Words (Epilogue)

handwriting on parchment paper

I hadn’t intended this series to become what it did. I thought I might share a pithy sentence or two, whimsical in tone about life lessons learned. Then I started writing and the words came tumbling out. Not always light-hearted and sometimes – often – the end result was not what had been the plan.

That’s what is so interesting about writing, or any creative process. Being open to what can happen and going with it. 

Writing is something I used to spend quite a bit of time doing. I truly love words. Over the years though, the only writing was for business and I began to doubt whether it was really still ‘my thing.’ Like anything, it takes practice and discipline to stick with it. You don’t get better at something by just thinking about it.

Dreaming and planning are wonderful important steps, but then you have to take action and keep doing it even when you don’t feel like it. Even if you are afraid it won’t be very good. It won’t  be anything if it stays in your head. 

Thank you for all the encouragement and kind words on this journey. And for sharing your stories and memories along with me. After all, we are all made of stories. 

Heidi Backstage

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
― Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Sticks and Stones – part 2 (6)

Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.” 

― Rudyard Kipling

When I was 10, a stone really did break my bones in my arm.I fell off our swingset and landed on a rock. Sticks and stones may break my bones… The saying is a silly one because names/words can very much hurt, sometimes more than a broken arm.

For people, like me, who tend to be “spongy” it’s pretty much impossible to let negativity roll off your back. It sinks in whether you like it or not. Words are incredibly powerful; they can build up or destroy. The choice is up to you.