I have a leadership practice called “free writing.”  Let myself go wherever I go.  Don’t try to get it right or even make sense. Just pick up my pen and start and keep going for 10 to 20 minutes.

This is a leadership practice for listening deeply and learning what you have to say. At Dorrier Underwood, we use it to explore new ideas, develop strategic relationships, write joyful appreciation notes, create outreach and care, and be grateful for this moment.

I end up finding something I didn’t know I had to say.  Pick up your pen and write this:  What would I say to my younger self?

Or pick another first line, “It was a dark and stormy night.”  “I don’t remember…”  “What I wonder is…”

My next “free writing” class is on May 11th from 11:30am-1:00pm EST. To join, please email vbrien@dorrierunderwood.com.

 

What would I say to my younger self?

 

It is all okay

No matter what you or anybody says, no matter what happens

No matter if you belong to that group or that club or have that job

Or stay married to that man or woman even

It is all okay

 

Consider the lilies in the field, they neither toil nor slumber and God takes care of them

 

And tomorrow will take care of itself, just take care of today

 

For all your life, each day will be starting over

Each day will be a new opportunity to be alive and to be happy and joyful

That is your contribution

That is what the world needs

That is what you will always need

 

Doing your meditation

Go meet Thich Nhat Hanh  (pronounced tick not hahn)

Doing your exercise

Go find teachers and trainers

Ask questions

Don’t know the answers

Keep asking

 

Warning against getting your feelings hurt and feeling useless and depressed

That is why the meditation and prayer, and Bible and exercise is so important

 

You were gifted with incredible parents

Use that gift every day

Be aware of it

Not everybody had that gift

It is yours and cannot be taken away

And you can give  from that deep reservoir

 

Sense of humor

The Tattooed lady

The lasagna and nutball recipes

How to hammer a nail and grow a rose bush

How to be a moderate drinker

How to weigh the same thing all your life

Water skiing

And snow skiing

Cooking and entertaining

 

Tracking things.

Having goals and projects and lists.