Daily Nourishment for December 19, 2024: When You Let Go of the Rules

Daily Nourishment Read Time: 40 seconds
Pause/Prompt/Practice Time: 12 minutes


If you’re wondering if you’re a “real writer,” the answer is “Yes.”

Pause.

Rest for three minutes. While seated or lying down in a spot in that feels safe and comfortable, set a timer, close your eyes, and rest. If you like, begin this time of rest with six deep breaths with a six-count inhale and a six-count exhale and/or pray this prayer by Saint Ignatius of Loyola.

 

Prompt.

Watch this 52-second video that will encourage you to let go of the writing rules that aren’t serving you. Then start making a list of “writing rules” you want to break.

 

Practice.

Give your attention to the thoughts you have about your writing practice.

What do you say to yourself when you realize you aren’t writing as often as you prefer? What unnecessary or unrealistic expectations do you have that make you feel like you aren’t a “real writer”?

Want More?
Do more journaling in response to these questions:
How can you have more freedom in your writing practice? How can you move closer to a nourishing and sustainable writing practice that doesn’t make you feel like you aren’t measuring up?

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Resources, Workshops, & Gatherings:
—Advent Resources:
Throughout Advent, I’ll include a new resource each day. For today, here’s a lovely poem, “The Magnificat” by Mary Ruefle.

—Become an SDW Insider:
(Free) Weekly emails, behind-the-scenes updates, reminders for free SDW Co-Writing sessions, early access to gatherings and retreat registrations, occasional offers and gifts, bonus resources, and more. Email Charlotte at charlotte@charlottedonlon.com to be added to the SDW Insiders.

—New Resource: Parenting with Art® Lectio Divina Cards Information about ordering these cards can be found in my Books + Spiritual Direction + Retreats & Gatherings email newsletter . To stay in the loop on all of my work, writing, book recs, and more, subscribe to that weekly newsletter at charlottedonlon.com/subscribe.


Today’s Daily Nourishment was provided by Charlotte Donlon.

*Please help us protect our intellectual property, our creative process, and the integrity of our work. Spiritual Direction for Writers® Daily Nourishment is covered under the Spiritual Direction for Writers® trademark. You are welcome to share this link with others, but any other use (written or spoken) is prohibited without written permission from Charlotte Donlon.


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Daily Nourishment for December 20, 2024: You Read the Book and the Book Reads You

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Daily Nourishment for December 18, 2024: Personal Saints and Saviors with Guidance from Erik Fuhrer