Following the election last fall, our son, Erik initiated a project called "Last Day First Day." I was taken by his initiative and timing to ask us all to actively reflect through writing. Writing, creating, performing allows reflection and self-expression. Whether you voted for either candidate in the election, the process of sharing your views in a simple letter results in shifting or embracing a new mindset and yes, we are creating art in doing this simple act.
We can apply this exercise whether it is for a political, personal or business reason.
Engagement means diving into new conversation so that we understand more clearly where we stand and learn from each other's perspectives. How about embracing honesty? There is honesty in our own action and words. Every day we have a chance to share an honest perspective and walk through new doors; maybe you have the first day in a new job and a last day to leave what you knew behind. You now have a new story to write. The story will emerge through your words and experience.
I am suggesting (thank you Erik) that whether you are writing to Obama or Trump, or writing to your old boss and or a new one, the power of your reflection opens you to creativity and courage that might surprise you. Julia Cameron, author of the Artists Way, suggests daily morning pages. What if you simply wrote for last and first days of any change this year. New job, new project, new boss, or new relationship. Let your creative self speak up this year. Imagine the stories you have inside you. Thank you Erik for inspiring us to action and an idea that might serve us all well over the course of this new year beyond January 20th.