Sit With Yourself
reflections from the creative writing hour
Hello Thoughts on Life Community,
Today, I’d like to share some soul-searching reflections and questions from my last October session of the Creative Writing Hour, which is dedicated to setting intentions and goals for the month ahead, while also reflecting on what the previous month has taught us. For those who may not know, the Creative Writing Hour is a space I founded for creatives and writers to come together, work on their individual projects, and build community—we meet twice a week via zoom for free.
During this session, a lot surfaced for me and the writers who attended. As someone striving to be more present by reflecting on each month’s lessons and challenges, these sessions serve as a way of communicating with myself, creating accountability, and clarifying my purpose. Before each session, I send an email to everyone in the group with a list of questions to consider. This time, I chose to begin with the following question:
What lesson(s) did you learn during the month of October?
My answer was as follows:
“It takes courage to sit with mistakes, to face the false narratives we hold about ourselves, and to realize that change can only begin when we stop making excuses.”
Although it may seem like a brief response, what followed truly shifted something within me. I wrote three questions that I believe carried the real message, resonating deeply with others in the session as I shared them:
What is a prayer without action?
What is a goal without intention?
What are dreams without proper rest?
Do you see what I mean?
These aren’t easy questions. They call for us to sit honestly with ourselves and not avoid the inner work that the universe and a higher source are urging us to do.
For me, questions one and three struck a deep chord, powerfully reminding me that our prayers require us to take steps toward the change, healing, abundance, or growth we seek. We can’t simply pray without understanding the necessary sacrifice and the profound work—both inner and outer—that’s involved. Similarly, “dreams without proper rest” speaks not only to manifesting our aspirations while honoring the need for rest but also reminds us that without physical renewal, we lose the very space to dream. How can we envision what we desire if we’re too weary to dream at night?
And so I ask you: Which question resonates most with you? What message does it bring forward in this moment of your life?
Would love to read your answer in the comments. Also, feel free to share with someone you care about who would enjoy sitting with these questions.
Lastly, I want to leave you all with a reminder:
Don't forget the mission
Don't forget the vision
Don't forget the people
Don't forget the love
Don't forget the hope
Don't forget the impact we still have in the lives of those around us and beyond us.
Offerings and Reminders
Launching Your Writing Career
Ready to Launch Your Writing Career? Join me on November 16th, from 12-3 PM at Cobb County Recreation Center for a masterclass packed with everything l've learned from my own publishing journey.
I'll be sharing insight into the highs, the lows, and the crucial lessons I've picked up along the way-how I pitch myself for collaborations, what to do (and what to avoid!), and most importantly, we'll dive into the "why" behind our words.
I'm incredibly grateful to be in a position to pass this knowledge on, and I can't wait to meet everyone who will be in attendance.
Mentorship Opportunity
Description: Building Confidence and Writing Flow is a four-week guide designed to enhance writers' skills and confidence through a series of targeted activities and exercises. Each week focuses on a crucial aspect of writing development, from building confidence in Week 1, establishing flow in Week 2, exploring structure and inspiration in Week 3, to fostering consistency and commitment to projects in Week 4. Participants will engage with carefully selected reading materials and practical exercises aimed at nurturing both confidence and a steady writing rhythm, creating a strong foundation for their ongoing growth as writers. Learn More Here
Submission Opportunity Reminder
This is a reminder that submissions are open for short stories and poetry exploring the themes of natural hair, identity, culture, and self-love. I’m looking to feature 10 powerful nonfiction stories and poems in an upcoming project, and I’d love to hear from you!
Submission Guidelines
Word Limit: Stories should be under 2,000 words (single-spaced).
Poetry: In addition to your story, you may submit up to 2 poems. The combined total word count (story + poems) must remain under 2,000 words.
Each story and poem must have a title.
All submissions must be original and unpublished.
Formatting Requirements
Submit your work as a single Word document, using Times New Roman font, size 12.
Include a short bio (under 500 words).
Name your file as "FirstName_LastName_HairSubmission".
Please have both the short story and poems in one document.
Submission Process
Send your submissions to dhayanaalejandrina@gmail.com by January 15th, 2025. All contributors, whether selected or not, will receive an email notification.