30-DAY WRITING CHALLENGE

Highlights from the September 30-Day Challenge

Laugh, cry, gasp, and sigh with the words of these writers

Enjoy the delights of these writers, who though not all submitted every day, came to the blank page and wrote to a prompt. Celebrate with those who submitted each day. The only way you’ll know who those people are is to visit their profile pages.

Let’s come together and support one another.

Ellyn Ash wrote about her favorite song because it reminds her of what matters:

Lalitha Brahma wrote to her 16-year-old self, giving career advice, and encouraging her that it’s ok to make mistakes. In fact, she made an acronym out of the word “STRENGTHS.”

Phyllis Brandano wrote about the job she would have if all jobs were paid the same amount. She would always work with kids. She wrote about her concerns with awkward kids and how she wanted to protect them from being bullied.

Jenn Brownell wrote a short but beautifully powerful piece on beauty. As her title states, “see with your heart.” When you do that, you will see beauty everywhere.

Courtney Capone came into the challenge very late and caught up within days, people. She was on it! Through most of her submissions, she writes openly about her health struggles and her past life as a ballerina. On Day 16, she wrote about dancing out of her darkness as a traumatized dancer.

Navjot Dhillon wrote about her biggest risk with her finances. She knew she was taking a big risk and did it anyway after much research. Thankfully, her risk paid off.

Deb Fiore is a Licensed Social Worker. I mention that because I imagine her training has taught her to write from a place of intention and healing. On Day 25, she wrote about what job she would have if all jobs were paid the same. Read her piece to find out what direction she would go in.

Natalie Gasper wrote about her worst fear. In fact, I love her opening line, “Fear is a funny thing. It can render even the strongest people senseless.” I resonated with that statement. She discusses the causes of fear and how she overcame her fear of amusement parks.

Joseph Godwin wrote of the ugliness of copying from others in order to succeed. “You can never be Mr. A, and Mr. A can never be you.” Indeed.

Patricia Hodge wrote about the one part of writing and publishing that draws her out of her comfort zone — the business end.

Ravyne Hawke wrote about her daily gratitude journal and the joy that comes from it.

Bill Holmes shared his definition of beauty on Day 5 in the form of a poem — so beautiful!

Anthony Cloe Huie shared his favorite song albeit it being a difficult decision — “akin to asking a parent which one of their many children is their most favorite.”

Ellie Jacobson wrote about her name and how much she hated it growing up, but something shifted as she grew older. There was a name shift, and that made things brighter. “Sometimes, to feel comfortable in this chaotic world, we need to take control of something that we had none of in the first place. But sometimes, it’s nice to be reminded of where we began.”

Holly Jahangiri wrote about the woman she sees in the mirror and the woman she portrays to the world on Day 23. Her photos are beautiful accents to her words.

K. Joseph wrote about her insecurities as a 16-year-old tall and beautiful young girl. Sometimes it takes time to appreciate the gifts you were given at birth.

Julie KingGood always writes from her heart and her submission for Day 26 of stepping out of her comfort zone and the anxieties that came with it. “Calming myself with reassurance that I was stronger than this, I began to remind myself that I have been in horrible situations in my life where my very existence was threatened.”

Amy Lee Kite wrote about the 20 things that make her smile. One of my favorites from her list: “Colorful sunsets that are living art.”

Bear Kosik wrote about his last 3 months (God forbid that would happen). I love his sprinkling of quotes from his mother. He wrote about how his Mom’s saying, “Plan life like you will live forever and live life like you will die tomorrow,” played out in his life when he watched it play out in his life.

Amanda Laughtland wrote about her hobby of painting and the struggles of perfection, but, as she eloquently quips, “Creating with art supplies is restful for me. It makes me feel good. … but it’s OK for me just to have fun.”

Sarah Marie wrote about her favorite time period being someone who has interests in astronomy and cosmology. “Every moment is the present, but it’s quickly the past, and the future will soon be the present. And the fact that I am living at this exact moment in time.”

Patty McMahon, M.Ed wrote about the need for connection even, and especially so, when stranded on an island.

Kunal Mehra shared what he saw when he peered into a mirror with deep, insightful words and thoughts. He wrote about being kidnapped and missing family and the unfairness of life. And he ends with gratitude.

Janet Meiselwrote about giving up control as she watches her aging mother.“Until now, I held tightly on to the purse-strings, in the name of ‘responsible management’. But I know it is time to let her benefit from all the hard work and sacrifice she did during her life.”

Suma Narayan gave us a peek into her world by sharing her favorite song from Pink Floyd. Growing up in Kerala, she only heard Hindi and Malayalam songs until one day, someone introduced her to Pink Floyd, and her world changed. “For it tells me, more than an entire library of books, that music can transform life.”

Kaitrin Neu wrote a beautiful poem about her definition of beauty. “That, which we behold with a willing soul, is the beauty the heart seeks:”

If you know anything about Wire Editor Newman, you know he’s all about cars, so his submission for which time period he would prefer to live in is complete with cars. He lands on one decade. I won’t spoil it. Read it here:

I love how Robin Oakman wrote 2 haikus for Day 15. It’s the little things in life that bring her appreciation.

Pamela Oglesby shared that it was love, not courage, that triggered a big risk — the protection of her sons. And in words that I, myself, have used, “I simply did what I had to do at that time.”

Bernie Pullen wrote about her journey with learning to play the piano and her challenges with reading notes and playing with both hands. “I still tell myself that one day, I will make the time to learn to play that grand instrument, but I truly wonder if I ever will.”

Prahalad Rajkumar wrote about the interesting things he saw when he looked in a mirror. His realistic approach is truth: “The mirror gives me back what I give her.”

DR Rawson wrote about a vacation he took to Las Vegas. I guess not everything that happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. 😊 but more importantly, how he and his wife have found paradise in their home.

Casandra Reid wrote about being frozen in time as she recalled her memory of September 11, 2001. “Our loved ones didn’t leave us that day. Instead, they were brutally taken away.”

Mau Salamonshared the 20 things that make him smile. His list offers seemingly small things to profound ones like this: “With the early sunshine or the snow painting the green grass in a white carpet”

Li Shen J wrote a poem for Day 3 — the gratitude she has that is so profound and beautiful.

Drashti Shroff wrote about her name and her feelings about it. Her Hindu parents’ connection to their culture and astrology had a part in her name.

Dale Swackhammer wrote about the day her family got turned away from the border. Rather than let a detail deter them, they pivoted and made use of the time by exploring. “Things may not always turn out how you planned, but if you are willing to be flexible, unexpected blessings could come your way.”

Jennifer Barrios Tettay shared not just one motivational quote but 10! “Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are. — Kurt Cobain” With each quote, she shares why it’s impactful for her.

Judy Walker not only shares her list of 20 things that make her smile but the reasons why smiling is key to your health and wellbeing. “Watching squirrels chase each other around a tree trunk.”

Shiloh W. wrote about the fact that productivity does not define having meaning in her life. “Just now, as I write this, I’ve decided that I don’t need to do anything to make this year meaningful.”

Misty Rae wrote about one thing she wishes she could do — sing. I love the way she views music and her ability to sing. “In a strange way, as I belt it out badly, I’m transported for about 3 minutes to a time and place that seemed a little gentler, a little simpler.” Isn’t that what life is about — making the journey gentler and simpler?

And let us not forget our beloved and always smiling Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles. I truly love how she doesn’t just make a list but tells you why it’s important — each one.

As I have mentioned before, I have been honored to read every word over these last 30 days. I hope to read more from each of you.

May you know that you are loved and that you matter.

May your soul be refreshed.