Samuel grow into a size 6 shoe? His foot is almost adult sized!” and “Hearing Highway to Hell on the way to opening night: absolutely perfect.” And “Wow, I started the Blogathon at a horrible time for me – Yay?” Each of these sentences also serve as possible blog posts later.
5. My old standby, when all else fails, is to list five things I am grateful for in my everyday life. Even if all I can be grateful for is running water and a clean shirt to wear, it is better than complaining about my part-time job or my child’s incessant whining. You may be grateful for even having the possibility of writing, simply, each day. Doesn’t that sound good?

Follow me on Twitter: @juliejordanscot

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© 2012 by Julie Jordan Scott

Julie Jordan Scott has been a Life & Creativity Coach, Writer, Facilitator and Teleclass Leader since 1999. She is also an award winning Actor, Director, Artist and Mother Extraordinaire. She was twice the StoryTelling Slam champion in Bakersfield. She leads Writing Camp with JJS & this Summer will be traveling throughout the US to bring this unique, fun filled creative experience to the people wherever she finds the passion & the interest.

Did you enjoyed this essay? Receive emails directly to your inbox for Free from Julie Jordan Scott via the Daily Passion Activator. One inspirational essay and poem (almost) every week day. Subscribe here now -

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