January/February Writing Prompts: 31st — 4th
The power of words can change your life
Words have power. In reality, they are simply a group of letters that we have attached meanings or definitions to. But it is within those personal definitions that our actions and reactions thrive. They can empower or disempower within a simple syllable moment or two, based on individual perceptions and attachments.
This week’s prompts are about the power of our words to create change. Changing our definitions, attachments, and limiting beliefs to move toward growth and awareness. That is the spirit of Know Thyself, Heal Thyself.
Looking at the words we say to others and to ourselves creates awareness. When we share these words, especially on a social platform, we become more aware of how they affect others. Know Thyself, Heal Thyself is described as:
𝘷𝘶𝘭𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺, 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 & 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘭𝘦𝘥𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴. — Diana C..
Often heard around the Medium platform is engagement. I define engagement here on KTHT as our collective commitment to sharing our truthful and honest words to create healthy, healing relationships. A supportive home that we all can tap into the energy of safety in numbers with vulnerability, awareness, and growth. I am so excited and honored to be a part of this incredible group of writers!
I’ll start off first with a little vulnerability. Scared and nervous were my emotions when I accepted the role of co-editing with KTHT. Little ol’ me, in a sea of such talented writers. I previously shared my limiting beliefs about grammar, sentence structure, and the noun-verb-adjective-adverb definitions that still confuse me. Thank goodness for editing apps. The dreaded red pen was my school nemesis. I am great at self-editing my actions and my verbal communications to meld into the crowd, but my writing, not the same comfort. However, my desire to be a part of something I believe in so deeply had the word yes falling out of my mouth before I could think about it.
When Diana said we would share the duties of prompts, a little self-doubt exclaimed, “Oh lordy!” I love prompts and quotes, but coming up with my own to share — yep, a little more vulnerability. But one thing I know about myself is I rise to the occasion when facing a challenge, especially when it sparks a change, in my creative life.
1st Prompt: Take a black-and-white image and use your words to create a color prism of mindful actions. (Challenge yourself to write something different or try something new)
My biggest spark of inspiration and change, while KTHT was resting, was the challenge of learning poetry. I went from a limiting belief of “I don’t understand it” to now writing poetry and exploring the different forms in just two or three months. One of my recent discoveries was Haiga Poetry. The origin is simple Japanese paintings, with a Haiku, written in Calligraphy. It’s expanded into the digital world and added the additional choice of Tanka. It combines my artistic drive with the simple, yet powerful, words of poetry.
Prompt #2: Take a label you have worn for too long. Write new care instructions.
I love change. Well, at least when I am the one controlling it. When I am blindsided, my reaction is still automatic retreat. It is one particular blindside moment that catapulted me to dedicate my thoughts and actions to the practice of mindfulness. I nicknamed myself Miz Mindful. It is a label I aspire to live up to daily. I define mindfulness as being aware of my present moments without judgment. It is the foundation I use in my master plan to change my mindset.
A line from the movie, Pretty Woman, resonates deeply with me. “It’s easier to believe the bad stuff.” Perhaps that is the struggle with negative self-talk. It is easier to settle for the perceptions and labels given to us by close friends, family, or society. Change is hard work, whether we choose it or it’s forced upon us. It is within these labels our judgments thrive. It is still a daily practice for me to accept and release the past judgments to create a new mindful approach.
Prompt #3: Take a negative self-talk phrase or old story & add the word YET.
As we end our month of planning, goals, and resolutions and move into a month of celebration of love, history, and in the US, the Superbowl, we can turn the page of our story and settle into actions. This prompt is the action of changing a limiting belief, turning the page, and owning our story.
Negative self-talk, old worn out stories, and excuses keep us stuck in our muck. Sometimes, so deeply, we can’t see how to even climb out of the rut. There is one powerful word I used to help turn the page. It is the word — YET. This is how I face the obstacle of no, don’t, can't, and shouldn’t. For example,I changed I don’t understand poetry to I don’t understand poetry, yet. Or I’m not good enough, becomes “I’m not good enough-YET.” Try it and describe how the power of the word yet feels.
Prompt #4: What movie, song, or fairytale describe your life’s story and why?
Last and certainly not least, my favorite stories to write. I remember, years ago, when I first started writing on Blogger (yes, I am showing my age), I was told I could never write enough post about the Wizard of Oz. I believed that person and I shut down the blog. Here I am twenty-plus years later and it is still relevant to me. It is my spiritual path and the stories write themselves.
So there they are. Have fun with these. Tag me jules and remember to use the tag: Know Thyself, Heal Thyself so they will land on the publication page. That way, they are easy for me to find and I can enjoy all the wonderful, powerful words of change!
In summary:
- Take a black-and-white image and use your words to create a color prism of mindful actions. (Challenge yourself to write something different or try something new)
- Take a label you have worn for too long. Write new care instructions.
- Take a limiting belief or old story add the word YET.
- What movie, song, or fairytale describe your life’s story and why?
Always remember it is the power of your words that can change your life.
Thank you to Diana C., Spyder, and Ravyne Hawke for making this editing experience so comfortable.
