I want to get my MFA in Creative Writing. Do I want that to lead to writing a novel? A full-length play? A screenplay? A job teaching writing? A regular writing habit? I don't know. I just know the idea of spending 2 years exploring gets me excited.
I desire to live outside of the United States on a part-time basis. Every Jan-March I want to "opt out" of Winter. The idea has been rolling around in my head for over 20 years and due to a host of factors including caretaking obligations and financial fluctuations of my self-employment journey it just hasn't materialized and I worry it may never happen. Life in the US as a woman of color is getting more stressful than I would prefer and I would enjoy the breather that a lower cost of living somewhere would offer. I am looking for the personal and creative freedom I've wanted all my life.
First of all, well done on this excellent post. I LOVE so much about it, the simplicity and the nuance all in one. Thank you.
I am a tad sparkless for few reasons so my current desire is to regain my bight momentum (haha since my publication is called The Bright Life), and from there to forge another meaningful path that runs alongside my writing (and day job) where I am back to coaching more consistently.
I love this post so much. So many things that got witnessed at your retreats have flourished. I want to dance! Joined regular dancing group. I want to write this novel. I have and I am. Next, I want to publish it. And I want to live near a body of water that I can regularly dive into (without being really, really cold). Thank you for this wonderful post.
I can’t wait to dance with you again. I was testing a stereo for dance last night and thinking oh gosh can’t wait for morning dance. And the world is going to be so happy to meet Tesali and Lisbeth. I miss them! You have worked so hard and you inspire me!
I would really like to write a book. As a person who usually tries things and lets them be messy and experimental- there's something about this particular longing that feels so vulnerable, but it's the truth: i want to write a book.
Thank you, Jennifer. I am dreaming of writing a beautiful tv series. And honestly? I just posted a piece in my substack column that I really loved writing, and I’d like it to be seen.
Thank you for this, Jennifer. I was also able to write down on a piece of paper what it is that I want at this time.
The essay also got me thinking of the childlikeness of this type of thing.
Before a child is aware of the limitations of affordability, ability, safety, they will say exactly what they want to do, to be, where they want to go.
I wish there was a way we could postpone 'awareness' for as long as possible.
Oh that’s so true Susanna. I have reflected on that as well - even how bold I was in my teens and 20’s. Move to LA to go to film school having barely visited a city in my life. Sure! Get an idea for a book and decide to write in my mid 20’s and write it but had no idea how to write book etc. Sure. I want to tap into some of that energy today as a write. Thank you for this gift. I see your desires and they are awesome!
You've touched on so much that relates to what goes through my mind constantly as I embark on a fuller life in my retirement. I have always felt that I'm invisible. I tend to act small around people. I don't want to appear egotistical, and that I think that I matter. But I do want to do good and want to be seen. So here goes: I want to teach English as a foreign language outside of the US. Maybe I'll start with a shorter stints but then live abroad for more than a year.
This is wonderful! I want to rediscover my creative spark and start writing my novel again. I want to pick up my guitar and write songs like I did in high school and I want to make jewelry, paint pretty pictures and draw charming uplifting comics. 🧞♀️🪄
Thank you for this post, it resonated! I love that you share how someone could ask to be witnessed, as it is often not the default. And thank you for acknowledging the following: “Of course, choose carefully who you ask. Many a dream has been squashed by choosing the wrong person to let into your bubble of possibility.”
It took me time to share my dream to offer coaching with more than a few select people as first I needed to recover from an earlier form of that dream being squashed. I am a big proponent in telling the right people in early stages of dreams, those who can witness you and be potential champions. I suggest the same to my clients and, it’s also one of the things I offer them. As, I have unfortunately found it is easy for early stages of dreams to be squashed.
I appreciate that! I know now, it was not the right time or right way for that dream to come into being, but it definitely stung. Thank for witnessing others' dreams! As I shared with you recently, you helped with mine for writing...
My dream is to live and write in France!
that is so awesome!
Oooh, that’s one of mine too!❤️
Beautiful!
I want to get my MFA in Creative Writing. Do I want that to lead to writing a novel? A full-length play? A screenplay? A job teaching writing? A regular writing habit? I don't know. I just know the idea of spending 2 years exploring gets me excited.
that's awesome! I'm so happy you're excited!
I desire to live outside of the United States on a part-time basis. Every Jan-March I want to "opt out" of Winter. The idea has been rolling around in my head for over 20 years and due to a host of factors including caretaking obligations and financial fluctuations of my self-employment journey it just hasn't materialized and I worry it may never happen. Life in the US as a woman of color is getting more stressful than I would prefer and I would enjoy the breather that a lower cost of living somewhere would offer. I am looking for the personal and creative freedom I've wanted all my life.
That’s so beautiful.
I can feel your clarity!
My current wish is to see something I wrote get produced on the stage or screen.
oh i love that, that is so awesome!
For now, I’d just like to be seen as a writer.
I see you!
First of all, well done on this excellent post. I LOVE so much about it, the simplicity and the nuance all in one. Thank you.
I am a tad sparkless for few reasons so my current desire is to regain my bight momentum (haha since my publication is called The Bright Life), and from there to forge another meaningful path that runs alongside my writing (and day job) where I am back to coaching more consistently.
I’m see the spark that has been and will be Donna if I may be so bold. Wishing you peace while the next steps emerge.
Thank you😘
I love this post so much. So many things that got witnessed at your retreats have flourished. I want to dance! Joined regular dancing group. I want to write this novel. I have and I am. Next, I want to publish it. And I want to live near a body of water that I can regularly dive into (without being really, really cold). Thank you for this wonderful post.
I can’t wait to dance with you again. I was testing a stereo for dance last night and thinking oh gosh can’t wait for morning dance. And the world is going to be so happy to meet Tesali and Lisbeth. I miss them! You have worked so hard and you inspire me!
I would really like to write a book. As a person who usually tries things and lets them be messy and experimental- there's something about this particular longing that feels so vulnerable, but it's the truth: i want to write a book.
I see you! This is awesome!! How can I help?
Thank you, Jennifer. I am dreaming of writing a beautiful tv series. And honestly? I just posted a piece in my substack column that I really loved writing, and I’d like it to be seen.
That’s so awesome! I’ll go look for it.
Thank you!!!
Thank you for this, Jennifer. I was also able to write down on a piece of paper what it is that I want at this time.
The essay also got me thinking of the childlikeness of this type of thing.
Before a child is aware of the limitations of affordability, ability, safety, they will say exactly what they want to do, to be, where they want to go.
I wish there was a way we could postpone 'awareness' for as long as possible.
Oh that’s so true Susanna. I have reflected on that as well - even how bold I was in my teens and 20’s. Move to LA to go to film school having barely visited a city in my life. Sure! Get an idea for a book and decide to write in my mid 20’s and write it but had no idea how to write book etc. Sure. I want to tap into some of that energy today as a write. Thank you for this gift. I see your desires and they are awesome!
Thank you!
you bet! and if you want to share what's cooking for you, delighted to witness.
I have a lot cooking but it seems I'm not letting others taste.
I am a 61 year old widow raising my 5 grandchildren. I have the front page done for my blog and continue to stall on the content.
I am a published writer...speaker...singer...but I put everything away awhile back...over 5 years to adjust to my new normal.
that's awesome! here's to getting started again!
Thanks!
You've touched on so much that relates to what goes through my mind constantly as I embark on a fuller life in my retirement. I have always felt that I'm invisible. I tend to act small around people. I don't want to appear egotistical, and that I think that I matter. But I do want to do good and want to be seen. So here goes: I want to teach English as a foreign language outside of the US. Maybe I'll start with a shorter stints but then live abroad for more than a year.
Weee!! I swear you!! Awesome!!!
I want to take time to travel and focus on writing to get reconnected to that part of myself.
Oh how lovely!! I look forward to hearing about your enjoyment doing exactly that. 🙌🏻⭐️
I look forward to sharing it. Thankful to have found this lovely place to share and be witnessed!
❤️👍🏽🌟
Write my book. Start a Substack on marriage.
Please! I would love to read that newsletter. Is your book going to be about the same subject?
Yes! Thank you for asking. It is powerful to have put this out there and then have positive feedback. Thank you for you!
I’m so glad! Keep me posted !
This is wonderful! I want to rediscover my creative spark and start writing my novel again. I want to pick up my guitar and write songs like I did in high school and I want to make jewelry, paint pretty pictures and draw charming uplifting comics. 🧞♀️🪄
Yes!! Please! You are awesome and if I can show up and write a novel you can too! 🤩
Thank you for this post, it resonated! I love that you share how someone could ask to be witnessed, as it is often not the default. And thank you for acknowledging the following: “Of course, choose carefully who you ask. Many a dream has been squashed by choosing the wrong person to let into your bubble of possibility.”
It took me time to share my dream to offer coaching with more than a few select people as first I needed to recover from an earlier form of that dream being squashed. I am a big proponent in telling the right people in early stages of dreams, those who can witness you and be potential champions. I suggest the same to my clients and, it’s also one of the things I offer them. As, I have unfortunately found it is easy for early stages of dreams to be squashed.
it is! and it sucks! finding the right people = so crucial. I'm sorry that happend to you.
I appreciate that! I know now, it was not the right time or right way for that dream to come into being, but it definitely stung. Thank for witnessing others' dreams! As I shared with you recently, you helped with mine for writing...