Linda Kulp Trout

Thursday, January 9, 2014

One Little Word for 2014

I love how poetry helps me discover something about myself. Linda Engwall's  poem really fits where I am in my life right now.  It led me to my OLW.

Finding My Voice


When you have all these thoughts
just running around in your head
how do you make sense of any one of them
Switching from analyzing this
to analyzing that

Oh to find some relief
Like to take my head off
let all the garbage spill out
Then I would be left with a empty head
Funny I know
But how else do you clear the clutter away
 





Read the rest of the poem here.


I chose VOICE  as my one little word to guide me through 2014 because this is the year I want to figure out the "what's next" I mentioned in my birthday post.

Our voice is a unique expression of who we are.  I've spent much of my life trying to find my voice-- afraid to trust myself, I waited for others to tell me who I should be.  But, growing older gives us the courage to do things differently, to take risks, and discover our own true selves.  I don't know where Voice will lead me this year, but I look forward to the journey!




I'd love to hear about your One Little Word. 
In case you haven't chosen one yet, here is a link to a video with Jon Gordon talking about how to choose your OLW.  (I apologize for the advertisement that precedes the video.)

Don't forget to stop by and see Donna  at Mainely Write for today's Poetry Friday.

14 comments:

  1. Happy (slightly belated) Birthday, Linda! I'm not too many years behind you. Best wishes as you ponder "Voice" this year. (Have you read the old book, IF YOU WANT TO WRITE, by Brenda Ueland? I love my tattered copy, and she must have been a wonderful teacher. She seemed to know how to free students from what they "thought" they should write so they could write directly - and, voila, voice.) Enjoy your explorations!

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    1. I have read IF YOU WANT TO WRITE, but it's been a while. One day soon, I need to pull it off my bookshelf and read it again. Thanks for the birthday wishes! : )

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  2. Finding one's voice and one's truth - they are really goals of a lifetime, aren't they?

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    1. Yes, and it's been a lifelong search for me. I'm hoping to at least get closer this year.

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  3. I've struggled with finding my voice for the past few years. Maybe I'll pick up a copy of the book Robyn suggested.

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    1. It's a wonderful book. I've read sections of it many times, but as I said, it's been a while. I read so many writing books that sometimes I forget the specifics. If you read it, I hope you'll share any insights you gain from it.

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  4. I love the idea of "let(ting) all the garbage spill out" of my head to "clear the clutter away". That's how I approach the New Year. Thanks for sharing. =)

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    1. I admit, mine head is often full of too much garbage. I'm not good at letting the stress of the day go, but I'm working on it. : )

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  5. As you search for your voice, keep humming and singing all the way! I'm thinking the process might be just as rewarding as when/if you find what you're looking for!

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    1. I've always heard that it's all about the journey! Thanks, Mary Lee!

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  6. Hi Linda, I've been thinking quite closely about my One Little Word too. I like how powerful this exercise can be in terms of goal-setting and setting a theme for one's year. Voice "sounds" perfect. :) Thank you for sharing this poem with us this week.

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    1. Oh, yes I think it will be life-changing. Please let me know when you've chosen your OLW. I love hearing about the words others choose.

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  7. Voice is an important word and sometimes elusive during the search. Blogging has helped me find my voice. My word this year is Open. Like you, I am in my second half of life, and while it is an easier time (empty nest, etc.), it is hard to be open to new possibilities. We can get stuck in our old habits and routines.
    Thanks for sharing and good luck with finding your true voice.

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  8. Thanks, Margaret. Yes, we sure can get stuck in those old habits! I'm trying hard to replace some of them with new habits this year, but as the saying goes, "It's hard to teach an old dog..." : )

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