Keepin’ On

Photo by Diana Ewell Engel

Creating A Sanctuary

Dear Seized Readers,

So much in our world takes away our joy. I want to be a consciousness-raising voice for change through my writing and sharing of verse. But, many days it’s difficult to crawl out from under the dark despair and cruelty of our world. Each of us must continue to be brave and to remind ourselves that what we do makes a difference.

What helps you continue when you’re feeling low?

Photo by Diana Ewell Engel

How do we keep “keepin’ on” with our chosen vocations when we feel drained, when cynical thoughts threaten to make us give up on ourselves and our world?

Meaningful quotes and memory laden objects open the door to tranquility and uplift for me.

Beginning The Day

Centering closes down the feeding frenzy that can erupt within my mind. I focus on the goodness in my life and the one realistic writing goal or step I want to achieve that day.

I keep a quote by novelist and writing teacher Garth Greenwell on my bathroom mirror. I read it each morning when I’m brushing my teeth.

Photo by Diana Ewell Engel. Quote is from Garth Greenwell.

Greenwell’s message helps me keep my perspective, especially: “The artist’s great luck is to have found a passion, something that fills life up with value, with meaningfulness.” Amen. May each of us as we experience rejection, biting words, or crushing silence keep that essential truth in mind. We are communicating our ideas and our unique experiences, striving to touch others. Greenwell’s ideas can easily be applied to other kinds of work/hobbies. We engage in meaningful tasks, no matter how popular or successful we may or may not be.

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Find a quickly accessible cheerleader: A quote, for instance, or a YouTube or Spotify song by a favorite musician that lifts your spirit. Begin your day by looking at or listening to your cheerleader.

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I’m grateful to my sister Elizabeth for introducing me to the music of James Bay, specifically his song, “Hope.” I know these words by heart and I sing along. I am, proudly, that friend who likes sappy songs. Music provides an immediate emotional boost.

Turn Your Space into A Place of Joy

I have filled my writing room with art, objects, and quotes that bring warm memories, inspire me, and help my imagination wander.

Let’s go on a selective tour:

Provoke Smiles

Photo by Diana Ewell Engel. Painting is by J. Stuckey. Rock Collage is by Lois Cupp Jeanette.

I have whimsical objects on my writing table that brighten my day. This fantastical assortment includes a tiny bird under a four-leaf clover which my daughter brought back from Japan, a collage of tiny rock created beings that are an homage to a Hal Holbrook production, a box of Elf candies inspired by the movie, and a somewhat creepy but imaginative painting of an angel from my mom.

These fun things help me move from disappointment or exhaustion to a place of imagination.

As an example:

Photo by Diana Ewell Engel. Rock collage is by Lois Cupp Jeanette.

Take a look at the small sea horse emblemed keys. They open the door in my mind, helping my imagination wander. My husband found these when cleaning out our kitchen junk drawer. We couldn’t remember what they went to—If you don’t have this situation happening in your home, you must be very young and/or exceptionally well-organized ; )! They connect my thoughts to an ingenious sea animal and to Pawleys Island, SC where a boatload of happy family memories await.

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Allow time and space for playfulness. Choose objects that delight you and deliver your mind to happy places or memories.

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Sources of Inspiration

Photo by Diana Ewell Engel

Meaningful writings motivate me. At the top of this photo is a Jewish Sabbath prayer. I handwrote it. The act of writing helped me internalize its message: “Days pass and the years vanish, and we walk sightless among miracles.” One of my writing-related missions is to help myself and my readers see the miracles around us.

My mother’s and father’s handwritten notes are below this quote. Mother and I shared a love of Jon Batiste’s music. His words, “The joy of living is still available to us,” are significant for several reasons. Mom passed away in late 2023; this quote in her writing brings her to life. More importantly, Jon Batiste as well as my mother have had reason to despair: Batiste’s wife is battling cancer. My grieving mother was left to raise her four children when Dad unexpectedly died at the early age of 45. I look to their strength in situations more challenging than my own.

The note in Dad’s writing details my freshman afternoon classes and questions for me. My father had traveled to my college campus to see me with this note in his wallet on the day he later died. This handwritten note evokes him and demonstrates his love: On a busy workday, he took time to come see me with my requested mirror. He too demonstrated great strength of character, serving as a TN appellate judge and championing many humanitarian causes.

Seeing the blessing of my supportive parents inspires me to continue writing.

The black and white photo is of my family back in 1973 as witnessed by Dad’s sideburns and our clothing choices(!) My siblings have become even dearer to me now that both parents are gone.

My Excavating Light business card touches both notes. This card reminds me that as their daughter, I have written a poetry book that, among other things, honors their memory. This card confirms that I can write a second poetry collection.

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Who inspires you? Place their words, art and photos in your work retreat.

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Constructive Help

Photo by Diana Ewell Engel

Does this ever happen to you? Sometimes, I have this uncanny experience with fortune cookie fortunes: The fortune is exactly what I need at the time I pull it from the crispy shell! I taped these to my lamp. Metaphorically, these fortunes light my path.

Photo by Diana Ewell Engel. The painting is by my cousin, Alice Richards.

I never met my cousin Alice. Alice was initially an artist. She turned to journalism midway through her career, writing for The Altanta Constitution. I identify with Alice; I began my career life as a librarian. I found that path fulfilling, but I had to abandon it once my daughter came along. Like Alice, I turned to writing. Her painting adds warmth and a feeling of Southern nostalgia to my room. It also reminds me that as my fortune says, I am skilled.

Photo by Diana Ewell Engel. Quote at the bottom is from Amnesty International.

These quotes from the ACLU and Amnesty International help me continue to be brave and to protest the harmful actions and inactions that occur in our nation and around the world.

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What ideas, art/photos, quotes help build your confidence and might also provide steps to your self-actualization?

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Create Your Sanctuary

Find items that bring you joy, and place them in key places you frequent throughout your day. You may be surprised at their power to motivate, cheer, and inspire you.

What personal objects bring you joy? Share what beloved items serve as a haven for you.

Photo by Diana Ewell Engel