inspiration-driven life

on phoning it in.

You know those reunions that don’t feel like reunions at all? It’s that click, that spark and no time has passed. Maybe it’s been five weeks or five years and conversation picks up where it left off . . . the hugs are warm, the conversation is real and don’t call it a comeback, we’ve been … Continue reading →

a bat was in our bathroom (notes on a move, again)

Notes on a move? Did I not just write a whole series with that title less than two years ago? Yes, and yes. This afternoon, if everything goes according to plan, Mr. S. and I will sign on about a thousand dotted lines and become homeowners. Yes, homeowners. My fingers are wobbly as I type … Continue reading →

small (five minute friday)

Don’t sweat the small stuff. Focus on the big picture. Just look at the big stuff. It’s no big deal. This world is about the biggest things. This world is quick to miss the small. We’re quick to look past the little in our quest for the big. What a quest we’re on, that quest … Continue reading →

post #300: destined for the dumpster.

The church Mr. S. and I attend recently finished phase one of a renovation. It was more of a need-to thing than a want-to: the staircase was narrow, the plumbing was spotty, the construction wasn’t entirely sound. So walking in on Sunday morning to new staircases and railings and paint and the whole nine yards … Continue reading →

on being thankful for your story

A good friend recently celebrated a birthday. It was fun to have a cup of coffee with her and reflect. Something she said stuck with me: The story she’s living isn’t the one her younger self would have written. Really, it’s better. I wasn’t even in preschool when decided to get married at 16. I … Continue reading →

where I’ve been

Hannah Brencher is one of my favorites. She’s the gem behind More Love Letters and other uniquely encouraging endeavors. She recently quoted Macklemore — credit where credit is due, friends — and it grabbed me: Oh y’all. Looking for me? That’s where I am. Bones in. All in. We were in the middle of that … Continue reading →

on perfectionism. (days 5 & 6 of #31days)

Perfectionism starts off well, for writers. We want to craft and create and communicate and make our clients positively thrilled with every inch of the words. Noble goal. Very noble goal, friends. Somewhere on that good road, we veer. And it’s perfect we aim for, not good or great or phenomenal. That fight for perfect … Continue reading →

what’s your why? (day 4 of #31days)

So you’re a writer. (Say it out loud, now — I am a writer.) But why? What does your heart say about it? What is it about communicating that tugs at your heartstrings? Why? Your answer to that question begins at your heart, your gut, your instinct, and influences what and how and when and … Continue reading →

believe in yourself (day 3 of #31days)

The biggest hurdle of writing is different for everyone. But if you’re anything like me, believing in yourself might just be the first and greatest hurdle. Grab a pen and any kind of paper. Post-it note, coffee shop napkin, whatever. Write this down: I am a writer. Rewind the clock a bit and get back … Continue reading →

how I started freelancing, part two (#31days)

Like I said . . . we got married in January 2011. Mr. S. was a gem and little else was. It was early 2011 and I found myself twiddling my thumbs. Struggling with anxiety and depression wasn’t exactly the post-wedding plan. I left a fantastic job, fantastic church, fantastic community and fantastic city . … Continue reading →

back.

When our puppy sits at the door and whines, and one of us takes him outside, we expect him to pee. But when he doesn’t? We call him the puppy who cried puppy. You know, like the boy who cried wolf. So I’m afraid I’m the blogger who cried busy. Friends comes to mind. Hasn’t … Continue reading →

you are a writer . . . and you own a business (day 7 of #31days)

You’re not a freelance writer. Yes, you read that right: you’re not a freelance writer. Yes, I know this is 31 days to freelance writing and all that jazz. But really. You’re not a freelancer. You own a business. Small tweak in lingo, big tweak in behavior. A paradigm shift. Stephen Covey calls a paradigm … Continue reading →