Newsletter #6: Huxley, Lawrence, Ondaatje, Journaling, Self-Esteem
Aldous Huxley
Three Sentences to Imitate and Study
I.
He slowly ventured into the pond. The bottom was deep, soft clay, he sank in, and the water clasped dead cold round his legs.
- D. H. Lawrence, “The Horse-Dealer’s Daughter”
II.
He had been prepared to lie, to bluster, to remain sullenly unresponsive; but, reassured by the good-humored intelligence of the Controller’s face, he decided to tell the truth, straightforwardly.
- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World
III.
She is a woman who misses moisture, who has always loved low green hedges and ferns.
- Michael Ondaatje, The English Patient
Two Quotes on Journaling
I.
“Write hard and clear about what hurts.”
- Ernest Hemingway
II.
“In the journal I do not just express myself more openly than I could to any person; I create myself. The journal is a vehicle for my sense of selfhood. It represents me as emotionally and spiritually independent. Therefore (alas) it does not simply record my actual, daily life but rather — in many cases — offers an alternative to it.”
This Week’s Writing Prompt/Tip
If you’re anything like me then you probably suffer from self-esteem issues when it comes to your writing (or any creative efforts). When I get down on my writing, or lack of writing, my mind spirals into a cacophony of negative thoughts and beliefs that I know aren’t true but are a result of some other internal and external factors. Regardless of the cause, it still sucks.
Whenever I’m stuck on a project and can’t seem to break the pattern of negative self-talk, I like to take some time and journal and get my nasty thoughts on paper. The downside to this practice is that I feel like I’m giving too much energy and attention to my negative emotions.
I recently read a short article from Ness Labs about using a strength-based approach to journaling as a way to focus on my positive attributes and writing strengths. I’m only a few months into the practice, but I can say that my overall mindset is more positive and affirming, especially towards my writing, than it’s been in a long time.
I thought it would be a great article to share with you. Click on the link below and let me know what you think.
How to use strength-based journaling for self-esteem and resilience.
Let me know if you practice strength-based journaling in the Comments section below.
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