It's been a long while since I wrote here. In fact, it's been a long while since I've written. Sometimes silence falls on us, even when we are writers who thrive by writing. It can be a pain--a wall--but it can also be a friend.
Perhaps more frequently than any other advice I receive is "practice silence." I am encouraged to meditate, turn everything off, sit alone or spend 24 hours without screens and words. To keep my lips still for a prescribed period in order to recharge. It works very well for me.
I practice stillness in many ways. Recent years found me crocheting toys and clothes for my children. In the years before those, I spent 72 hours stretches speaking only with simple hand gestures and eyebrow raises. I found my creativity increased along with clarity. Silence offers time to think.
While I have written some on my site and for various publications during my absence here, 2017 has been about as loud as snowfall. I feel refreshed from some time away from the page. I am eager to challenge myself on the page again. I hope to find some challenges here to participate in, perhaps the community I originally came here for. I think I have a better idea of this site than my first meanderings. I hope, this time around, to make a few friends and writerly connections. It seems like there are some good people here. There are definitely INTERESTING people here.
Hmm. Since it's been so long, maybe I should do a new introduction?
Don't know if this will be automagically resized or if it's something I'll have to learn. I'm not the most tech-savvy, but I try. I'll have to do one of those Steemit hostage selfies next time.
Hi! I'm Shawna. I live in Indiana where I write, coach, edit and instruct. I have been published lots of places, which is pretty great. Some of them are listed here. I have three kids and a dog. I had two dogs, but we just had to part with one because my home is high anxiety and we weren't the right people for the dog. I am married. I live in a house that's smack in between country and city.
What else?
I love weight lifting. I follow a ketogenic diet to manage ADHD. I'd love to connect with others here who share these interests. I read constantly, mostly fantasy novels. I want to write a fantasy novel one day. And I teach online as well as in person. Here I am on the Elizabeth Ayres Center for Creative Writing website where you can sign up for Writing through Trauma to Truth, one of my classes!
There is a lot to me. I believe in truth, compassion and complication. I don't believe in religion (although I respect others' right to choose). And a wish I have is to travel and teach writing on location in different countries.
One major accomplishment of mine is the creation of #LinkYourLife, a community for artists and survivors that is primarily hosted on Facebook. What's special about #LinkYourLife is that it brings all sorts together in support of one another. I couldn't be prouder of what I've accomplished in creating and growing LYL over the last two years. The community is amazing. I have grand plans to turn it into a non-profit, and maybe that's something we can connect on here, too.
Well, that's a rambly mess about me. Ha! Follow some of the links for specifics.
For the next few days, I think I'll practice a bit more silence and just upvote, resteem and comment around Steemit. Comment to say hi so I know to look for you specifically. Happy steeming!
This made me smile. Thank you!
Welcome to steemit community...
What a wonderfully written intro you got here.
Do read my below recipes to have a successful steemit experience.
RECIPES FOR SUCCESS
Be yourself, originality matters a lot. Write and submit quality content at least three times weekly.
You can get into arguments but without being disrespectful to people to avoid down votes
upvote and follow posts that interest you...as well as people who upvote and follow you. Reciprocity matters. However, be careful not to exceed 20 upvotes per day as doing that will begin to deplete ur steem power. This is important.
spend sometime to comment on other people's posts daily.
Give quality feedback to peoples comments.
Observe this rules and success will follow you. Wishing you best of luck in your steemit activities.
I'm @eurogee
Thank you! I look forward to just being me.
Welcome to Steemit! You nailed your introductory post!
Here's some links that may help... https://www.steemithelp.net/
https://steemit.com/steemit/@igsamuel/how-to-succeed-on-steemit-quick-guide-for-beginners
Upvoted and Following you
@shawnamawna this was such a refreshing read. I only recently joined Steemit and came looking for the community you speak of! I have only just started writing and find this platform to be the perfect place to share my journey of improvement.
I'm a personal trainer so I love that you enjoy exercise and living a healthy life. Followed to stay in touch, show support and learn more about you :)
Welcome back!
Thank you! I apologize for the delay in my response. I tried to respond to you a few days ago using an app on my phone, but no luck. I'll have to make time to log in so I don't miss these connection opportunities!
Welcome back, @shawnamawna. It never hurts to take a break. I enjoy the stripped down silence of meditation, and could probably go days without speaking. Thanks for the post.
Thank you @snowmachine. Love this understanding. :)
That's a great introduction,I almost feel like I know you, the details you offered paint a vivd and interesting picture. LYL sounds intriguing and will visit the link. It's strange and wonderful how we meet people and maybe there is a reason. Thank you again you inspired me.
What an amazing comment. Thank you!
Welcome to the community!
I am so happy to be here!
Welcome, @shawnamawna nice portrait!
Annex :)
Thank you, @annex!