Cada Dia

This quote has been rumbling through my head as of late. "If you want to write, write. If you want to be a runner, run. If you want to be a speaker, go out and speak. If you want to sing, sing." I'm paraphrasing it, but, in essence, this "go out and actively do whatever you want to do" attitude is  what's been driving me to  dust myself off and get back up on my horse, and ride boldly forward, exploring and growing.

After taking a couple of chances, and feeling paralyzed by not knowing what to do, and just feeling 'meh about not moving forward, I got gun shy. My head and my heart were scrambled; and now it's time to be brave again. To find clarity through listening to my heart and what brings me happiness. No playing small. No getting derailed by outside forces, people, or opinions. I recognize my experiences, my talents, my voice, are unique to me. And, while others may share similar paths, philosophies, stories, the commonalities make them relatable; but they don't make them the same, because everybody is different. Everybody's story is unique; all while we're common in our human condition.

As readers, as creators, we all have our own background, experiences, judgements, perspectives that we bring to the table that influence what we perceive. So, reading a story can mean one things to many, and many things to one. There's  place for it all. There aren't a limited number of spots at the table. There are infinite pieces of the pie, and I'm here to claim mine!

Last May, we went to Key West and visited Ernest Hemingway's home.

Me Bonding With One of  the Famous 6 Toed Cats at Hemingway's

Since freshmen year of high school, when my English teacher, Mister Jenkins introduced us to "The Old Man and The Sea," and "For Whom The Bell Tolls," I was absolutely smitten with Hemingway's writing style. Short, to the point sentences, that make you feel the realm of emotions. For the longest time, (and recently I am reminded of its timeless beauty), the elegant, profound simplicity of: "Courage is Grace Under Pressure."


Learning Hemingway's colorful history was really interesting. From his being a soldier in the war, to being in Paris with all of the other great literary expats, writing for newspapers, to penning novels, drinking, hunting, fishing, traveling the world, the women he loved and lost, throughout the years, the man lived a big life.

The one thing that's stuck with me from touring his place, was visiting his writing studio. His mantra, "cada dia," which translates to every day....and that's what he believed in, no matter what, writing. Every. Single. Day. Even, if it was a crap day, just get in there and write.

Hemingway's Writing Studio, Key West

Yes, some people are more gifted with writing than others.....but, the act of making it a habit to write something daily, is what eventually brings you success. Like with anything else, it's consistency that matters.

Another bit of Hemingway's writing advice is if you have difficulty writing to start off by "writ(ing) one true sentence. Write the truest sentence you know." One true statement of mine is that I want to be a writer. I want to make an impact through my thoughts and words. And, I'm vowing to myself, in one way or another, I will be writing cada dia. Every day, in some fashion, something.

As food for thought, below are a few of my favorite Hemingway quotes. If I could go back in time and interview anyone, having a drink at Sloppy Joe's with EH would definitely be top of my list.

What's your favorite Hemingway novel or quote?

Venturing Out - Jen To The Light

Since I was young, like 3-4 years old,  I have been in love with writing. I mean completely enamored with all things printed. I was the first kid in my kindergarten class to be able to read. And, for a painfully shy kid, books were my go-to. In contrast to my much more sociable sister, I preferred to be curled away somewhere lost in whatever I was reading.

Throughout growing up, I toyed with the idea of being a writer. And, in high school, really thought that's what I'd ultimately end up doing, until I was repeatedly asked the question, "what kind of career can you make out of being a writer?" 

Being the people pleaser that I am (working on transitioning to making that a was..or at least less so) :), I thought, "yeah, I guess they're right." I felt that I was nowhere as cool as JD Salinger in coming up with one of my favorite characters, Holden Caufield. I didn't want to hermit myself away like Thoreau (and Salinger). I knew I wasn't going to go off to war like Hemingway. In short, I felt like I didn't have anything truly remarkable or unique to say. I envisioned being a writer solely as writing great American novels. I didn't think about writing in a broad sense. 

But, writing is the basis of so much of communication. It's how we get our thoughts across to those we can't connect with via phone/Google Hangout. It's how I try and sort my thoughts (or used to a lot, and then dropped it). It's how business is done. Writing is expression. It's finding a common point of understanding. It's making your mark, opening your heart, and sharing your experience. Whatever it may be. 

Writing takes dedication. Like working out, or meditating, or any effort. I'm good at dedication in other areas of my life. Working out, most definitely! If I were to compare my writing regimen to working out, I'd be a word couch potato.  I've gone in fits and starts. A friend of mine and I talked forever about creating a writers' workshop. And, that always fell through. I read beautiful books and blog posts by others; and am inspired; and think "I can do that!" And, then I don't. 

In the last four months, I've been fairly good about journaling. More so with my gratitude journal, and a bit with journaling journaling. But, nothing to really hang my hat on in terms of saying, "Yep. I'm consistently writing tangibly." 

And something changed. Over the course of the winter holiday, I felt this immense drive to write. To document. To try and express what I was seeing, hearing, feeling, experiencing. And, then, I didn't do it. I didn't take the time. Over the past couple of days, that drive has been growing stronger. I'm planning on making this foray into writing not one of a flash in the pan New Year's Resolution; but part of my lifestyle.

As I mentioned, I know writing takes discipline. And, I realize it also takes a sense of vulnerability. In that I am expressing my thoughts, opinions, feelings, and perspective. I'm not usually one to come forth with my opinions on things first. I'm one who typically soaks up information, actively and intently listens, and then share what I'm thinking. I'm usually one who has to be asked to share before I do. 

But, I realize that in doing so, I'm holding back. So, that's what the purpose of this blog is about: venturing Jen To The Light - bringing my thoughts into the light, onto the screen, out of my head and into existence. It'll be a random blog, in the sense that I don't have a set agenda or topic to write about; other than sharing what's on my mind or feel that I would like to write about. 

So, here we go!