Week of 14–20 November Writing Prompt

Theme: Self-Development

Housekeeping Rules: Please be mindful of the submission guidelines.

If you’re responding to this writing prompt, please use Week 14–20 November Writing Prompt in the Kicker.

And, as always, use this week’s prompt this week or any week after.

If you would prefer to use a previous writing prompt to inspire you:

Feel free to use the following writing prompt or the theme of Self-Development to write this week.

Writing Prompt

What is your life motto? What words do you live by?

Is there a quote that you keep close to your heart — words that guide you through your life decisions and life itself? Why this life motto? Why this quote? Why this particular reading of a holy text?

I have quotes around my house to remind me to live with gentleness, kindness, and courage. I also have one scripture that we commissioned a graffiti artist to paint. But when it comes to making life decisions, I turn to this question: will it add meaning and value to my life?

Here are some of the quotes from my house:

“When words are true and kind, they can change the world.”

“For there is always light. In only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.” — Amanda Gorman

We were visiting Bend, OR a few years ago and found this little shop where this man took pieces of wood with simple lettering painted into quotes and sayings. This was my favorite:

— and if I asked you to name all the things you love, how long would it take to name yourself?

“We rise by lifting others.”

When living in Portland, OR, we used to love visiting this woman’s outdoor store at the Portland Saturday Market — a gem of Portland.

“Peace in the midst of the storm comes only when you are quiet enough to hear God’s heart and know it beats for you.” — Karla Dornacher

And the scripture that is a bold reminder in our house: Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure everything on your own … Proverbs 3:5,6 MSG

As many of you know, I was raised by a narcissistic mother. The trauma that seeped into my mind, body, and heart, stalled my self-worth and inner growth. And now I know that I do need these gentle reminders to show me that it is possible to rise up and be my whole self, beautifully crafted and made in the image of God.

For some of you, this might be too many words, too many quotes, and too many mottos, but for me, they grace my house as gentle reminders to always lean into my Inner Voice, for it will never steer me wrong.

What about you?

Maybe it’s something you carry around with you — a token saying on a coin or bracelet or a quote or affirmation that you repeat to yourself on a daily basis. Whatever it is, share it with us and tell us why it means so much to you.

We honor your words as we honor you and the life you have lived and the words that guide you.

May you know that you are loved because you matter. May your soul be refreshed.