I couldn’t sleep last night. I could blame my night owl teenager who was getting himself ice cream at 3 am (just thinking of what those calories would do to me at 3 am…good God…), but I don’t think it was him. I just couldn’t turn my brain off. So at 4 am I wandered downstairs, in the dark, to read.
I’m part of a special community of writers. The BIZCATALYST 360° community is unlike any I’ve ever known. Writers from all over the world, with every different experience-level imaginable, come together to write whatever is on their heart.
The only common thread that I can find is that everyone writes for the betterment of humanity.
On a normal day, when I get normal sleep, fitting in my reading can be tough. I finish my writing and my to-do list is already whispering in my ear. I make an effort to read my colleagues’ work, but rarely do I get to luxuriate in the process. Who knew there was a hidden gift in getting up at 4 am?
This morning as I read, I was swept away to Budapest to witness the power of connection and history. Then crawled into a story that reminded me of the gifts in observation and the courage embedded in vulnerability. Then was enlivened by the pure reverence and joy that comes from being alive. In an hour and a half, these writers left this very sleepy person feeling completely awake.
This is the gift we give each other when we share our hearts so freely.
You don’t need to be a writer to write. Share your story. In your comments. In your conversations.
Let your heart be seen. Don’t keep your life experiences trapped inside you. You have the power to move others with your words. Remind them of what matters. Help them see themselves. Let them be the heroes. Speak your truth. Your words can make a difference. Speak them. Write them. Let them live.
Kimberly, your article has given me clarity to my desire to write. I don’t think of myself as an exceptional writer, I would need lots of help in publication once my book I am currently writing takes shape, but you have made me realize that I just need to do what I have done since my teenage years, and that is write just to write, trusting that someone somewhere will benefit from it. God Bless
Mmmmm … Ice cream at 3am sounds delicious.
I am with Jeff, I’m selfishly glad you didn’t get some sleep. This piece is just what I needed to get passed some avoidance I’ve had in writing my first book. Full of momentum, I reached 20,000 words, thinking the most painful experiences were already written. I then had dinner with my cousin and we talked about a few stories, which were yet to be written, and I remembered the pain which was to come. The next 20,000 words might be more difficult than the first. So my avoidance crept in and took over. I made a goal to begin again tonight. And this post was the push I needed. Thank you!
So beautiful, dear friend.
I remember Sarah Elkins telling the story of a woman who commented that she had no stories to tell. How sad that her stories – perhaps they are just too painful – are locked away.
Every time I come here and read what others have written, I am reminded of my own stories. That is such a gift that other writers like yourself have – they hold keys that unlock treasures. They help me excavate my own past.
Selfishly, I’m glad you couldn’t sleep.
Jeff Ikler, getting a comment from you is always like opening up a beautiful gift. You infuse your comments with such thoughtfulness and care. I remember, years ago, when I first started speaking and was encouraged to use my own stories and when I’d go to think of them, I’d just go blank. So I can relate to the woman that Sarah met. I think one has to be willing to quiet all the noise in your head and learn to leap into the dark. There’s a discomfort there that I’ve learned to embrace. Most of the time when I write, I don’t have fully formed stories ready to share, they come, almost like a co-creation with the universe. Which is probably what makes them universal. Hmmmmmm…. Thank you! Sending a big hug your way!
Kimberly — We’re kindred spirts. I just briefly wrote about my experience with “excavating.” My-go-to term thanks to you.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/reach-out-touch-someone-jeff-ikler/?published=t&trackingId=g2YF0u7OSDu5tWEOtESVfg%3D%3D
It’s an honor to be your kindred spirit, Jeff!
The picture Dennis and Co had chosen fit your words so perfectly, Kimberly.
Just like the sparkles would have been hard to see against a colorful background, it can be difficult to take in the words, let them sit, and see there they take the heart, when there are dogs running around, cars in the street, a washing machine spinning, and dinner to be made.
Your heart took you to gratitude for an ever increasing flock who seems to want personal, not transactional, connection, and my heart followed your lead.
Yes, Charlotte. YES. So much this. I’m tired of playing “the game,” I just want to connect deeply. I think we tend to get so caught up in what we “should” do, in terms of engagement, that we forget why we’re engaging in the first place! Thank you for your thoughtful comment. I’m so savoring getting to know you through these exchanges!
Goodness me, Kimberly, you really do deliver the most graphic descriptions of real life which can sometimes be experienced as if on another dimension. There is indeed a wonderfully common element; a natural synergy where BizCatalyst 360 ‘scribes’ have a mission. To reach out to each other in harmony and share experiences that are welcomed with alacrity, tenderness and empathy.
Kimberly my friend, you epitomize the pure joy of human engagement and positivity.
Never taken for granted.
You fuel my joy, Simon! What a gift that is, friend!
Thanks so much, Dennis! I so appreciate you!
Your words here and the magical ones within your compositions continue to inspire many, my friend – thank you!
I’m grateful.