There comes a time when you are looking for avenues to stay motivated, even for things you love doing.

To me, I was mentally stung by a phenomenon called ‘writer’s block.’

The word here is ‘zeal,’ and that was missing since the beginning of August. I could not put words and form sentences for extended periods.

What could I have done?

Days became weeks, and weeks stretched to months. I had to do something to get over this ‘hurdle.’

During this struggle, I came across a course called ‘Connect using Mindful Storytelling’ in early November.

Now, here comes the exciting part.

I was hesitant to sign up for the course, and I am not sure why. I looked at the course again after two days. And, this time, I signed up. I was looking forward to the course, to become more aware as to why I write.

Will the course provide me with a solution to get over the wall? I certainly hoped so when I enrolled.

The words ‘mindful’ and ‘storytelling’ had a profound effect on my thinking. I took some time off from my daily chores and had a conversation with myself.

Long story short, I realised – “I was in the process of re-discovering my purpose to write again.”

Alas, last week, I found the ‘mojo.’ In a matter of minutes, words came naturally, and significantly, my voice was being documented.

It resulted in an article.

A few days later, another article and a short story: all this, a day before the course.

“Do I need to attend,”  was the question that occurred to me?

I ruled in favour of the course. I sensed I might learn something new, a different perspective, now that I have re-discovered my touch towards writing.

Yesterday, I attended the forum with an open mind. The only sure thing about the course was that I would meet Caitlin Krause and hear her storytelling perspectives.

Let me share what did I take away the most from the course –

“I remember every individual who attended the course. Nine names of the people whom I had not met before.”

And, not just that. I can tell you how they got their names, at least their first names.

How?

Storytelling is not about paying attention alone. It is about making a connection to what’s happening around us.

Each of us was introduced to the others in the room with a personalised etymology game. The origin of our names, not just theoretically, but with a touch of personal element and the flavour of dramatic license.

The result – the names of the participants, are etched in my memory.

There were many other interesting topics we covered in those 150 minutes. I came out of the room with renewed confidence.

I was lost only to re-discover myself.

Photo Credit – Selina Mal Karlsson