Run, Deer, Run!
The past two weeks of running have been incredible for wildlife sightings—wild turkeys, rabbits, deer, fawns, even ducks! But there's one thing I've always hoped I'd never see: wildlife getting hit by a car on these country roads.
Last week, I had a heart-stopping moment. Running downhill, I saw a deer and her fawn crossing ahead of me. They stopped, frozen in the middle of the road, just as I heard a car approaching. My eyes darted between the car and the deer family.
Please don't hit them, I whispered.
The car crested the hill, heading straight for them. The driver wasn't slowing down, and I was sure I was about to witness a disaster. Just as I started to wave my arms, the driver honked and slammed on the brakes. The deer and fawn bolted to safety.
Phew. Way too close.
As I kept running, it hit me how often I freeze just like those deer, caught between where I am and where I want to go. In my writing, I freeze before hitting the publish button. I get stuck wondering what to say or if my work is good enough to share with the world. While working on edits for Miles of Meaning: from Doubter to JFK 50 Mile Finisher, I swing between trash it all and keep going.
Here's what struck me about that deer family: the mother stayed with her fawn, and the fawn stayed with her mother. They froze together, then ran to safety together.
Maybe we need this too—someone to freeze with us in the messy middle before we find courage to move.
Here's what struck me about that deer family: the mother stayed with her fawn, and the fawn stayed with her mother. They froze together, then ran to safety together.
Maybe you're stuck on a project right now, paralyzed between creating and sharing. Maybe you're questioning whether your work matters. I believe it does. Your voice matters.
We're in this together, finding courage to keep putting our work into the world, one brave step at a time. Someone out there needs to hear exactly what only you can provide.
Keep showing up,
Julie
Write about a time you were "frozen" like the deer—caught between two choices or stuck in indecision. What or who helped you move forward? Share your story in the comments or hit reply and share— I read every response.
Notebooks and Pens Ready! :) Thank you, writing buddies. Join our online community writing session today (7/21) at 11 am EST. We'll gather in silent solidarity to work on our creative projects, starting with a writing prompt to warm up. No experience is necessary.
Be part of our creative community! Use the link below (on Mondays) to enter our Zoom room, and feel free to invite a friend to write alongside you. Together, we'll discover our creative voices and find the courage to put our stories on the page.
Let's write together. Let's grow together.
Summer Updates:
Move. Write Connect. has one last summer session before Fall: July 23 at 9 a.m. For details and to sign up, click here.
Monday Zoom write-togethers will continue throughout July: I won't be able to lead the group on 8/4 and 8/11. I'll try to find someone to host these sessions. If not, I’ll see you back on August 18.
Summer break: I will be unplugging to spend time with family starting July 29. I’ll be back in your inbox on August 18.
Project Updates: My next book, Miles of Meaning: from Doubter to JFK 50 Mile Finisher, is currently in the editing phase! I'm excited to share updates and reveal the cover soon.
