One of my Girl Scouts is moving on to Middle school, and she asked for advice. Come to think of it, she didn’t ask for anything. She just came in for a hug. So, there I was, that annoying person who pushes advice without being asked. Her mom said she hoped her daughter would become a writer. Be careful what you wish for, mama! I tell my kids that I hope they don’t ever become writers.

“Keep a journal,” I said. “That’s my advice if you want to become a writer. Write!” Then, I went on… “And don’t just write about the bad stuff, like when you get into it with your mom or when the girls at school are mean, or when you like a boy. Write about your cousins, your house, your neighborhood, draw your room, make lists of things that bring you joy. Write about your favorite things, and give details. Describe your favorite teacher.”

Then it kind of stuck with me. Hypocrite. Do you do this anymore? Every time you feel like writing it’s to vent. Then you look back on your experiences and think, Gosh, my life really sucked. Fill in life with anything.
My friends really sucked.
My marriage really sucked.
My blog really sucked.

Don’t just vent. Describe and capture the smaller moments. Pay attention. And don’t be all talk. DO. Get hands on.

“We Learn . . .
10% of what we read
20% of what we hear
30% of what we see
50% of what we see and hear
70% of what we discuss
80% of what we experience
95% of what we teach others.”
–William Glasser

You have to teach by doing and teaching those who you teach to pass along the message by teaching it themselves. Lecture to self complete… for now.