Tis the season to be racing around in circles, madly shopping, wrapping, sending, decorating, cooking. Whatever holiday you keep, the clock is on Indianapolis 500. The shrinking daylight seems even shorter. There are lines in stores everywhere; a healthy balance in your bank account nowhere. And, writing? Writing? "I want to write, but I just don't have time."

Stop. Set a timer for a half hour. Start it. Just sit. Don't jump up to do whatever it is that you believe so desperately needs doing. Stop. Now turn away from the computer screen till the timer goes off. 

There. Thirty minutes have gone by. Now, give yourself a gift which no one else can. Re-set your timer for a half hour. Start it. Begin writing and don't stop till the timer goes off. Here is your prompt: “I accept you, gift.”

As always, I am happy to read your writing response to this post. You may share it publicly in the Comments section below or send it to marysojourner@gmail.com. Let me know if you want my reaction. And, as always, I am available to work with you with your writing - or, as a gift to a family member or friend. What greater gift is there than an open door to one's creativity? 

May Winter Solstice hold us in the growing light. May the December 15 Full Moon shake up our complacency and shine on our astonishing words. So be it.

Blessed be. Mary S.