Freedom
Earlier this week, we had a quiet celebration of Juneteenth. I thought about what freedom means and the freedom to dream. This became a part of several of my journal entries. Freedom is an essential need for each and every person.
However, because I’ve been concerned about human trafficking for so long, this was also something I thought about this week. I am thankful for the end of institutional slavery commemorated on Juneteenth, but I am also concerned that we still have enslaved people throughout the US and world in the areas of the child and adult sex trade, labor for debt
enslavement, forced marriages, and in some places, as child soldiers.
As a writer, I try to tackle this tough subject in some of my creative work, but there is always the question: am I promoting freedom through my actions and words? I hope I am.
Highlights
It feels odd to write about highlights after even a brief mention of concerns over human trafficking, but I think to celebrate the freedom we have to think, to make good choices, and to dream, it is also good to recognize the highlights in our lives and what we give thanks for each week. So, these are my highlights:
- Listening to the Think Fast, Talk Smart podcast episode “The Power of No: How Boundaries Help Us Live More Empowered Lives.”
- In the interview on that podcast, Vanessa Patrick recommended Mellody Hobson as an inspirational communicator. I decided to check out some of her work on Youtube, and came across this video, which is kind of old, but I think it serves as a good introduction to who she is and what she does. “Invested in Success.”
- We have a new kitten in our house. She’s delightful and watching her play motivates me to discover joy each day, as she is so intent on doing, plus she encourages me to take naps.
- I don’t normally talk to strangers, but I had to last summer when I went to the Realm Makers Conference by myself and I made some sweet new writing friends. My husband, on the other hand, talks to strangers all the time. All the time. He finds people to talk to in lines, at the grocery store, at rest stops while on road trips, and while he’s putting gas into his car. We had a disagreement about this about a few weeks ago at a concert – he made friends with people in line, and I wanted to run away to my seat without more conversation. I do think about these kinds of things, although I am solidly an introvert, I think it’s good to talk to people, so that’s part of the reason I listened to this Ted Talk “Why You Should Talk to Strangers” by Kio Stark.
- This Ted Talk was mentioned in a post by Happy Habits, and as I’ve mentioned before, I love the tiny positive posts there, so I recommend! 🙂
- I started out Tuesday grumpy, tired, and out of sorts. I spent some time in prayer and ended up writing a hummy sort of song. It was fun and it brought me out of my funk. From somewhere, I think from God, I found the courage to send a recording to some of my friends and they liked it (of course, they are sweet friends, so?), and it was a positive experience. Maybe someday I’ll share something like that in my podcast on Substack.
- Walking a little more again is good. Going outside, even on rainy days, is good.
- A panel hosted by Katherine D. Graham. I’m so thankful for her encouragement of Indie Authors. Epic Fantasy Chat My office is messy, and I am definitely having those “Oh, I wish I had…” afterward thoughts, but I’m glad I was a part of it this morning.
Writing Prompts
- Freedom
- Invested
- Saying no
- Kittens
- A grumpy day turned upside down
Please note, this is an exact replica of something I posted at Substack for a newsletter type post. I am still working out how I am doing a newsletter and may return to Mailerlite. I am not sure yet…