With the publication that gave me purpose.
Once I discovered my purpose, my life took off. However, finding my purpose took decades. But when I stepped on the path, I hit the ground running, not with my feet but with my fingers.
I haven’t looked back!
My purpose manifested in three ways: I became a Ninja Writer, creator and editor of Middle-Pause publication, and the host of the podcast STOMP! (Stronger Together On Middle-Pause). You may be confused, so let me begin with the beginning.
Attention
I’ve known forever I had a purpose. But what, when, where, and how to fulfill my purpose escaped me. …
Find the four paths to achieve more.
“You can only become great at that thing you’re willing to sacrifice for.” — Maya Angelou
Greatness. That is a word I’ve dreamt about many times. What does it mean? How can I create greatness in my life? Was I meant for greatness, or should I be satisfied with a mediocre existence? I believe greatness is relative. It means different things for different people.
However, I want to have an impact on the world. Make my mark. To be better than what I am; what I do. It may result from low self-esteem, which is very possible in my life. But there is one thing I know: I am searching, reaching, and aspiring to greatness. First, though, I must prepare myself for this journey. …
Do you have an attitude of gratitude?
I still love that familiar phrase — an attitude of gratitude. That is what sustains me. (And maintains my sanity.)
I have so much to be grateful for. For one, I am alive! Two, my immediate family is alive. Three, you are alive. At least, I hope you are if you are reading this newsletter. I don’t think Middle-Pause has passed over to the Great Beyond, yet!
Kidding aside, I am very thankful. For water to drink. Food to eat. A warm place to sleep. We can no longer take anything for granted.
I am also thankful for the writers and readers of Middle-Pause. I am thankful for my team-members, Meg Stewart, Marilyn Flower, & Margie Pearl. …
We have so much to do and so much responsibility.
Sometimes, I feel like time is closing in on me. I have to write articles, schedule appointments, take care of grandkids, organize household chores, think about upcoming holiday events, email responses, and…and…oh, no! I just forgot!
Now, I remember. Listen to our podcast — it’s a-live!
I don’t think I can take it anymore. I want to escape but I cannot. What do I do? I gather my wits, gird up my loins, roll up my sleeves, and forge ahead.
Why?
Because I am a warrior! For my family, and myself. I will not give up. Wow, I am using the word up quite a bit. Maybe that’s a cue I need to look up. …
This method helped me to become a more productive and creative writer.
Writing has never been easy for me. Establishing a routine is harder. I struggle to get my derriere in the chair, pick up a pen, or open my laptop, only to stare into the bright blue yonder and daydream.
That is what writers do, right? It’s called the writing process. However, to be successful I have to add one more element to the pot — holding myself accountable.
After a lot of trial and error and reading, I discovered 5 simple ways to help jumpstart my creative process. Just like you would a car. …
Our podcast is live!
Oh my! This is the day we have been working on, sweating about, and tearing our hair out (I was doing all those things) to bring to you the launch of our podcast, STOMP! (Stronger Together on Middle-Pause).
Whew! Now I can breathe.
Thank you, Women of Middle-Pause. No, not just women, but sisters. We are a strong Sisterhood, dedicated to serving and empowering you to find meaning and purpose.
I call us the 4-M’s — Meg, Marilyn, Margie, & Me.
We are superheroes, too! I’m The Flash, Debbie Walker, because I want to time travel and bring the future to the present. Magnificent Meg Stewart reigns supreme from her Technological Throne. Marvelous Marilyn Flower is our Resident Spiller of Wisdom. …
You would be surprised!
Dr. Michelle Bengtson is one cool lady. The reason I say that is because she is a neuropsychologist, author, podcaster, and overcomer. Dr. B. has overcome adversity since she first drew breath. I’m not kidding!
But I want to focus on her battles won and victories proclaimed. I discovered her on Facebook, read her books, and interviewed her on my podcast, STOMP!.
The tenet of Dr. B.’s philosophy is hope, and the prevailing power it can have in our lives. When you understand how this woman managed to accomplish the things she has done, you might also say Dr. B. …
When I feel like quitting.
I feel like quitting. Quite a lot, it seems. I finally found my purpose in life but sometimes it feels too hard. Like right now.
The door to my dreams is about to open, and I am scared. I want to run and hide. But why? Maybe, I fear success, or can it be failure?
Doubt is rearing its ugly head, and I want to turn tail. I feel inadequate for the task at hand. To carry out the mission of Middle-Pause.
Helping encourage, inspire, and empower women in the middle of their lives to find meaning and purpose. Those in adversity who are seeking answers. …
What would they be?
I’ve not thought about three wishes, or wishing on a star, or a wishing well in years. Maybe, I need to take Marilyn Flower’s prompt to heart and reflect on the wishes I made in the past or the ones I want for my future.
That is what a wish is, right? Something you want to happen? A goal. Or vision? Think about it, and let Marilyn know.
I wrote the pillar post about how one of my wishes came true — Middle-Pause and how it came to be.
In addition, we are counting down to the launch of our podcast, STOMP! (Stronger Together On Middle-Pause). Nov. 10th is the date! Details are forthcoming, hopefully in Thursday’s newsletter. …
If only he could see my multi-colored family now!
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.
I grew up in a violently racist family. I never witnessed physical aggression against others, but I listened to stories the grownups told while they ranted and raved about people of color.
When I tell others about my past, it amazes them. How did you survive racism in your family and not be affected by it? Well, racism did wound me, and I still carry the scars in my heart.
About twelve years ago, when Obama was elected, I believed that somehow the flames of racism would flicker out. I found out it only smoldered underneath the coals of hypocrisy. …
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