Our Humblest Hour

“The life of every man is a diary in which he means to write one story, and writes another; and his humblest hour is when he compares the volume as it is with what he vowed to make it. J.M. Barrie”

I just came back from five days of exploring creativity in the mountains of North Carolina. The conference was a gathering of writers and many kinds of artists that made up a tribe of kindness and encouragement so evident that it danced throughout our time together.

There were conversations with people from all over our country who come to that conference to rest and restore themselves as well as reigniting their creative fuses for another year. They welcomed the newbies and reconnected with each other – always including the new ones in the conversation.

Throughout the year, the ones near each other get together and find ways of spending time creating art sparks that give off light to those around them.

The conference is called: Life is a Verb from the book title by Patti Digh.

I came home thinking about the story of my life that I am now creating. I know from past experience that it’s important to take time to reflect on the path I am forging and to make sure that I am paying attention to the things that feed my spirit.

One of the exercises that I am working with right now is to write a description of the memories I am creating that will stay long after I am gone.

I want to create more love and laughter – not just in random moments, but every single day. I know this will lift me as well as others.

One of my good friends was feeling a bit low recently and posted on Facebook: “If anyone wants to cheer me up, send me something funny, something that will make me laugh and get out of myself.”

I remember a time when I was going through much stress and one of my friends sent me a funny card every week for months. Each card was funnier than the one before it.

It worked. It not only made me laugh, but made me feel like she was walking beside me.

I want to tell the stories of encouragement that will, in turn, encourage others to step forward with intention and courage to let their own brilliance shine.

Why is it we never think about creating a brilliant life?

Maybe it’s because we never think we can.

“Stop Hiding” . Patti Digh

It’s ok if I don’t reach the level of brilliance. Just shooting for it will make a difference.

What does a brilliant life mean to you? What are the ingredients for it that you can add to each day that will create the memories and experiences that will make you or others say: “Wow!” ?

Start by keeping a piece of paper near you and jotting down the thoughts that will come to you while you’re driving, or waiting, or in the shower. These will come and it’s important to capture them because they may have been hiding from you, keeping the fear high and the richness hidden from you.

Once you start identifying these things, play with how you can put them into your life in the biggest way possible.

“Risk your own significance.” Patti Digh

Playing small keeps your light hidden. You can take small steps, but realize that your gifts will delight you more when they are shared.