Hello everyone, or um…no one.  Today begins what will surely be a long, arduous journey that actually began, in theory, way back in November of 2003, but more about that later.
   
From my profile, it’s clear that I am nothing, if not a curious amalgamation: wife of almost 30 years, mother of three sons, nurse leader, dog lover, newbie writer, artist, zen seeker, reluctant, inner athlete and now… blogger.  I am also a life-long Utah resident.   Hey now, don’t be lulled to sleep by the fact that I was born and raised in good ol’ Utah.  I have traveled extensively across the U.S. and I’m not your typical Utahan; though proud to live in such a family-centered state.  Utah is home to some of the most stunning mountain vistas and treacherous wilderness areas, that challenge even the most skilled outdoor enthusiasts.  Don’t believe me?  Just check out our obituaries.  If you like the outdoors, you really need to put a pin in Utah and call your travel agent.  Moving on….


If you are reading this, then I’d bet that you might be just like me.  You are one of those people, who got on with the business of life, but still heard the whispering of the muses and spirit guides hidden amongst the shadows; and who tirelessly still, try to redirect you towards your passion, your calling.   Writing


I, like you, managed to raise a wonderful family and despite it all, managed to stay married to the same guy.  In my case, going on thirty years.  Yikes, that is a long time.  I even found myself in an honorable profession with meaningful work.  See, I get to help shape the next generation of nurses; and unless you are planning on finding the fountain of youth, or dying young, you’ll be glad for that someday when you find yourself being cared for by an outstanding nurse.


But even with such a wonderful life, something has always been missing.  Something just never felt quite  right.  I believe that a person can do good work and truly make a difference, and still not be aligned with their purpose in life.  We are spiritual beings having a human experience and our assignment in this life is to find our purpose.  I know that I have found mine.


I am a creative soul.  An artist at heart, who notices and appreciates the lines and contours of ordinary things.  More importantly, I am a lover of words.  A slow but ardent reader, I will read and re-read passages, imbibing the writers thoughts like a drug, filling my head with their joy or sorrow.   I simply love books.   I love the feel of a book in my hands and find myself running my fingers along their textured, colorful spines as I browse the local bookstore.


So what changed for me?  I finally decided to STOP… and hearken to the whispering of my muses and guides.  They reaffirmed what I have always known, that I am a writer.


This I have known since the time of my youth, but had chosen to ignore, if for no other reason, but because my wonderful life got in the way.  Now, I am making time to pursue my calling; making the time to write, if only at the edges of my day.  Notice that I used the word “making” rather than “finding” time.  If you take only one thing away from my post today, let it be this.


You will never FIND the time to write.  You must MAKE time to write.


Next post…more on why it took so long for an idea from 2003 to become a nearly complete manuscript in 2012.             370 pages (80,000 words) and still writing…


Your Task:  STOP, get very quiet and listen.   Then look for the signs.  There are no coincidences.    You’ll know what to do.  You’ve always have known it.  ~Rita