When it comes to writing my blog posts there are times I have a series of posts planned out, and other times when inspiration hits and takes me in a different direction.

Such is the case this week thanks to a quote from American writer and social activist Thomas Merton, who wrote: “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” No quote more aptly describes how the seasons of my life have been touched, enhanced and changed because of the arts. Early in my life, I fell in love with musical theatre, being on stage, singing and directing, and this involvement in theatre became the first great love of my life.

Connecting to Merton’s quote, art shows us the best and worst of ourselves, it shows us what is possible, it inspires us, and brings magic into our lives. At the same time I’ve been writing today’s post, I’ve been reading Bill Burnett and Dave Evans’ Design Your Life (DYL). Their book has reminded me of the parts of my life that I haven’t been able to give voice to lately, because of the pandemic and messaging to myself that needs to be reframed (also a concept in DYL).

As I’ve been thinking about this, I started to realize just how many other people around me are as well, which brings me to my question this week: Is there an area of your life, an interest or love that you want to reconnect with, and if so, what are small steps you can take toward reconnecting with that part of your story?

And what small step am I taking you might be asking? Starting today I’m excited to begin a 5-week course called Screenwriting: What Makes a Good Movie?

Next Week: Welcoming the First #WhatsYourSpark Guest Blogger
Coming back to voice, it’s important to me that I bring in other people’s voices and narratives to this space, and so next Tuesday I’m delighted to welcome Carol Wert as the first guest blogger. I first met Carol in 2008 and have had the pleasure of working with her ever since, counting her as a mentor and dear friend, and seeing the impact her wonderful heart and energy contribute to our world. Learn more about Carol, and her philosophy of “daring to be fully present, authentic, and purposeful in your life” at her website.