Halftime Speeches (vol. 1, no. 4)

Here are five bolts of inspiration I’m sharing this month:

1. Ursula K. Le Guin on giving gifts:

“All you have is what you are, and what you give.”

2. Austin Kleon on the life of a project:

3. Martha Graham on our responsibility to share what we make:

“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open.” (ht Brainpickings)

4. Ashley McBryde on big dreams and persistence:

I need to thank my daddy
For that first set of strings
And all those folks who swore I’d never be anything
It took a whole lot of yes I wills and I don’t care
A whole lot of basement dives and county fairs
To this show right now and y’all sure look good out there
Not bad for a girl goin’ nowhere

5. Encore blog from me on losing:

“I dug my gloves deep into the snow. I pushed us into our starting position. I fixed my eyes on the shed ahead. His mitten covered hands tightened their grip on the sides of my jacket. And, then he whispered “Daddy, what happens if we don’t make it?” (Hot Chocolate and Losing)

That’s it. Have a great day. And, go start something! – shawn

PS If you’re reading this newsletter for the first time, you can read previous issues hereview lists of poems, questions, quotes and songs I’ve shared before here, and subscribe here.

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