S Is For… Spring!!

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#AtoZChallenge 2025 letter S

Contributed by Tina Holland.

Spring has finally sprung here in North Dakota.  I think we all officially believe it when there is no snow in the forthcoming forecast.

Grass is green here on my farm, and my daylilies are starting to break free from the ground.  Spring is my second favorite season, after Autumn.  The days are still bearable (I can’t stand the heat or the mosquitoes of summer), and plants are starting their growing season.

It is a wonderful thing after what feels like a barren winter wasteland.  FYI – North Dakota is mostly prairie, we only have trees near rivers and in towns, so the wind blows, along with the snow, and there isn’t the beauty that trees bring to winter.

I always have big ambitions for a garden in the spring, but then it never quite pans out.  I do get out and do my morning pages, we have some fires in the evening as it is still cool and generally enjoy the much warmer weather and even the rain.

What wonderful things do you enjoy about the season?

R Is For… Raise or Raze!!

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#AtoZChallenge 2025 letter R

Contributed by Nicole.

Raise can have a few meanings. Raise can mean ‘to help grow’. It can also mean ‘to elevate’. Of course, you can also use the other form; ‘raze’ which means ‘to destroy’.

We have all been there. We look at what we have been working on and just want to through it out, delete it in disgust, struggle with the desire to take a hammer to the keyboard to make your computer an effigy to your creative dissatisfaction with what your brain has wrought or light whatever physical manifestation of your work on fire.

Your characters are just not doing what you want them to do. In fact, they are all but blowing raspberries in your direction. If you’re a painter, your colors are running or just not right, not fitting your vision. Or, you just sneezed in the middle of a brush stroke and the pigment did a weird zig zag.

But wait! Pull back from razing your work and ‘raise’ it. My personal trick is to copy and paste the work into a separate document and file it in my ‘Snippets’ folder. There is a chance that I can use it at a later date or in another story. I make it like a seedling in the Potting Shed of my imagination to be planted in a story at a later date.

I am fairly certain that painters have their own tricks. Maybe the zig zag can be incorporated into the design in a new way. Or, you may be able to scrape it off. You may be able to just run with it.

Sometimes the creative process is a series of highs and lows. The low points happen, and you just cannot use what just came out of your brain. I know that recently, I stared at eight hundred thirty seven words of work that just did not fit into the situation that I was trying to write. I could not get my characters to the next point with what was sitting on my Word document.

I can admit it: I highlighted the whole shebang and was one keystroke away from wiping from existence and that universe, but sanity prevailed, and it went into ‘Snippets’. Partly because I do not want to have wasted that time but also because it could be a metaphorical transplant into a separate ‘garden’ or a new bed in my existing one later on.

That scene can help elevate the existing story later or go into a new work by changing the characters. I can ‘raise’ it rather than ‘raze’ it.

Sometimes you will ‘raze’ or destroy your work. If you look at that mental garden bed and see weeds rather than tomatoes and you just put all of what you yank out of the ground in the metaphorical compost pile, then accept it and move on. After all, gardens need fertilizer too and your mental compost may lead to something truly beautiful. Growth can come from destruction as well as from effort.

Q Is For… Quince!

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#AtoZChallenge 2025 letter QContributed by A. Catherine Noon.

Since our theme is “Growing!,” I wanted to bring us back to plants. (Partly this is because the dumpster fire out there, ~waves hand vaguely at… everything~) is pulling so much focus for me, I need to go out and look at the flowers.

Which brings me to Q. Q?? Why did I sign up for Q?

What the hell am I going to talk about for Q?

One year, for the A to Z, I couldn’t think of anything for my “Q” post and so posted a bunch of pictures of snow leopards. Because I can.

But then, it hit me! I know what I’ll talk about!!

Quince Bush (Chaenomeles speciosa)

And here’s a picture of one growing just down the street from us:

It turns out this lovely plant actually produces small fruits, a little like an apple or pear, that are popular in jams and jellies because of their high pectin content. They’re native to East Asia, which means they’re considered an introduced species in my part of the world, but they’re one of the first shrubs to flower in the Spring which makes them quite the show stopper.

What about you, Dear Reader? What’s growing where you live?

P Is For… Peace!!

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#AtoZChallenge 2025 letter P

Contributed by Rachel Wilder.

Now many readers would assume that I mean something lofty like world peace. In this current political climate, that might be asking for a bit too much. Instead, I want a kind of peace that is more achievable. A peace that is more personal and a type of peace that can benefit me directly.

Maldives Tropical Island

I am referring to inner peace. Or perhaps, peace of mind.

Most people have a degree of chaos in their lives. The idea is to minimize that as much as possible. At least, for short periods of time and give your poor brain a break.

My tool is guided mediations. I need guided ones as it is easier for a trained instructor to lead me into a state of mind where I can either solve my problems or escape from them. A lovely soothing voice helps, as well.

There are many wonderful apps that you can download, but since one of my worries is my financial stability, I like a free version. I go to YouTube and watch them there. I can even pick out my favorites and create a playlist.

Now there are different methods one can do. Concentrating on doing a favorite hobby, journaling, listening to music and many more. The thing is to do it.

The next step is to make the time. In many ways this can be harder. Procrastination is personally my middle name.

The next step is consistency. Even if you are having a good day try to give yourself your ‘special time’ on a regular basis.

I hope you find the time to give yourself a mental vacation and best wishes.

Sincerely, Rachel

O Is For… Opportunity

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#AtoZChallenge 2025 letter O

Contributed by Evey Brown

Personal growth is a wonderful thing.  Goals and resolutions are helpful; but is there something amazing out there that you have never even considered,  waiting to grab you and push you into a totally different direction in your life?  Remember the old adage;  “Opportunity only knocks once”?  My question is, have you been paying attention?  Have you looked around, searched the web or thought about returning to school?

A friend of mine recommended I join MeetUp online; plug in some of my favorite activities and see what’s out there. I found not only a club that loved to watch movies, but free yoga in the park a block from my house, a writing group that meets just downtown, a dog walking club and women who knit all in my  neighborhood.  I was shocked to find so many other people out there interested in the same things I am and they are just minutes away!  I joined my movie club and now can’t imagine weekends without them, discussing and watching old shows.  They are my new tribe, it is so wonderful to geek out with people who love what I love.  One of my sons joined the writing group and loves it as well.

Another day I searched for tai chi lessons near me, wanting some low impact exercise that helps with balance.  I was rewarded with literally pages and pages of not only businesses that teach tai chi but also free classes in the city.  The Senior Center has one every Saturday morning.  On the Senior Center page I noticed they also have online ballet lessons and exercise with one of the dancers in our local ballet company.  These are recorded and can be viewed at any time, focusing mostly on posture, balance and strength and are geared to people my age.  This dancer also comes to the Center monthly to give live lessons!  Who else can brag they get in person lessons from a professional ballerina?  And for free?  They also pointed me to local hikes, parks, and sightseeing tours I was not aware of.  There is a long list of places to volunteer based on your interests and free swim and gym times for seniors.

What if I’m not a senior, you ask?  The city park and recreation site pointed me to local festivals, classes on gardening, sewing, blogging and scrapbooking.  There are lists of museums, 5K races, chili cook offs, art shows, free days at the zoo, botanical gardens, historical farms and the planetarium.

The library, county and city, each offer multiple classes in foreign languages, writing, poetry, drawing and reading tutoring.  Bring your kids to the music festivals and story time.  Enjoy free computer time, interviews with authors, public and political figures and classes on bicycle and personal safety.  Rent a movie or check out a book, a real one or on your tablet.

Don’t forget continuing education, night and weekend classes in a variety of courses at multiple campuses.  Learn to prepare your own taxes, cook like a chef or get your GED.  And meet other people with similar interests.

The local pages of the newspaper list speed dating nights, plays at theaters, art shows, movies and restaurants nearby with reviews.  Concerts, rodeos, firework shows, equestrian events, you name it, they have it.

I am sure you can think of other places to look for something new to help you grow and expand your mind. Start with this list and go find your next unknown passion.  Unless you look you will never know what opportunities are out there and available.

N Is For… New Perspectives Lead to Personal Growth

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#AtoZChallenge 2025 letter N

Contributed by Alexandra Sissulak

Change is something that is as inevitable as death and taxes. It just is.

What if there were a way to circumvent the friction and discomfort that accompanies change?

There is.  It’s called gaining a New Perspective.

Maybe you find yourself in a rut, missing opportunities for growth, or unable to see a clear way through the gauntlet of roadblocks and challenges that block the way forward. Consider seeking a new perspective and you may discover a higher degree of certainty, clarity, and most of all, happiness.

Happiness and personal growth are on the other side of fear. It is important to remember that fear is intangible, a reaction to the stimulus within the environment, and the human response to uncertainty. Remove the uncertainty and the fear is neutralized.

How is this accomplished?  Instead of going through the fear, what if there were a way to bypass it completely and find the certainty you seek?

We go through some parts of life like we’re swimming with the sea turtles in the East Australian Current, happy to let it sweep us through our daily lives. The current is security and comfort. Escaping the current to explore the rest of what life has to offer is extraordinarily difficult and requires a fair bit of effort.

Removing yourself from the current can be as simple as sitting at another seat at the same table of life. When you sit in a different chair, you naturally gain another perspective of the situation. You have the distinct privilege of witnessing the same things you usually do, with one very good exception. Not only can you see other things around you that you may have missed previously, but also you have the added benefit of seeing yourself like you would on a big movie screen. Seeing things from this new perspective leads to huge gains in personal growth.

Changing your point of view enables you to see everything through a different lens. New perspectives are free and unlimited. It is also painless; despite what your fear wants to tell you. Doing this will aid in seeing the things you may have missed before while sitting in the same place you always have. These missing details are what is needed to light the paths that leads to personal growth.

This small shift in perspective lets you see around the fear or anxiety preventing you from finding a way through the gauntlet of challenges. Gaining a clearer view of what may lie on the other side eliminates uncertainty.

Fresh perspectives are like having an arsenal of lenses at your disposal. You have a macro lens which helps you zoom in and capture the tiny, infinitesimal details and with a telephoto lens you can pan all the way out to see the big picture, in all its beautiful grandeur.

The practice of sitting at another seat in the room and looking through different lenses may be a struggle at first. Seeing life from new perspectives makes the daunting task of leaving the current of your normal day-to-day life become a little less scary.

It’s possible new fears like “what if I don’t like what I see?” may intrude into your thoughts, this is insecurity talking. Consider entering the mindful space of impartiality and non-judgment when you’re looking through the various lenses.

Through the practice of viewing life through various lenses, sitting at different seats at the table, or standing in another place in the room without judgement, you can find yourself on the other side of fear, coasting through the perils of change, and your personal growth will be exponentially greater than before.

M is for Maturing: A Natural Progression or a Forced Act?

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#AtoZChallenge 2025 letter M

Contributed by Jae Sage.

M is for Maturing: A Natural Progression or a Forced Act?

We often hear the term “adulting” tossed around, sometimes with a hint of sarcasm or even dread, as if becoming a mature adult is an unnatural hurdle we must consciously force ourselves to overcome. But isn’t growth, in its essence, an inherent part of the human experience? If not, we might very well still be dwelling in caves, as the old adage suggests. So, why the apparent struggle in recent years to embrace maturing as a natural and ordinary developmental process?

Beyond simply inviting your thoughts and opinions on this matter, I’d like to offer a few perspectives on why the journey to adulthood might feel more challenging today. Perhaps the reality lies not just in actual shifts in the landscape of growth, but also in our perception of these shifts. Furthermore, does growth and maturity inherently equate to prosperity? And how do we even define prosperity in this context? Is it solely about financial security, or does it encompass a sense of meaningful purpose, spiritual fulfillment, or simply the accumulation of material possessions? Let’s consider a few points:

Shifting Sands of Career Growth

The notion of linear career progression, the kind our parents or grandparents might have experienced, seems increasingly like a relic of the past. Is it that career growth isn’t what it used to be, with the rise of the gig economy and rapidly evolving industries? Or is it simply that our perception of career growth has changed, with a greater emphasis on flexibility, purpose, and continuous learning rather than a steady climb up a single corporate ladder?

The Evolving Economics of Adulthood

The sentiment that money is harder to earn and doesn’t stretch as far as it once did resonates with many. Is this an objective reality, considering factors like inflation and wage stagnation for some sectors? Or is it a shift in our expectations and the cost of living in a more interconnected and consumer-driven world? Perhaps both realities contribute to this feeling of financial strain.

Generational Shifts in Parenting

Are parents truly parenting differently than in previous generations? Certainly, access to information and evolving societal norms have influenced parenting styles. Are these changes making the transition to adulthood easier or more challenging for the younger generation? Or is it simply a matter of perspective, with each generation facing its own unique set of parental influences and expectations?

The Landscape of Social Justice and Equity

The assertion that supportive commonality toward social justice and equity is at an all-time low is a powerful one. But is it accurate? While divisions and conflicts certainly exist, arguably, there is also a heightened awareness and vocal advocacy for social justice and equity in many parts of the world. Perhaps the nature of this support and the platforms through which it is expressed have evolved, leading to a different perception.

If maturing is indeed a fundamental biological process, where does that leave the concept of taking adult responsibility? How does it influence our choices to take ownership of our lives, to forge our own meaning and purpose? Does it empower us to advocate for ourselves and others, and are we open to receiving support and advocacy in return?

Finally, let’s remember that maturing doesn’t necessitate abandoning the joys of life. In fact, a healthy form of maturity embraces a sense of wonder, playfulness, and spontaneity. As the old song goes, “Live, love, laugh, and be happy.”

What are your thoughts on these ideas? What else might contribute to our perception and experience of maturing in the modern world?

Best to all,

Jae

L is for… “Love a Lord”

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#AtoZChallenge 2025 letter L

Contributed by Tina Holland

I just completed the second book in my Regency series, “How to Love a Lord.” I hope to have it published in May, but I'm not sure when because I still have to hire my editor and my cover artist. We’ll see what the timeline is on edits.

I’ve grown a lot since my first story, “The Pilot and the Pinup.” I will have the opportunity to fix those glaring errors I now see in my earlier works, as all the rights are being reverted to me, hopefully by the end of the month.

One thing I had learn while writing my Regency series is titles and entailments. Not an easy thing for an American. I think I finally figured it out. I have a terrific critique group that helped me through that process. Anything they didn’t catch, my editor Sandra will.

I’ve grown so much as a writer, it’s hard to believe I still occasionally suffer from bouts of impostor syndrome.

Whatever your creative endeavors are, I encourage you to look back and see how much you’ve grown from your first project to your current one. You might be surprised.

K Is For… Keep It Going!

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#AtoZChallenge 2025 letter K

Contributed by Evey Brown

Everyone is interested in self improvement, growth and resolutions.  On January 1st we all make resolutions but how many of them are still in effect now it’s April?  That is the subject I want to address; how to keep your personal growth up and make these resolutions into permanent healthy habits.

1. Remind yourself about your resolution.  Let’s take going to the gym for an example.  You could put little sticky notes at your desk, bathroom mirror, or the  dashboard of your car.  Make them positive; “I get to go to the gym today!” or “Treating myself to some gym time!”.  Decorate them with stickers or bright colored pens and markers.  Or you could simply set your phone alarm.

2.  Involve some accountability.  Phone a friend the night before, then again after you finish.  You are more likely to follow through with someone aware of what you are doing.

3.  Reward yourself for following through.  Take an extra long hot shower before you leave or buy yourself a tasty and healthy drink.  After a week of success, buy yourself a new pair of workout shoes or sweats.

4.  Track your success.  Put a tick mark on your calendar for every day you make it to the gym, make your own poster totaling up the amount of minutes and hours you have invested in this goal should help you remain interested.

5. Prepare for success.  Set your gym clothes out the night before, put your gym bag on the kitchen counter so you can’t miss it.  And after your workout, put those clothes into the washer first thing when you get home so you don’t have the excuse that you don’t have anything to wear.  You could also put a fresh bottle of water and healthy snack in there to munch on as you drive there.

6.  Mental imagery can help.  Professional athletes are trained to meditate about what winning their events will look like, how they will feel after.  Are you feeling that runners’ high as you finish, more awake and alert through the day?  Don’t hesitate to let these thoughts spark your ambition.

7.  Admit to yourself there will be lapses.  You are only human.  But getting back into the swing of things is important.  If you slept in and missed the gym, you can take a short walk during your lunch at work, do some squats while you are cooking dinner, do some wall push ups as your favorite TV show plays.

8.  Prevent boredom.  Vary your workout.  Add weights, use different exercises and try some sports.  You might find something you can’t wait to get up and do every day.

Personal growth is just that; personal  Your journey will be different from anyone else’s and hopefully these suggestions will help you find yours, and keep it going.  One step at a time, one day at a time, new habits, new you.

J Is For… Joy!

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#AtoZChallenge 2025 letter J

Contributed by Laura E. Rios.

Joy. It may seem to be in short supply these days, and that is exactly why we need to “grow” it. We need to make the effort to identify things in life that bring us joy, and cultivate them, with the goal of becoming happier as individuals. 

According to a recent article in Greater Good Magazine, there are several ways happiness is good for your health. First, there are cardiovascular benefits. Joy and happiness can lower your blood pressure, plus, studies show that happier people are less likely to develop coronary heart disease.

Finding more joy in your life also strengthens your immune system and makes you more resistant to things like the flu and the common cold. Making a point to increase your level of happiness helps you combat stress and results in a lower level of cortisol, the stress hormone. 

Happy people also have fewer aches and pains, and they even live longer lives. 

It seems clear that there are many advantages to finding more daily joy. The only obvious question is: how can I be a happier and more joyful person, especially when the world around me isn’t making it an easy thing to do? 

  • We can start by focusing on gratitude, positive interactions, self-care and mindfulness. 
  • We can deliberately find opportunities to engage in activities we enjoy and make a special effort to share those activities with positive people we care about. Taking walks, finding ways to be creative, participating in a yoga or art class, taking long scented baths, browsing flea markets and bazaars, and a host of other activities can help lift your spirits and take your mind off some of life’s unpleasantness. Whatever your particular “happy place” is, give yourself permission to go there more often.
  • Give yourself permission to create more opportunities to experience moments of pleasure, view a sunset, pay for someone else’s coffee or snack. 
  • Connect with loved ones and actively seek out positive people.  
  • Read a good book, create a new recipe, view a sunrise or a sunset.  
  • Set some measurable and attainable goals for yourself and then reward yourself when you achieve them. 
  • Create opportunities to laugh more by watching a funny movie, playing a silly game with good friends, or seeing one of your favorite comedians. 
  • Get out in nature whenever you can. Tend a garden; listen to bird songs. Breathe, deeply and slowly.    
  • Volunteer your time when you can for a cause you truly believe in. 
  • Listen to your favorite upbeat music and dance while you do household chores. 
  • Create a happy living space; surround yourself with your favorite things, colors and people. 

Making a conscious effort to do some of these things can help you literally grow more joy and happiness in your life, just as providing sunlight and water will help you grow beautiful flowers. It won’t be long before you find yourself becoming a more joyful, less stressed and healthier person.