Tag Archives: achievements

I dwell in possibility

Posted on by vgemmell
Pixabay image by Syaibatulhamdi

It’s the last day in November and the last day of my writing challenge where I have used prompts every day (since the weekend I started) throughout the month to write a post on here.

Today’s prompt is to use the Emily Dickinson quote I dwell in possibility to write a poem, essay or story. I’m writing a straight forward post instead (though I guess it could be classed as an essay) as I feel this title is very apt to end on.

Successfully completing this challenge has reminded me it’s possible to make time, even if it’s just for an hour at the end of the day, to sit down and write, or focus on something creative. Waking up my imagination reminds me of the magic that exists in the everyday.

When I start a big project such as a novel, I love that feeling of anticipation, of not knowing exactly how a story is going to unfold or if I’m even going to be able to successfully transport what is in my head onto paper. Sadly it doesn’t always turn out the way I want it to – a bit like when you have a very vivid dream and it’s all so clear and you are sure you can relay it scene by scene, but something happens in those waking hours where you can’t quite capture the story in a cohesive way.

But then you tell yourself there are other dreams still to come, there are other stories that will be written. And it’s exciting thinking this could turn into something amazing, dazzling, which could be life-changing for you. Or at least sell and be read by a wider audience. Every time I hit send on a piece of work to a competition there is a sense of possibility – maybe, you never know…

My writing has enriched my life, not only be feeding my soul and giving me a feeling of purpose and drive, but by opening up a world where I’ve met so many interesting people – both other writers and readers, and creatives. It has taken me on adventures to schools, book shops, writing groups, conferences, community events, libraries, colleges and universities. It has kept me sane when the day job gets too intense, or real-life gets challenging. It has brought some of my best friends and best experiences into my life. It keeps me curious, and keeps me wanting to get better at my craft and try new things.

I saw a post on instagram earlier today with a quote from someone saying they were bored of reading the successful under 40 lists and they wanted to see stories of people later in life achieving their dreams, or striving for them. Someone in the comment section called @_d_u_n_e said in her tribe in Nigeria there is an adage which translates, ‘whenever a person wakes up, is their morning’

Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow – each day I dwell in possibility.

There will be days

Posted on by vgemmell
Pixabay photo by TemperateSage (Harmony Lawrence)

Today’s prompt is a combination of two: Write a commencement address for girls graduating high school/college and write a letter to your younger self

There will be days when you fail but when you pick yourself back up you will feel even more determined

There will be days when you feel everyone is moving faster. Don’t worry about speeding up to follow them. Slow down and take a deep breath and figure out what you really want. Here’s a hint- usually it is not what everyone tells you you should want. You will get there in your own time.

There will be days someone tells you you’re not good enough. Smile, walk away and enjoy showing them you totally are

There will be days you won’t feel confident in yourself and it might feel like everyone around you has it together. They don’t. They’re probably thinking the same about you. So be kind to each other.

There will be days you feel lonely. Sometimes because you are alone, but often it will be at a crowded party, or with someone who is bringing you down. Some day soon you will realise you are often your best company and the best times can be had alone, when you most definitely are not lonely.

There will be days you wish for things that never come and you cannot understand why. You won’t realise why until much later when you look around you and realise much better things arrived.

There will be days you feel lost and have no idea what you want. Enjoy the unknown directions. Whichever turning point at the crossroads you choose you can always come back again, then walk a different way. Each time you will take away something good, because you’ve been brave enough to move forward.

There will be days you win and accomplish great things, like today. Make sure you take proper time to celebrate and stay in the moment. You’ve done amazing things and your best achievements are yet to come.

You’ve got this.