If They Hate It, You’re Doing Something Right
Creativity can be a fickle thing. At times, you will get stuck on one idea and keep turning it over in your mind. Then, you’ll think you have a great idea, but for one reason or another, it’s shot down and you never return to it. Let me tell you something: If they hate it, […]
Words and Ideas
Sometime ago, I began work on what would become a series of articles entitled “The Beauty of Ideas.” While that series itself never came to fruition, there were parts of these brainstorms that yielded some highly intellectual fruits. One major breakthrough I had was just how words and ideas are interwoven, however imperfect their union […]
When I Got a Moment to Breathe
At most points in my life, I haven’t written nearly as much as I would like. There are always other things to accomplish in life getting in the way. So, whenever I get a moment to breathe, I think a lot about where I am as a writer. That train of thought necessarily leads me […]
Do I Love Adverbs Irrationally?
Also, Why Do I Get So Wordy? While undertaking a massive project rewriting my old academic papers, I discovered my love of adverbs has not faltered through the years. Without a doubt, I’m a far better writer a decade on after writing many of these pieces I’ve been working on. To assist my rewriting work, […]
Thank You, Darkness, My Old Friend
For many years, the darkness truly was my best friend. In the light, I was often judged unfairly. But, in the late hours obscured by darkness, I felt much more free. With many sleepless nights powered on little more than junk food, I made the most of my insomnia. I used this time to figure […]
Wasted Words and Wistful Memories
Starting in May 2021, my birthday month, I wanted to be sure that I posted something fresh and meaningful. I’ve grown weary of remixing retreads from my vast writing archives. When I first began my website, The Phoenix Desertsong, I did intend for it to reflect upon many years of my work over many different […]
The Mindless Things
Too many nights I lay awake thinking of mindless pursuits. I’ve many times lamented about the trivial pursuits which have captivated my undivided attention for far too long and often. Sure, who among us isn’t guilty of having diversions that bring us a bit too far from where we’d like to be intellectually at this […]
Self-Motivation and the Danger of Making Grand Plans
Self-motivation is often the hardest thing for many people when they go about improving themselves. Some people decide habits are a great way to spur self-motivation. I’d agree completely, as long as those habits are good. But, self-motivation is also about finding the actual reasons that you want to do things. Good habits can only […]
Self-Motivate Early and Often
People love New Years resolutions. They are wonderful things people make to try and steer their lives in new and exciting directions. But, most of the time, people don’t stick with them. Why’s that? The truth is that having goals is great, but achieving them takes time. As the year goes on, people will lose […]
Doing What You Can May Be More Than You Think
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe The late Arthur Ashe was the first African-American to participate in international pro tennis. Considering how he spent his 49 years on this earth, we can learn much from his example. This quote sounds like common sense, but it’s in […]