Piper Punches's Blog, page 6
April 2, 2017
Why We Need to Be Emotionally Self-Reliant
Today we are more connected than ever. Technology makes it possible to reach anyone at any minute of the day. Social media, text, email, and even that outdated device “the telephone” provide outlets for us to connect with another human whenever the feeling strikes. With so many tools available to us to reach out to others it begs the question. Why are so many of us feeling alone?
Some may argue that it’s because we’ve become more automated. That our emotional responses are limited to emotico...
March 19, 2017
Move Freely Toward You
These are the days I hate the most. The days when I move through the sludge. The days when I feel like I’m carrying a thousand pounds on my back through a muddy obstacle course and cannot move freely. I know these days will pass because I’ve become used to their rhythm. I recognize their slightly off-key melody. For a long time, I loathed these days and felt ashamed of the way they made me feel – worthless, lonely, anxious, angry. But, lately, I’ve made peace with them because even though the...
March 5, 2017
Creative Living Without Fear
Hello, friends! How are you? I hope you’re well and happy and full of creative energy. I hope that you’re living the fullest life possible allowing your imaginative spirit to fully embrace those nuggets of inspiration that fleet and flitter in front of our faces every moment. I hope that you’re living boldly without inhibition or fear of rejection because to repress creative energy is to repress your soul from expressing itself freely and honestly. As much...
February 23, 2017
Warrior On, Friend
My Dearest and Bravest Warrior Friend,
Today you texted me. Today you told me that one time you thought your life was over, but now you realize it’s just beginning. I didn’t answer your message because I needed time to think about how I wanted to respond. I’m always good for a random, cheesy line that is just barely passable for a Hallmark card, but I wanted to give you more than Care Bear power (although Care Bear power is pretty good!). I needed to find the right words to raise you up. To g...
February 5, 2017
Twenty to Forty
Dear 20-Year-Old Daughter,
Here we are. It’s the eve of your 20th birthday. We’re spending it in our typical low-key fashion. You’re on your laptop working on homework. There’s a cookie cake resting on the counter that has already been halfway eaten (devoured). We’re passing the time watching funny commercials that are rudely interrupted by a football game that we couldn’t care less about. Life’s moving along at its leisurely pace tonight, but I can’t shake...
January 27, 2017
A Letter to My Youngest Daughter
Dear Youngest Daughter,
I thought you knew. Maybe I took for granted that you understood that I am and always will be your biggest fan. Lately, though, it’s come to my attention that from time to time that you don’t feel like I’m on your side. The first time you slouched in the passenger’s seat on the way home from school, lowered your chin to your chest and mumbled, Why can’t you be on my side? – well, your reaction took me by surprise. You were having a dif...
January 22, 2017
Together
The ground shifted beneath her feet. It was subtle, most likely not a tangible shift because no one else in the room reacted. Everyone else was going about their business without missing a beat: replacing an IV bag, checking vitals, scribbling family information on a dry erase board across from the bed. Only she felt her footing give. She reached out to touch the wall. Her fingertips grazed the smooth surface. She took a breath. The nurse...
January 8, 2017
The Awesomeness of Saying YES
Do you find yourself always saying no to new experiences? Are you consistently avoiding new situations becauseyou fear you have nothing to offer or are unworthy of an experience? Let me tell you that you’re not alone.Sidestepping new adventures that throw us far out of our comfort zone is a defense mechanism. It’s meant to protect us when it really just holds us back from the awesomeness and love of the world we live in. It keeps us on the sidelines of personal growth and prevents us from b...
December 31, 2016
3 Ways Competitiveness Isn’t Serving You
Our lives are lived in intense and anxious struggle, in a swirl of speed and aggression, in competing, grasping, possessing and achieving, forever burdening ourselves with extraneous activities and preoccupations. – Sogyal Rinpoche
Tonight I can see the new year over the horizon. In a few hours, the hands on the clock will stack on top of each other, chimes will ring, and cheers from all over my little piece of the world will crescendo in celebration. Welcoming a new year means inviting chang...
November 9, 2016
The Proof Is in the Writing
Here it is. The Proof.
A proof copy is the final stage of the editing process. But, for me, it’s so much more. It’s The Proof that I did it. That I worked through the writing pains, made it through the creative process, and trudged through the quicksand known as doubt and insecurity. The Proof is in the writing, and I am so blessed and grateful for everyone who supported me along the way.
So, what comes next?Well, it’s been almost three years since I published a book and I feel like I am st...
