Welcome to this week’s Five Minute Friday. Our instructions, via creator Kate Motaung: “Write for five minutes on the word of the week. This is meant to be a free write, which means: no editing, no over-thinking, no worrying about perfect grammar or punctuation.” Today’s prompt: TRY.
Even though it may violate the FMF principles just a tiny bit, when I read my friend Mark’s phrase: “You can’t walk ten miles into the forest and expect to get out in five” earlier this week in a piece about his addiction, I knew I had to try to make it a part of my Five Minute Friday piece.
“Trying” makes me think of the first therapist I had (I was in college). Her main takeaway about the way I told my story was, “you make everything sound so hard.” I have always, since then, wondered if I am overcomplicating things.
Another therapist I had in my 20s told me to think like Yoda (I may be messing this up a bit): “There is no ‘try,’ there is only ‘do.’”
As we struggle to find a way for me to shore up my income now that Dad is gone, I am struggling, trying to find a way to share my gifts that simultaneously provides for my family.
I wonder what Yoda would say. Well, okay, I know – DO. Don’t just try.
I’m ten miles into the forest of debt and I’m not going to get out in five.
Writing is so integral to who I am, I think part of the key lies in using my writing in whatever job I take on, whatever new responsibility.
I wish I could think of something Yoda-ish to close out this five minutes with, but I’m drawing a blank.
Maybe: “Write I will”?
I know I process the hardest things through writing about them. Maybe that is why this time has presented itself, with these challenges.
This post is part of the weekly Five Minute Friday linkup.
Wife of one, Mom of two, Friend of many. My pronouns are she/her/hers.
Tara says
Paula, good job. Writing is often healing and cathartic for me too!
Paula Kiger says
Thanks, Tara. 🙂
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser says
Great job here, Paula, and your courageous transparency is an inspiration.
But Yoda was wrong. Trying is doing. Not bothering to try is not doing. We never know where our road ends, and never know if we’ll be able to reach the milepost defined by the initial ‘try’.
But the path itself is the learning.
#1 at FMF this week.
https://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2017/08/your-dying-spouse-345-embracing-fear-fmf.html
Paula E Kiger says
You have a point there, Andrew. This prompt could have gone SO many ways. As prompts do, it found me where I was at. Thank you for stopping by and for your insight.
atexasgirlblogs says
Try is something I am having trouble with this morning as I am trying not to cry. I enjoyed your post and wish you a Blessed day.
Paula E Kiger says
I hope you have a day full of blessing, too. Thank you for reading my post.
Carolina Hinojosa-Cisneros says
Write I will. xx Love your Yoda take away. I’m praying you up though this financial wilderness, friend. I pray you don’t let it ruffle your spirit. Glad to be #FMF friend. I’m at #35 today.
Paula E Kiger says
Thank you so much. 🙂
Carol says
Yes, write. And pray as you try. May God provide the guidance for your steps forward. Thank-you for your honest words. I’m at #6. Have a blessed weekend!
Paula E Kiger says
Writing is always part of the mix, for sure. Thanks for your encouragement.
Annette V says
take your will and write! 🙂 good job.
Paula E Kiger says
Thanks, Annette!
Marie says
We both referenced Yoda!
I have no words of wisdom for your situation, but I will be praying for you. God will show you the way out of that forest.
Paula E Kiger says
Came in pretty handy this week, he did. (LOL). Thank you for the prayers. I am grateful for them.
Lisa Romeo says
“Write, I will.”
Love that, I do!
Paula E Kiger says
🙂