A Dangerous Morning Drinking Game? – Daily Quote

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I get grief from some people when they realize how much coffee I drink daily. Nobody wants to see me first thing in the morning before the two-cup minimum required to humanize me. Mornings find me short-tempered, easily provoked, and aggressive towards anything that crosses my path. Pity the fool who gets between me and my first dose of medication. It seems like I might have the last laugh as a 2017 study determined those who drink coffee live longer than those who don’t.

There is also a study conducted to determine if the brewing method made a difference. It surprised me to learn methods using a filter showed the greatest correlation to longevity. The study states a filter “removes most of the coffee lipids (cafestol and kahweol) which have shown to raise cholesterol levels.” I enjoy my French press and an evening cup of Greek or Turkish coffee or Italian espresso, and I wonder about the benefits of the single-serve brewers besides convenience. My morning ritual uses a classic standby, my drip coffeemaker. I have nicknamed mine, “The Fountain of Youth.”

What is your favorite coffee-making method?

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

The 2020 Daily Writing Challenge – June 7

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2020 Daily Writing Challenge

Writing is like driving at night in the fog.
You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.
– E. L. Doctorow

Today is Day 159 of the 2020 Daily Writing Challenge.

Did you write yesterday?  We get knocked down sometimes. Current events have done an excellent job of destroying normal. There is a silver lining. These times have granted us an opportunity to reexamine life, priorities, and what happiness really means.  I am determined, and I refuse to stay stuck in a mess. Today, I stand up, regroup, reset my intentions, and recommit to attaining my dreams.

An ongoing topic of exploration is Cal Newport’s concept of deep work, “the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task.” Newport advocates approaching and completing challenging tasks by eliminating distractions, committing to block scheduling, and adhering to your intentions.

What are your intentions? Unlike goals that concentrate on achievement, intentions emphasize awareness. They are essential elements necessary to effect lasting change and establishing meaningful habits. Acting intentionally probes the root of your “why.” Examples of an intention may include creating space for writing and creativity. Do you hope to bring light to others, develop your skills, or gain strength? Perhaps your aim is to commit yourself to hard work and following through, regardless of the outcome. Does your purpose require you to face your fear and resolve to move forward, anyway?

Will identifying your intentions and reviewing them daily help you find your voice? Does it compel you to open your laptop or a notebook, grab a pen, and record the words and stories that are begging to be told?

Try it and let us know how you did in the comments below.

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Taking Steps to Reach Your Goals – Daily Quote

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men-fail-much-oftener-from-want-of-perseverance-than-from-want-of-talent.-william-cobbett

The world is full of successful people with little talent, and talented people with little success. We can find countless reasons, attribute good luck, bad luck, and timing. But as Mr. Cobbett suggests, the difference may boil down to perseverance. We must find the ability to go to work every day, day after day, fixating on details, drilling on the basics, creating a plan, and working the plan.

Everyone sees the glory of success. They overlook the boring, the tedious, the drudgery, the late nights, the early mornings, and countless decisions over minuscule details. Unfortunately, success does not come with a guaranteed arrival date. Perseverance keeps us on task in the face of difficulties and uncertainty. It keeps us striving when things look bleak, and when we fear we may never attain our goals.

What will you do today to bring you closer to your goal?

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

The 2020 Daily Writing Challenge – June 6

/ JoHawkTheWriter / 3 Comments

2020 Daily Writing Challenge

Writing is like driving at night in the fog.
You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.
– E. L. Doctorow

Today is Day 158 of the 2020 Daily Writing Challenge.

Did you write yesterday?  We get knocked down sometimes. Current events have done an excellent job of destroying normal. There is a silver lining. These times have granted us an opportunity to reexamine life, priorities, and what happiness really means.  I am determined, and I refuse to stay stuck in a mess. Today, I stand up, regroup, reset my intentions, and recommit to attaining my dreams.

An ongoing topic of exploration is Cal Newport’s concept of deep work, “the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task.” Newport advocates approaching and completing challenging tasks by eliminating distractions, committing to block scheduling, and adhering to your intentions.

What are your intentions? Unlike goals that concentrate on achievement, intentions emphasize awareness. They are essential elements necessary to effect lasting change and establishing meaningful habits. Acting intentionally probes the root of your “why.” Examples of an intention may include creating space for writing and creativity. Do you hope to bring light to others, develop your skills, or gain strength? Perhaps your aim is to commit yourself to hard work and following through, regardless of the outcome. Does your purpose require you to face your fear and resolve to move forward, anyway?

Will identifying your intentions and reviewing them daily help you find your voice? Does it compel you to open your laptop or a notebook, grab a pen, and record the words and stories that are begging to be told?

Try it and let us know how you did in the comments below.

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

The 2020 Daily Writing Challenge – June 5

/ JoHawkTheWriter / 3 Comments

2020 Daily Writing Challenge

Writing is like driving at night in the fog.
You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.
– E. L. Doctorow

Today is Day 157 of the 2020 Daily Writing Challenge.

Did you write yesterday?  We get knocked down sometimes. Current events have done an excellent job of destroying normal. There is a silver lining. These times have granted us an opportunity to reexamine life, priorities, and what happiness really means.  I am determined, and I refuse to stay stuck in a mess. Today, I stand up, regroup, reset my intentions, and recommit to attaining my dreams.

An ongoing topic of exploration is Cal Newport’s concept of deep work, “the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task.” Newport advocates approaching and completing challenging tasks by eliminating distractions, committing to block scheduling, and adhering to your intentions.

What are your intentions? Unlike goals that concentrate on achievement, intentions emphasize awareness. They are essential elements necessary to effect lasting change and establishing meaningful habits. Acting intentionally probes the root of your “why.” Examples of an intention may include creating space for writing and creativity. Do you hope to bring light to others, develop your skills, or gain strength? Perhaps your aim is to commit yourself to hard work and following through, regardless of the outcome. Does your purpose require you to face your fear and resolve to move forward, anyway?

Will identifying your intentions and reviewing them daily help you find your voice? Does it compel you to open your laptop or a notebook, grab a pen, and record the words and stories that are begging to be told?

Try it and let us know how you did in the comments below.

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

In Defense of ‘Trashy’ Beach Novels- Daily Quote

/ JoHawkTheWriter / 9 Comments
writers-who-dont-read-cant-write-well.-its-that-simple.-the-more-you-read-the-better-you-read-the-better-youll-write.-the-upside-is-that-you-cant-read-too-much-and-even-junk-reading-can

I am a voracious reader. My preferred reading style is to consume books, from beginning to end, in a single sitting. I’ve never possessed the required discipline, or desire, to limit myself to a chapter before bed and then laying the book aside until the next night. I’m much more likely to read until dawn. Perhaps I am impatient. Books in a series present the same challenges of a marathon. I plan and schedule accordingly and can finish trilogies in a weekend.

The pace is not sustainable if you have multiple interests. The result is my reading takes on a seasonal feel. There are definite periods when my reading list shrinks precipitously, and seasons when it grows taller than a skyscraper. My selections allow me to explore unknown worlds, discover captivating facts, and entertain controversial viewpoints. The books unlock diverse thoughts and create interesting connections that further fuel my desire to read.

Summer is coming, daylight lasts longer, and all those ‘trashy’ beach novels are calling. Next is an essay or twelve, a historical piece, a poetry collection, an epic fantasy series, a business book, a memoir, and a few “must-reads” referred to me by friends. Is it any wonder I never make it to the end of my list?

How do you like to read?

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

A Room with A View – Thursday Threads

/ JoHawkTheWriter / 5 Comments
Photo by Francesca Tosolini on Unsplash Yellow leather couch
Photo by Francesca Tosolini on Unsplash

Denise tried not to draw unwanted attention as she shifted her weight. The creak of the uncomfortable yellow leather couch betrayed her. Robert glared at her as she ignored him by examining her impeccable teal manicure, a perfect match to her turquoise and silver jewelry. She didn’t need to see him. She felt his annoyance. Robert’s voice continued, a dull buzz in the therapist’s office that reminded her of the irritating hum of a fluorescent light fixture.

The therapist must have hired a designer to furnish the spacious suite. Soothing grays, calming blues, and fashionable mid-century modern furniture made the space look homey and relaxing. The trouble, or maybe the desired effect was, looks were deceiving. The doctor occupied the Eames lounge chair with its matching ottoman. It was undoubtedly, an original and probably the most comfortable piece in the room.

The droning ended, and Denise realized someone had addressed her. Kind brown eyes regarded her, waiting.

“Do you have a response?”

She shrugged before looking at her hands.

“Surely, you have something to say.”

It was difficult to ignore eyes that seemed to care.

“He never asked the one question that would have guaranteed success.”

Denise waited, ready for Robert’s normal tirade, but the therapist’s raised hand stopped him.

“What question?”

“What’s in it for me?”

Robert attacked, throwing facts, statistics, logic, and rhetoric at her. His repetition offered nothing new, nothing she hadn’t heard a thousand times before.

“You’re not listening. Those things don’t matter. They never have.”

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Finding the Will to Accomplish Your Writing Goals – Daily Quote

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there-are-days-when-i-should-be-writing-and-i-am-so-tired-that-i-cant.-and-the-fatigue-also-affects-my-emotions-making-me-not-even-care-about-writing.-there-are-days-when-i-wake-up-so-an.

Who hasn’t experienced this feeling? It is difficult convincing myself to leave my bed. Like Nicola, my spirit is willing, but my body refuses to budge. Anger is my first response, and it often works. It helps me burn the blahs, and I force myself to move. If that doesn’t work, I go through my list of usual culprits. Am I drinking enough water? Are my iron levels low? Am I obsessively worrying over something which I can’t control? Do my meals and snacks contain too much junk food? Am I sleeping? Or do I have too many responsibilities?

My review showed three things conspiring against me and contributing to my lethargy. The first was worry and sadness. The second was a task list three people couldn’t accomplish. These two items combined to ensure I wasn’t getting a restful night’s repose. Identifying the root cause of my exhaustion is only the beginning. I shift responsibilities, and recognizing the futile nature of my apprehension, helps me to monitor and banish those thoughts. Exhaustion finally falls to the restorative balm of sweet sleep. The struggle begins anew with each dawn. The goal remains unchanged. I sit at my keyboard and will the words to flow.

How do you channel your will to write?

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

The 2020 Daily Writing Challenge – June 4

/ JoHawkTheWriter / 4 Comments

2020 Daily Writing Challenge

Writing is like driving at night in the fog.
You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.
– E. L. Doctorow

Today is Day 156 of the 2020 Daily Writing Challenge.

Did you write yesterday?  We get knocked down sometimes. Current events have done an excellent job of destroying normal. There is a silver lining. These times have granted us an opportunity to reexamine life, priorities, and what happiness really means.  I am determined, and I refuse to stay stuck in a mess. Today, I stand up, regroup, reset my intentions, and recommit to attaining my dreams.

An ongoing topic of exploration is Cal Newport’s concept of deep work, “the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task.” Newport advocates approaching and completing challenging tasks by eliminating distractions, committing to block scheduling, and adhering to your intentions.

What are your intentions? Unlike goals that concentrate on achievement, intentions emphasize awareness. They are essential elements necessary to effect lasting change and establishing meaningful habits. Acting intentionally probes the root of your “why.” Examples of an intention may include creating space for writing and creativity. Do you hope to bring light to others, develop your skills, or gain strength? Perhaps your aim is to commit yourself to hard work and following through, regardless of the outcome. Does your purpose require you to face your fear and resolve to move forward, anyway?

Will identifying your intentions and reviewing them daily help you find your voice? Does it compel you to open your laptop or a notebook, grab a pen, and record the words and stories that are begging to be told?

Try it and let us know how you did in the comments below.

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer