Since
watching the movie "The Holiday" I've fallen in love with this word. It
takes me back to my childhood when I'd beg my mother to let me stay
home from school to watch the 1:00 movie.
I
lived vicariously through the glittering stars of early films--women
with gumption--women with courage, verve, resolve, stick-to-it-ness.
They were women who seemed to know who they were and lived proudly.
Katherine Hepburn, Vivien Leigh, Susan Hayward, and more.
My gumption has grown over the years. It grew by leaps and bounds this past year when I made a very big promise to myself: I would not do anything that didn't bring me joy. It
took gumption to make that promise because it meant I had to stop doing
some things (which meant saying no to certain people and
responsibilities) and making time (the key word is "making") for my
creative passions.
I
love to write, for one, but I had no time for personal writing or for
creating the new books that beckon. (I literally have 5 started.) I am
still tweaking a new "work" schedule so I have the time to do what
brings me joy. It includes writing in the morning first thing; not
taking phone calls or making appointments until after 1:00 p.m; taking
weekends off for plenty of porch sitting and pondering.
I've taken on a new writing mentor--Ernest Hemingway--and he is modeling for me the discipline and passion it takes to be an accomplished writer. He had gumption.
(This
photo is of me on my "seeking Ernest Hemingway Saturday" in Horton's
Bay, MI, where E.H. spent his summers. I'm sitting on a bench outside
the General Store. E.H sat here with his his first wife, Hadley ("The
Paris Wife") to have this now famous picture taken. They were married
right down the road. A little sign says, "Ernest Hemingway schlept
here." :-)
Do you have gumption, gorgeous gal?
Could you be primed to make a healthy new promise to yourself like I did? And what would that promise be?
I
know there's a woman with verve inside of you and she's clambering to
get out. There's no time to lose. Gather up your gumption and get going!
I am here to support you all along the way.
Don't forget about this unique opportinity: my new 30-day program, "Writing for the Health of It." I
confessed on Facebook today that I very selfishly created this course
for myself. I was the one who needed time and space--even for 5 minutes a
day:
Yes, this is what my "Writing through the Heart" writing process can do and I'd love you to do it right along with me. We'll be self-discovery buddies. Sound fun?
Consider joining me and 30+ fabulous women as we gather up our gumption and fly!
The program begins June 1. Late sign-ups are welcome.
Learn more here: www.writingforhealth.weebly.com
Here's to gumption and the gifts it brings.
And here's to yours!
Jan
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