writing 101

Choice

/ Luanne Shernisky / 7 Comments

Despite only having six letters, it’s a small word with big implications. It’s the ability to choose, which is something we’re not born with. As babies and children, we rely on our parents and caretakers to make choices for us: when and what we eat, how often we’re bathed, what time we go to bed, and so forth. It’s a privilege we acquire as we grow older. However, privilege and responsibility go hand in hand and we quickly learn that our choices have consequences. Yes, kids, we can eat ice cream for dinner and stay up late every night, but eventually we’ll suffer from poor health issues.

If we don’t learn those lessons early, the stakes only get higher as we grow up: yes, we can have unprotected sex and drive while intoxicated, but the consequences are more immediate and far more serious. Just about the time we begin to gain some autonomy, our hormones go crazy and we forgo common sense and bow to peer pressure.

How we handle these early choices ultimately shape our lives and determine how we view our right to choose. Do we see them as a responsibility or an entitlement? Do we carefully examine the various options available before making a decision? Are we conscious of how our choices may impact other people?

We make many choices in our daily life. Some are small and insignificant; what outfit should I wear? Some are large and compelling; do I quit my job to pursue my passion?

Life is the sum of all your choices. ~ Albert Camus

You decide.

List – Things I’ve Learned

/ Luanne Shernisky / 2 Comments

List

  1. You can’t fix people; they have to fix themselves

  2. You have to set boundaries and not allow others to cross them

  3. You have to respect the boundaries of others and not cross them

  4. Being present is better than being right

  5. Good health is priceless

  6. Less is more

  7. Pedestals are for statues, not people

  8. Honesty is the best policy

  9. You can’t buy class

  10. Sometimes love isn’t enough

I Write Because

/ Luanne Shernisky / 4 Comments

I write because it’s easier than speaking. There’s time to contemplate what and how I’ll say whatever is on my mind. Some days that’s a lot and other days, not so much; it just depends. It depends on what is going on in my life and the world at large. It depends on what is going on in the lives of the people around me. Some days it depends on what I’m remembering from the past.

I write because sometimes it’s better to keep things to yourself. Certain thoughts and feelings don’t seem appropriate or acceptable, so they’re not to be shared with others. But I still need to acknowledge them in some way, outside of my own head, so writing offers that outlet.

I write because it’s a need, like scratching an itch. Somehow, speaking the words to convey emotions doesn’t quite get the job done; it doesn’t feel complete. Spoken words instantly become invisible and drift away. But written words are more tangible and more likely to stay. 

I write because it feels good. Thoughts, emotions, and ideas should never stay bottled up inside oneself. They need to be free and I feel better when I let them escape. Once they’re out I then decide if they need revision, if they’re a true, accurate reflection of me, and whether I will share them or keep them to myself.