
It all starts with a dream
If you can find one
that you’re truly passionate about
then your journey can begin

It all starts with a dream
If you can find one
that you’re truly passionate about
then your journey can begin

Writing is a journey
that’s not instant or passive
and
it is not completely result oriented
It’s a process of
delayed gratification
It’s an ongoing routine
that takes consistent training
over months and even years
Though the result is creating
art through your words,
the real reward is
the blueprint to perfecting your craft
and
the person that you become
To show up persistently
and put forth the effort,
it’s what you as a writer does
because that’s your nature
Someone willing
to expose and share
your emotions and heart
through prose

Don’t try to imitate or follow
another person’s journey
just because they found success
It’s easy to be swayed
into thinking
you can do it too
but
your path is your own
follow it
and trust that
you’ll end up
where you’re supposed to be

Writing is a process
A process of deliberate practice
A practice of effort over time
and in time, results in creativity
Writing is focused on progression
rather than perfection
Writing is the practice of
finding joy in words and sharing them
Perfection is the end result
The result determines
if joy is achieved
Regardless of results,
there is no stopping point
There may be milestones to celebrate
but,
writing is a lifetime journey
Writing is ultimately a choice
If you choose this path…
honor the process

Despite all the bumps,
stumbles,
trips,
and falls
along the way…
the journey is what makes us
But every now
and again
on your journey,
take a moment
to pause…
look back
and see just how far you’ve come
and
say to yourself,
“Hey, I’ve done alright so far.”
Stand tall,
and be proud
of where you started,
where you are at this very moment
and
where you’re destined to be.

Believe in the journey
There will undoubtedly
be ups and downs,
but have faith in who you are
Trust in your decisions
Rely on your skills
Stand tall
from the support of family and friends
And never waver in your commitment
If you follow this path
that was meant solely for you,
you will reach your dreams
and all its wondrous glories.
With my son graduating 8th grade yesterday and my daughter set to graduate from high school this Saturday, I look back with fond memories of them when they were just mere babies to who they are now and what they are becoming. I am literally amazed at what they can do and what they can accomplish. Granted my wife and I gave them the tools to navigate their way through life but they managed perfectly using their own sense and sensibilities. Everything that they’ve achieved so far was due to their unique personality and innate traits; their exterior demeanor belies their true potential. It is because of this that I cherish being a parent. My children’s vim and vigor, no holds barred quest to grab a hold of what the world has to offer and run with it, is truly inspiring. It keeps me on my toes, anxiously waiting to see what unfolds for them and how they’ll astound us. Reflecting on my children’s journey into adulthood overwhelms me with pride and joy and is one of life’s gifts that I am truly honored to accept.

When the chips are all down
and your luck has run out,
take several steps back
cast aside any doubt
There are often times
when things don’t go your way,
you choose wrong, you fail
making mistakes throughout the day
You’ve just hit a rough patch
in this journey called life,
just roll with the punches,
bid adieu to the strife
In the midst of this insanity
there’s always a ray of hope,
that light at the end of the tunnel
is what helps you to cope
You’ll get through this dilemma
and will reach the other side,
problems encountered hereafter
is taken all in stride
Take pride in yourself
you’ve fought the good fight,
your character has mettle,
inner strength shown outright
So take charge of your life
when things go awry,
head straight forward, show no fear
wave those bad days goodbye.