#itsthesimplethings #practicalpriorities #serenitysolutions #createclarity #carlamichelle
03-14, Start with Something Simple
Dr. Carla Michelle Brown * Speaker * author * Educator
We have the perfect words. Write when you need them. www.carlambrown.com
Dr. Carla Michelle Brown * Speaker * author * Educator 
I love this. I’ve been feeling so anxious. This is a powerful reminder to slow down and appreciate all the good. Your breakfast looks delicious.
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Thank you, Kathleen! I’m trying to remind myself daily not to be overwhelmed. I can handle life’s crises so much better when I’m thinking with a clear head (and a full stomach, lol)!
We have to exercise control over what we can change and learn how to best navigate what we can’t. That keeps me grounded and sane! Thank you so much for reading! You’ve already made my morning ☺️
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“… stay calm
in a stormy season …”
a mantra for these days …
Kevin
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I remind myself every morning and every night… #itmatters
Thank you for reading, Kevin :o)
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“What seems less/ often means much”. I love your poem, and appreciate the reminder. Also, it so fits in with the small moments, slice of life intent of our challenge 🙂
Congrats on writing for two weeks!!!
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That is easily among my favorite lines…
I’m so thankful to be participating, Fran! This was the perfect lyrical elixir for me – and the timing couldn’t have been better. #feelinggrateful
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Congratulations on making it through 2 weeks. It gets easier!
Your poem is a good reminder to stay calm…..we all need to do that today….
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I’m so elated! Even when challenging, it has been an incessant job. So glad to have learned about this. #feelingthankful
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The pure simplicity of this is reflected in every stanza. It reminds me so much of William Carlos Williams dictate: Say it, no ideas but in things. The concrete is often all I can grasp, especially in the midst of all the uncertainty. Thank you (and keep writing for us!!)
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Thank you so much, Amy! This challenge is compelling me to practice poetry more often, and I love the power in the economy of words.
It makes me much more thoughtful about my word choice and the imagery that accompanies it.
I will have to look up this William Carlos William. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the writing. That makes it even more enjoyable to pen. #Iamhonored
~Carla Michelle
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Congrats on two weeks of writing! Love these words of advice – start with something simple.
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It feels like such a wonderful milestone! I can’t begin to describe my elation. In times as troubling as these, it is nice to have something pleasant to look forward to – especially when it involves words that can touch the hearts of others. I am very grateful. It is among the highlights of my day.
With Warmest Regards,
~Carla Michelle
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What a lovely reminder! And…you make poetry look effortless! Beautiful. 🙂
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Aggie, you are too kind! Thank you for your feedback. I greatly appreciate it. #smiling ~Carla Michelle
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Yes, congratulations to you for hanging in to complete 14 days. It seems to get harder for me to write but your poetry is beautiful!
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Patricia, it is a most celebratory moment. I often feel unsure or undecided initially, worrying that I’ll run out of things to say; but, it also compels me to look for inspiration in more places than usual. It is a wonderful experience. Thank you so much for reading… ~Carla Michelle
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The mantra-like repetition in these stanzas wins me over. That breakfast, though, looks pretty elaborate — and delicious! — compared to my usual simple cereal 😉
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Brian, please imagine a smile ebbing across my face from ear to ear! I don’t often use repetition, but it felt so right for this one. I thought it would parallel my desire for emphasis better – and I hoped that it would read the way I heard it in my head. I think you got it!
The breakfast was from a recent conference I attended where I was a presenter for teachers of literacy. I had had a crazy night, little to no sleep, and was so relieved to see the breakfast set up that morning.
I remember telling myself to regroup, relax, breathe – and just get something to eat. It was among the best things I did to recalibrate and get my mind focused on what matters]ed most. I decided to continue that practice at home – and now it matters to me even more.
Thank you so much for reading. I greatly appreciate your feedback! By the way, I enjoy my fair share of simple cereal, too. The ones with fruits and nuts are my favorite. They’re perfect for something simple, too. :o)
~Carla Michelle
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Congratulations on 14 days. I great feat especially how difficult these last two weeks have been. Your poem is a beautiful reminder to look for the simple things. Afterall, so many things are beyond our control.
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Rita,
I couldn’t agree with you more. The day’s news reminds me of how little I can control. I love exercising what I can control to appreciate those simple things.
I marvel at how many are still available to be enjoyed even amidst the immense anguish that is pouring over our airwaves right now.
I’m thankful for this challenge and the opportunity to connect with so many wonderful readers and writers daily because of it. I find that beautiful, too. Thanks for being one of them.
With Warmest Regards,
~Carla Michelle
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Start with something simple. Yup. Your are so right.
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Thank you, Suzanne! I find this remark so encouraging. Many blessings to you. ~Carla Michelle
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