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.