Try not to take it too close to heart. The rules and the advice, I mean. Even if it is your favorite author, your mind will process things differently. The only thing I would promise helps is:
There is this really cool thing about writing. It’s this idea that it all comes from your imagination and that the ink is only to show other people. What I mean is, the rules only matter so much. Writing can stretch in so many different directions, and so can you. I’ve been attempting to try out different styles and genres, and it has been a blast! Not all writing has to have a deadline, a right answer, or a grade. Ah, I almost forgot, #5: There is no “when I become a writer.” Do you write? Oh, you love to—even better! Congratulations! You are a REAL-LIFE WRITER!
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Some definitions to get us started… (Incomplete) Definitions from Merriam-Webster / Personal definition Knowledge: noun (a1) the fact or condition of knowing something with familiarity gained through experience or association (b1) the fact or condition of being aware of something Personal Information stored from reading, hearing, or experiencing; Unused, raw data stored in memory. Intelligence: noun (a1) the ability to learn or understand or to deal with new or trying situations (a2) the ability to apply knowledge to manipulate one's environment or to think abstractly as measured by objective criteria (such as tests) The ability to apply knowledge towards personal goals or objectives; The ability and openness to accept more knowledge. Wisdom: noun (a) ability to discern inner qualities and relationships (b) good sense (see JUDGEMENT) An understanding of something larger than yourself; An intelligence that comes with experience. Common Sense: noun / sound and prudent judgment based on a simple perception of the situation or facts Instinctual understanding around social, cultural, street, and boundary issues without being told; Caution and, therefore, lower probability to engage in stupid and/or dangerous situations. The thing I’m trying to say is that someone can know a lot and know nothing at the same time. You can study for years to get a law degree at Harvard, but you will have puppy dog eyes until you get out of the books and onto the streets. Whether that be a courtroom or an office, experience matters. Another side of it is that no amount of assumptions based on stereotypes will tell you how smart a person is. Maybe they never had access or money for a good academic education, but they can figure out how to fix any motor just by looking at it. Or they might be an amazing story teller even if they don’t know how to read.
There is more than one way to be smart. Being good at math in school counts! But, so does understanding the economics of a home/ small community business interaction. Criminals are often very intelligent. Click here to read an article by Peter Holley from the Washington Post “Why you shouldn’t be surprised that prisoners crushed Harvard’s debate team.” Take my parents for example. One of them went to an international boarding school, coming from a small town. Joined the Peace Corps and now has a BA in Geology, an MA in Spanish and one in Education. They have traveled the world and now teach at a prestigious high school. The other grew up in a town that only have K-8th. After that, you were on your own. They managed to get a high school diploma, but much later in life. They were a farmer and can still come up with the craziest ways to fix things. They know how to jerry-rig solutions using just what they have in front of them. THEN, they travel to a foreign country, learn the language by themselves— just by being there— and a few years later, get an Associate’s Degree. Even with crazy amounts of help, it took determination to go to college in a foreign language. They found a way to make the fridge door close when it wouldn’t all the way, how to keep ants mostly out of the hummingbird feeder, and how to make me laugh. I mean, I have spectacular parents, so a little shout out. I can’t compare their intelligence, and I don’t have to. They both love me and help heal my wounds. Maybe a side note, but I want to give thanks. People skills, having an innate way of finding connections with people, is also a priceless talent. So is music and art and other things that can be hard to label. An end to the possible things to learn in this world doesn’t exist. There are different ways to learn and there are different things to know. Think you a minute, and don’t diminish any talent, Where does your intelligence lie? Where to have the most knowledge? What are your strengths? And, finally: how can you use these truths to help others? Update: Sorry I have not been as active... school started! Everything is going great and I am working on a lot.
Something happened today that I never thought would happen again. I mean, I did it for the first time yesterday. But, it was a fluke, I told myself, it was nothing. It was surreal. I never even let myself write this on my PT goals or year long goals or even my bucket list. Even after the doctors said I should be able to, I never really believed it. I rode 1.6 miles in about 15 minutes. On a bicycle. By myself. It was crazy! I was going as fast as I can, just to feel that air. You wouldn't recognize me when I'm riding. Just like, I'm seen differently if I happen to be sitting in the room someone enters vs. they watch me walk. It is just the way it is right now. BUT I RODE MY BIKE. You should always write when the inspiration hits. That is a given for me. I can write five thousand words in one sitting or have nothing for weeks. Sometimes it feels impossible to write without that feeling. But, how long can I be expected to wait?
To prevent further writers block, I leave open ends. Leaving bullet points even if it will only get me to the next few sentences. Sometimes I leave my last one unfinished so that I can hop on my last train of thought. Setting the project aside, still with some ideas, can help you start again. If it has gotten late at night, but you still have more things to say, this can be a great way to not miss a beat. You don’t have to write out an entire set of instructions for future you every time, but
I know, even that sentence makes me cringe. I don’t know who all might see this, so I will try to make the knowledge I am about to bestow on you all, pretty general. Here are some of my back to school reminders.
Academic
Packet for Bio DUE I write out all the due dates for homework and all tests as far in advance as I know them. It can be calming to have it all set out in front of you. This is what I am going to do. And the list gets shorter. As Douglas Adams says in The Salmon of Doubt, “I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by.” Don’t let your days pass you by! Write down school stuff, sports, and personal self-care. Have a physical reminder to tell you to run or sit down to read for 20 minutes. One last author quote, Mark Twain once said to not let your education interfere with your learning.
Social Just kidding. I got nothing for you there. People say to be yourself. Do that. If you happen to be in middle school, I wish you luck. I know these three years are hard but remember that everyone is growing. If you are having trouble with your self-esteem, know that everyone else is too. You’re all growing out of old hobbies and making new friends. You don’t have to let that effect your learning or your emotional health. Don’t be friends with people for social standing or anything if they are harmful to you. It isn’t worth it to surround yourself with toxic friends. You deserve the best and will get it! Emotional Take care of yourself! Your mental health is always more important than grades! Make a list of things that help you when you are stressed. A shower, a 7-minute YouTube playlist of people singing in impressions of cartoon characters, or even sharpening all of your pencils. It doesn’t matter! I hope you find ways to balance out life because it can feel impossible. You’ve got this! Believe in yourself or I will hire a barbershop quartet to sing how much I believe-in-you-for-you-until-you-start-to-believe-in-yourself-! Whether you are in school or working, you got this! Let's make this a great year! This is a step-by-step tutorial on how to start making your own aesthetics. Tech-collages can be soothing to make and look at. There are endless possibilities and that can sometimes feel overwhelming. This activity should never be stressful- take breaks if you need it, because you deserve fun! Select a place to set up.
Choose a theme!
Pick photos!
Arrange at will!
There is only one rule… HAVE FUN !!! Play with different styles and remember that you don’t have to share them with anyone. Continue healing and growing and loving! I wish you enough. ~W I have recently started to try and make my own playlists on Spotify, they are public, so I thought I’d share them here.
The first one feels so important I am having trouble deciding what is worthy of putting on because it is my Writing Hum. It’s So Bad It’s Good Here you will find my guilty pleasures. It consists mainly of pop songs that I sort of wish I didn’t like. It doesn’t quite fit in with my 20s swing aesthetic. If you, especially the ladies out there, are feeling powerful in the moment Back It Up with some jams. If you need a boost these songs might just get you there. On another note, I usually use pre-made playlists (mainly by Spotify) and I hit the gold mine with this one. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but the usually calm tunes pump me up. I often listen to it while I trying to work on characterization in my writing. Femme Fatale |
Who Am I?Hi there! I'm Whit, my pronouns are they/them, and I write a lot.
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Painting by Whit Acrylics on masonite April 20th, 2019 Words are a Quaker saying. George Fox? |