Posted on by Denise Hartzler

Face Everything And Rise Mindset

In the past, I wrote about the many acronyms for the word fear. The one I specifically wrote about was “False Evidence Appearing Real.” While there is truth to this acronym, I am shifting my mindset to realizing that FEAR should mean “Face Everything And Rise.”

Reframing how one looks at fear can have profound positive effects on one’s ability to push harder toward one’s goals. When we realize the power of facing our fears, we transform an obstacle into an opportunity for growth. Each fear we push past provides a stepping stone toward our most authentic potential. 

How do we embrace this new perspective: 

  1. Acknowledge the fear. Denying a fear gives it power. Write down what you are afraid of and acknowledge its presence. Are you afraid of failure? Are you afraid of upsetting someone? Are you afraid to put your needs ahead of those you love? Are you afraid to make a career change? Are you afraid to give up drinking? Are you afraid of not being perfect? Regardless of how big or small this fear you are holding on to and feeding, it does not matter. The moment you acknowledge its presence is enough to make a shift toward liberation. 
  2. Analyze the source. This part can sometimes be painful as we move towards the root. Finding the root means looking at past experiences, familial or societal pressures, or self-doubt. Find the negative experience and reframe the situation to learn the lesson. Side note: I firmly believe that certain things will keep repeating until the lesson is learned. So, what can you learn from this experience that has your fear firmly rooted in you? 
  3. Take that first step (and small ones after that). Facing everything and rise doesn’t mean diving into the deep end. Take incremental steps toward your goals. I’ll use my fear of public speaking. I started by speaking in front of a small group. Gradually, I began to increase the audience size, and I felt the confidence building. I’m still acclimating, and it’s still nerve-wracking right before I have to speak, but once I get going, I find my nerves settling in for a conversation.  
  4. Celebrate. Every time you face a fear and rise above it, celebrate your achievement. Recognizing your progress reinforces the positive mindset and motivates you to tackle more challenges. Keep a journal of your successes to remind yourself of your strength and resilience.

When you adopt the “Face Everything and Rise mindset,” fear becomes the catalyst for growth. You’ll develop resilience, gain confidence, and expand your comfort zone. Shifting your mindset about fear from avoidance to empowerment can transform your life. 

I hope you can try to embrace the concept of “Face Everything and Rise” to confront your fears head-on and use them as opportunities for growth. Remember, the path to your authentic self often lies on the other side of fear.

Up next on the blog: It’s time to check your surroundings! We are talking about how to take account of who is in your circle. Friends, family, colleagues…if they aren’t inspiring you to be creative, it’s a cage, not a circle!

Posted on by Denise Hartzler

Rediscover, Reignite, Launch

Lately, I have been grief-stricken and am getting tired of feeling stuck in a rut. I long for a change and plan to reignite the fire within me. As I approach my 50th birthday, I keep reminding myself that it’s never too late to pursue my passions and embark on a new venture that lights up my soul. In this blog post, let’s explore how you can reignite your passion for whatever you choose and take the first steps toward starting a new chapter.

Step 1: Rediscover Your Passion

The first step in reigniting your passion is reconnecting with yourself and identifying what makes your heart sing. Take some time to reflect on your interests, hobbies, and dreams. What activities bring you joy and fulfillment? What topics or causes ignite a spark within you? If you don’t know, take one week and see what makes you jealous—looking at other’s success and feeling that pang of jealousy is a sign that you also want/care about it. You can lay the foundation for a new venture that aligns with your authentic self by rediscovering your passion.

Step 2: Set Clear Goals

Once you have identified your passion, it’s time to set clear and achievable goals for your new venture. Define what success looks like for you and outline the steps you must take to get there. It’s not going to happen overnight. Small and steady progress will get you there. Setting small, attainable goals will help you stay focused and motivated when it gets rough and keep you on track as you embark on this exciting journey.

Step 3: Embrace Fear and Take Action

Fear of the unknown or fear of failure can often hold us back from pursuing our passions. Remember, in a blog post last year, we defined fear as ‘False Evidence Appearing Real.’ So don’t let fear stop you! It’s important to acknowledge these fears but not let them dictate your actions. Embrace fear as a natural part of the process and take small, actionable steps towards your goals. Remember, growth and success often lie just beyond our comfort zones.

Step 4: Who’s at your table? Seek Support and Guidance

Embarking on a new venture can be daunting, but you don’t have to go it alone. Look at who is sitting at your table – some uninvited, negative guests must be escorted out the door. Your table should have people who support and guide you – mentors, coaches, or like-minded individuals who can offer valuable insights and encouragement along the way. The bottom line is to surround yourself with a supportive community that believes in your dreams and wants to see you succeed.

Step 5: Stay Persistent and Adapt

Building a new venture takes time, effort, and perseverance. Stay persistent in pursuing your goals, even when faced with challenges or setbacks. Be willing to adapt and pivot as needed, learning from your experiences and continuously improving your approach. Remember, every obstacle is an opportunity for growth and innovation.

Step 6: Take the Leap

Now is the time to take the leap and start turning your passion into a reality. Trust in yourself, believe in your vision, and take bold steps towards creating the life and business you desire. Embrace the journey ahead with an open heart and a positive mindset, knowing you can shape your destiny.

Ultimately, reigniting your passion and starting a new venture is a transformative journey that can lead to personal fulfillment, professional success, and a purposeful life. You can turn your dreams into reality by reconnecting with your passion, setting clear goals, embracing fear, seeking support, staying persistent, and taking the leap. Remember, the only limits that exist are the ones you place on yourself. So, reignite your passion and start your new venture today!

This episode is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

Posted on by Denise Hartzler

Happy Winter

Like many others, I like to reflect on the past year. Instead of making goals and resolutions, I list what I am carrying into the new year and what I am leaving behind. So, on this cold, rainy winter evening, it’s time for me to get cozy and make room for new possibilities. It’s a time to allow my spirit room to imagine, to believe that I can return to the calling placed on my life. It’s time to reset and rise early tomorrow morning for quiet prayer time prior to the busyness of teaching and life. Time to embrace these next two long winter months to layout my new year.

The one thing I will always carry with me into the new year is my writing. It is my calling, my purpose. It may take on many different forms: blogging, copywriting, teaching, short stories, novels, inspirational posts, and so much more. Regardless of what form my writing takes, it’s writing. It’s a passion I cannot live without.

Though this is just the beginning of what I carry forth, I know there will be more. I also know a few things I am leaving behind, but I am not ready to share them. So, I encourage you to take these cold winter months and reflect on what is serving you and what has served its purpose.

I wish you all a new year filled with warmth, love, and peace.

Posted on by Denise Hartzler

Christmas Cocoa

Staying Healthy During Christmas: A Guide to Nourishing Your Body and Mind

Ah, Christmas! The season of joy, love, and… indulgence. It’s no secret that the holiday season often comes with a plethora of delicious treats and hearty meals that can easily derail our healthy eating habits. But fear not! With a little bit of planning and mindfulness, you can enjoy the festivities while still nourishing your body and setting yourself up for a healthy and refreshed start to the new year. 

In today’s blog post, I’m teaming up with one of the healthiest and most nutritiously disciplined people I know, my sister, Jill Dobrowansky. Jill has been a huge motivator and helps me with navigating the unfamiliar and often confusing world of nutrition. She is a master at reinventing family recipes and daily dishes with a healthy spin, which tastes the same. Most importantly, she is my oldest sister who is my biggest supporter of healthy living. Though this is a journey that I struggle with (hello carbs and chocolate addictions), I know I can always turn to her for advice and guidance. 

The Benefits of Healthy Eating – this is not a guilt trip, it’s a gift!

Before we dive into our guided interview, let’s take a moment to remind ourselves of the incredible benefits that healthy eating brings. Not only does it provide our bodies with the essential nutrients they need to function optimally, but it also boosts our energy levels, strengthens our immune system, and supports our mental well-being. By maintaining healthy eating habits during the holiday season, you’ll be giving yourself the gift of vitality and setting the stage for a successful year ahead.

Plan and Be Mindful

The key to staying on track with your healthy eating goals during Christmas is to plan and be mindful of your choices. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the holiday season with grace:

Set Realistic Expectations: It’s important to remember that Christmas is a time for celebration and enjoyment. Allow yourself to indulge in moderation without feeling guilty. Instead of striving for perfection, aim for balance and make conscious choices that align with your overall health goals.

Me: Jill, one small bite is usually my downfall. How can I avoid letting one small indulgence lead to full-on permission to consume said indulgence in mass quantities or daily? 

Jill: I love this question! Like you, I love small bites and ‘grazing’ too. This comes down to being in the moment and being cognizant of what you are eating. Our distractions (e.g., phones, conversations, streaming, etc.) keep us disconnected from what we are eating and how much we are eating. There are two things I like to do when I am eating at the holiday time:

  • Put my fork and or plate down in between bites. This gives your neurons time to process the signals they are getting from your stomach. The time in between each bite allows you to chew your food properly and to take a breath (or two). It also allows us to take a sip of water or beverage which also helps us digest our food and make us feel fuller sooner.
  • Give yourself grace. The holidays can be a busy time when we don’t even pay attention to what and how much we are eating. When we find that we might have overindulged, we need to reset the next day. Take some time in the morning to enjoy a mug of warm, lemon water, open your Bible, and show yourself the grace that Jesus gave us. Remind yourself that overindulgence does not define you, and every day is a new opportunity to start anew. 

Fill Up on Nutrient-Dense Foods: When attending holiday gatherings or hosting your own, make sure to include plenty of nutrient-dense foods on your menu. Load up on colorful fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. These foods will not only provide you with essential vitamins and minerals but also help you feel satisfied and less likely to overindulge in less healthy options. 

Me: Each Christmas Eve we do a charcuterie board filled with dairy, meats, crackers, etc. How can we best weave in healthy grains and more veggies beyond olives? Can you share your recipe from last year? I think it was a hummus spread with pomegranates.

Jill: This is always a challenge! Each year, you request that I ‘bring the freshness’ to our Christmas Eve gathering. I always love this and look forward to making something new that everyone will enjoy. Truth be told, I think about this all year and what I can do to contribute to our typical charcuterie board with something everyone will enjoy and be surprised about. Last year, I tried a new recipe to sneak in some beans and it was a huge hit! Download the recipe card below!

Download Jill’s White Bean Christmas Crostini Recipe Below

Be Mindful of Portion Sizes: It’s easy to get carried away with large portions during festive meals. Practice mindful eating by paying attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. Take your time to savor each bite, and stop eating when you feel comfortably satisfied. Remember, you can always go back for seconds if you’re still hungry.

Me: I am terrible at portion control! I’ve tried smaller plates, and drinking water in between each bite, but portion control is hard! How can I best avoid letting my eyes set my portion? 

Jill:  This comes down to being in the moment and conscience of what you are doing. We have the tendency (guilty) to want to multitask when we are cooking, spending time with family, eating, etc. While we might be physically present in the moment, our brains are thinking about all the things we need and/or want to do. However, if we take the time to slow down and enjoy the moment, we are less likely to overindulge. Some ideas I keep in my back pocket for when I am feeling like I am letting my portions get out of control are: 

  • Conversation Starters (putting your plate down as you listen attentively)- ask the eldest family member to share one of their favorite Christmas memories; ask everyone to share their favorite Christmas tradition; ask everyone to share what they are thankful for this Christmas; share your fondest memory from the past year.
  • Leaving the Room – If you are not sitting down for a formal dinner, this strategy has helped me throughout the years. When I find myself consumed with the food in front of me, I will go into another room and remove myself from the temptation of eating everything in front of me. This allows me to take a couple of deep breaths, relax, and refocus my attention from the food to something else (typically the Christmas tree and all its ornaments or decorations). 
  • Step Outside – When we are visiting your house, I have the option to step out of the kitchen and onto the back deck. Similar to leaving the room, it allows me a moment to take a deep breath, get some fresh air, and reset my mindset to focus on the peace and joy of the season. Typically, I will look up to the sky, thank God for sending Jesus into the world on Christmas, and think about how the shepherds who were told about the birth of the Messiah looked up to the same sky. It won’t be a long time I am out there, only a few minutes, but it is enough to get crisp air into my lungs and take a moment for myself.  

Stay Hydrated: Amidst all the holiday cheer, don’t forget to stay hydrated. Drinking enough water throughout the day will not only keep you feeling refreshed but also help curb unnecessary snacking. Opt for water or herbal teas instead of sugary drinks or alcohol, which can add empty calories and dehydrate your body.

Me: I don’t necessarily struggle with water consumption, but I know a lot of people do. What are some ways to make water consumption more appetizing, especially if you are avoiding alcohol or sugary, fizzy drinks:

Jill: The holidays are a perfect time to spruce up your water! I love to add frozen cranberries as ice cubes to my water or fresh orange slices to bring a bit of festivity to my glass. Another thing I do is to have my water in a ‘fancy glass’. Whether that is a wine glass, champagne flute, or fine crystal, I will put my beverage in it. I especially love to pour a champagne flute of sparkling water or ginger ale, add some frozen cranberries or pomegranate seeds, and toast the night away! Another thing I do is to make sure I front-load my water earlier in the day. From the moment I wake up and throughout the day, I drink my water. This way, my body isn’t dehydrated from the start. I also make sure I have a large glass of water before I go to bed. Typically this is room-temperature water so it can aid in overnight digestion. 

Incorporate Physical Activity: Maintaining an active lifestyle is just as important during the holiday season. Find ways to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, whether it’s going for a brisk walk, dancing to your favorite holiday tunes, or joining a virtual workout class. Not only will exercise help burn off those extra calories, but it will also boost your mood and reduce stress.

Me: I hate exercising. I love walking but that’s truly about it. I tend to see getting housework and yard work done as a form of exercise, but I know it’s not enough. And as an avid reader and writer, I do tend to sit for longer periods of time. What do you do when you don’t feel the motivation to work out? What do we do on these dark, cold, often rainy/dreary days? 

Jill: Lol…I am the opposite as I love to exercise. Like you, I do sit for long periods of time writing and reading but I use what I have dubbed the ‘book-end’ approach to exercising. In the mornings, I will go for a walk, run, or hit the gym for a quick strength-building session. Then, at the end of the day, typically before bed, I will take 15-20 minutes to stretch or complete a yoga series. This way I am starting my day with movement and ending it with movement. Another thing I do over the holiday season is adjust the length of my workouts. There is nothing wrong with only working in a 30-minute morning session instead of an hour or just finishing my day with a series of stretches before bed instead of a full yoga session. 

Another approach is to set your smartwatch, ring, or phone to remind you to stand up and move (and drink a glass of water) every hour on the hour. My smartwatch has a schedule I set to remind me to stand up, move, and drink 8 ounces of water every hour based on my non-sleep times. There are days when my movement is walking up and down the stairs in my house a couple of times, but every little thing counts! If you do not have a smartwatch or ring, there are free apps you can put on your phone that will give you reminders.

Seek Support and Accountability: Enlist the support of your loved ones in your quest for healthy eating during Christmas. Share your goals with them and ask for their understanding and encouragement. Consider finding an accountability partner who shares similar health aspirations, and together, you can navigate the holiday season with ease.

Me: I don’t have a question, but I want to thank you for always being my biggest supporter and champion for health. You have truly helped me and continue to help me as I go through menopause and approach 50 years old with adopting a healthy eating appreciation so that I can live long – big LOVE!

Jill: I am honored to be a part of your blog and journey! We are so blessed to be able to love and support each other through life, menopause and all. Merry Christmas!

Embrace the Joy of Healthy Eating

Remember, healthy eating doesn’t have to be a chore or a sacrifice. Embrace the joy of nourishing your body with wholesome foods that make you feel vibrant and alive. Use this holiday season as an opportunity to explore new recipes, experiment with seasonal produce, and discover the pleasure of mindful eating.

By keeping up your healthy eating habits during Christmas, you’ll not only enjoy the festivities guilt-free but also set yourself up for a healthy and refreshed start to the new year. So, go ahead and savor the flavors of the season while nourishing your body and mind. Cheers to a happy and healthy holiday season!

Need more recipe ideas or a reset for the new year? Visit Jill’s best-selling book: Faith and Fasting on Amazon Jill’s IG Page, The Plant Powered Pantry for that much-needed healthy motivation in your feed! 

Disclaimer: The information in this blog post should not be taken as medical advice. If you require a medical diagnosis or prescription, or if you are contemplating any major dietary change, please consult with a certified healthcare provider. You should always seek an expert opinion before making changes in your diet, supplement regime, or lifestyle.

Christmas-Crostini-Recipe-CardDownload
Posted on by Denise Hartzler

Motivational Writing Tips: Part III

Welcome to the final post of our Motivational Writing tips – tips to restart your writing habits and keep you writing. The last two posts focused mindset shifts to help you renew or refocus your writing habits. So many life factors can interrupt a daily writing habit, and we must accept that this will happen to us occasionally; however, writers need to be conscious of how far we allow the disruption to steer us from our dreams and writing goals. If you are a writer experiencing a drift, take a moment right now and reflect on your productivity as an author and get ready to reestablish writing consistency. Once you have this honest chat about your writing habits, you will be more motivated to return to the page.

9. Stay Consistent: This is the biggest struggle for most writers, especially those with full-time jobs, little ones, driving teens, aging parents, or physical impediments. Life happens to us all, and that is when doing something consistently can either feel like a burden or provide a sanctuary. If there is one thing I have learned about and struggled with the most, it’s consistency. On days when energy is illusive, or everything keeps knocking on your door, I highly encourage you to find a few moments to sit down and write, even if it’s only a few sentences. These little actions send a big message to the universe that you are not giving up even on your most challenging days. I promise you that these consistent efforts will lead to significant progress over time.

10. Connect with a Community: Find your tribe! If groups of people aren’t your thing, find at least one person who writes. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people encourages you to show up for yourself and your writing regularly. Connecting and checking in with a group or a partner is accountability. Again, you are telling the universe that you are on this path and will find people to help you stay on the track. Strength in numbers, my friends! Don’t be afraid to share experiences, challenges, and successes with your tribe! The only thing I caution you about is online groups. Ensure you vet the online groups/communities before sharing your work. Sharing our work with others is frightening. Unfortunately, there are ill-willed people out there. Build the relationship first before sharing your work, but don’t let it stop you from finding your writing community. And if it genuinely frightens you, start a group where you make the rules of engagement. However you approach it, finding your writing people will help you reach your writing goals quicker. 

11. Focus on the Process: Though this sounds like one of those wood signs you find in Hobby Lobby, there is a lot of truth behind the process’s value. Shifting your focus solely from the result to the process itself is where we get better. It’s that space where we can celebrate the little wins and big wins. Imagine only celebrating the 70,000th word? While reaching the end of your novel is worth celebrating, other milestones deserve a celebration to keep you going! Why not reward yourself for completing chapter one or when you solve a hole in the plot? Engaging deeply in writing and exploring characters and worlds can be intrinsically rewarding. Rewards do not need to be costly objects; while they can be, they can also be something as simple as a new sticker for your laptop, an extra 20 minutes on social media, a nap, an adult beverage, or a cupcake. However you choose to celebrate, set up your milestones. With each milestone you pass, you become a stronger writer.  

12. Reflect on Achievements: I highly encourage authors to journal their achievements, no matter how small. When feeling discouraged, you can reflect on these accomplishments to remind yourself how far you have come. Teachers often have a small box or envelope filled with notes and pictures of appreciation. These notes help them during their most challenging time. Writers, too, should have moments to sit back and reflect on the challenges they overcame and milestones they surpassed. Saving rejection letters is a big thing among authors. It becomes their drive and reminder to keep going, to prove them wrong. Always create space in your calendar to reflect on all you have gained. 

Every writer is unique, so you must tailor any advice you receive to serve your purpose. By providing practical tips and fostering a positive mindset, I am empowering you, struggling authors, to overcome obstacles and thrive in your writing endeavors.

We are a community here, and I’d love to hear how you get back on course when life gets in your way and writing takes a backseat. Leave a comment below. 

Posted on by Denise Hartzler · 1 Comment

Motivational Writing Tips: Part II

In last week’s post, we discussed getting into a motivational mindset for any writer struggling or needing a reset. Now is the perfect time to shift your mindset from struggling to striving because the seasons are about to change, and NaNoWriMo preparation month is only a few weeks away! 

This week, let’s focus on the next four steps in our 12 steps of cultivating a positive writer’s mindset. Here we go:

4. Morning Routine: You will hear this in every motivational mindset training known to humankind. Ask any successful person, and they will tell you that they have a non-negotiable morning routine – it is a routine that they rarely skip out on and never apologize for having. This routine travels with them as well. Hotels. Family vacations. Bad weather. Good weather. There are no excuses for skipping out on their morning routine. Starting your day with prayers, positive affirmations, exercise, journaling, or watching the sun rise has endless benefits on your mindset. It sets a positive tone for the day. It may feel like the only positive thing that happens on some days! It may be the only task you accomplish on some days. But again, it sets the tone for the day. Make your morning routine positive and non-negotiable. If you don’t feel like getting out of bed, do the Mel Robbins 5-4-3-2-1 countdown. Remember your ‘why’ ~ remind yourself why you are getting out of bed.

5. Visualize Success: I am new to practicing visualizing (or manifesting). It follows the general law of attraction. If you can see it, you can be it. I encourage you to visualize your writing success. Imagine the accomplishment and joy you’ll feel when you complete your writing project. Several authors I know take pictures of themselves sitting on a mini-stage in Barnes and Noble. They imagine what it will be like when they are a guest speaker reading from their novel. Once you have your success image, have faith that God (or whatever higher power you believe in) will make it bigger than you can imagine. I often talk about ways to serve others with or without commercial success. After all, helping someone who is facing a struggle or is just beginning something you have been working on for years is what we need in this world, especially now more than ever.

6. Practice Self-Compassion: Writing can be challenging, and setbacks are a normal part of the process. I encourage you to practice self-compassion and treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer to a friend. I listened to a conversation with Matthew McConaughey last week in which he talks about how to be the best version of ourselves to serve others. The biggest takeaway was when he said, “We must learn how to be selfish to be selfless.” It was a simple statement, but it is heavily weighted in truth. To be the best versions of ourselves, we must take care of ourselves first, and then we can help others. We can serve other’s needs because most of ours have been met. Think about what needs you have right now. For me, my physical health needs attention. I need to overhaul how I eat for my body to feel well. So, I have to comfort myself by giving it organic foods that will fuel me rather than the inflammation. All summer, I’ve been practicing mindfulness. I’m taking time to pray and journal at sunrise. This small 30-minute practice gives my anxious brain time to be calm. It gives me time to breathe in peace. Another trick by Mel Robbins is the High-5 habit. Every morning, she looks herself in the eye in the bathroom mirror and gives herself a high-5 – physically touching her hand to the mirror. Giving yourself this type of encouragement is a form of self-compassion. It feels awkward at first, but it can be powerful.

7. Find Inspiration: If you are stuck in a writing rut, I want to help you discover sources of inspiration. Whether reading other authors’ work, exploring new genres, or taking nature walks, finding what fuels your creativity can make the writing journey more enjoyable. If you are tired of walking in nature or around your neighborhood, go to a coffee shop in a nearby metropolitan area and people-watch. Immerse yourself in a new environment. Take a journal with you to capture the moment using all five senses. And vice-versa. If you live in a city, go to a nearby park. Taking an informational course can be inspirational to your writing. Seek out free online seminars about topics you always wanted to learn about. I have a very active public library that always hosts hands-on workshops or lectures, and it’s all free. One day, I found an old church and asked if I could sit in the chapel. I sat there for nearly an hour, taking in the stained glass windows, listening to the pew creaking under my shifting weight, and noticing the smell of frankincense and lemon polish. If there’s one thing I am sure about, it’s that to find inspiration, we must unplug. Unplug from the phones and the noise of the world (even if it’s positive). Start by taking a few minutes and then a few hours, eventually taking breaks for an entire day. It will feel good, I promise. You might have some anxiety initially, but the more you ditch the noise, the calmer you will feel.

This mini-series aims to bring you closer to your writing dreams and help you breathe new life into your writing life. Making subtle shifts can have profound effects on your life. Come back next week for the final four tips! 

I’d love to hear if any of these tips resonate with you and if you have tried them or plan to give them a shot! Remember, writing is a journey worth sharing.

Posted on by Denise Hartzler

Motivational Writing Tips

Helping struggling authors find motivation and develop a positive mindset is incredibly valuable in my calling. Writing can be a challenging journey, and it’s a journey that is worth taking. Having the right attitude will significantly affect one’s productivity and overall satisfaction with the writing process. 

In the first part of this three-part series, I will guide you through the first four of twelve tips to help you get in the right mindset to reignite your passion for writing. After all, winter is (eventually) coming, and as the kiddos return to school, it’s an excellent time to make sure you find a routine and get in a positive mindset to do what you do best: write. 

  1. Set Clear Goals: I encourage you to set clear and achievable writing goals. Specific targets, such as a certain number of words, pages, or time, can give writers a sense of purpose and accomplishment. I personally set a word count goal. Since I am limited by time, my word count and page count can vary daily. 
  2. Celebrate Writing Wins: Allow yourself to celebrate even small victories. Completing a chapter, hitting a word count milestone, or receiving positive feedback from beta readers can all be reasons to celebrate. Don’t underestimate progress – progress over perfection. 
  3. Embrace Imperfection: Perfectionism is a creativity killer; it is nothing more than fear masking itself. I encourage you to embrace imperfections and view writing as a process of growth rather than striving for flawlessness. As we make strides toward our goals, fear may arise. Fear of being an imposter, flawed, or writing something unworthy of reading. DO NOT let fear stop you. If you missed my Summer of Love series, read what I wrote about the acronym FEAR – false evidence appearing real. Don’t listen to your fears when writing. Every writer writes a shitty first draft, and there is no exception to this fact, so embrace the imperfection. 
  4. Create a Supportive Environment: Create a comfortable and inspiring writing space. Surrounding yourself with things that spark creativity and positivity can significantly change your mindset. Your writing space can be a small room or just a comfy corner in a quiet room. Every writer deserves to find a comfortable space where they can create. If you can avoid distractions, even better. If not, grab yourself some noise-canceling headphones. When I am not in my creative space, I have a shawl or a specific hoodie that I often wrap myself up in, thus creating my supportive, creative environment. 

In next week’s post, I’ll discuss four more motivational writing tips to help you develop a positive writing mindset. 

As always, let’s continue the conversation. Leave a comment, question, or a positive quote that will inspire this community of writers.

Posted on by Denise Hartzler

Overcome one…overcome many

This summer, I was determined to overcome one fear. Though it may not seem like a huge goal, it was necessary to me and my anxious brain. In my Summer of Love series, I explored moving from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance. While this mindset shift remains a work in progress, overcoming this one fear was achievable, and I could obtain it rather quickly. 

About three years ago, I attempted to climb to the highest point in the Smoky Mountains. I let my fear get the best of me and missed spectacular views. As we planned to return this year, I couldn’t let this opportunity pass me again. I enlisted the help of my fearless son and told him under no circumstances was he to allow me to back down. One way or another, I was getting to the top of Clingman’s Dome. 

With each passing day, I grew more and more excited. When we reached the base of the ramp to get up to the observation deck, we began the climb. With my son in front of me leading my path, my hand gripped tightly to one of the straps on his camera bag. I kept my eyes fixed on the pavement under my feet. Once I got up to the observation deck, I let go of my son and sat on the bench in the middle. The crowded deck contained brave people who took the nervous journey as I did and others who didn’t possess an ounce of fear. 

I soaked in the sights of the clear sunny summer day. I eventually stood up, grabbed the handlebar, and looked as far as I could to the east and west. I strolled around, bringing myself closer and closer to the edge. I found my husband sitting down below. He was gracious enough to take this picture. Sitting there, he thought, “If she can do it, I can do it too.” Within a few minutes, he was by my side, and we basked in the sights of the Great Smoky Mountains together. We celebrated each other’s success in overcoming this fear. 

This picture is the one I want forever framed in my brain and tattooed on my heart. This is the day I rewired the neuropathways of anxiety to achievement. I am so excited about what fear I will overcome next. 

Take small steps each day. Living with anxiety is not easy; if you find anxiety is prevailing, seek help. There are so many free resources out there offering you ways to heal. Here are a few that I have used: 

As always, talking about anxiety and fear is essential. Let’s keep the conversation going. Have you been able to overcome a fear? If so, what steps did you take to do so, and have you used it as a catalyst to overcome others? Please drop a comment below or visit me on my Instagram page to comment. 

Posted on by Denise Hartzler

Summer of Love Series: Finale

As my Summer of Love series ends, I want to wrap things up as best as possible. Here is a high-level view of what I have learned along the way to changing my mindset:

  1. Stop waiting for an outside wish/miracle to change your mind: you need to eliminate the chaos in your mind. You must identify and bravely face the root of your mindset. Be honest! It’s scary to admit where we are lacking or going wrong; however, you must be brave and take on this challenge to heal.
  2. Stop believing you cannot control your thoughts. Do not let some external factor choose your thoughts. Social media. Family. Friends. News outlets. You have complete control. 
  3. Strengthen your mindset. This goes hand in hand with the previous point. What you feed your mindset with is essential. The only way to change your default and automatic thinking is by filling it with God’s truth, abundance, and positivity. 
  4. Separate what you believe from what you feel. Because emotions result from what we believe to be true, we must regularly remind ourselves of positive beliefs. Separating beliefs from emotions will help us eliminate the negative feelings that shape our mindsets. 
  5. W.A.I.T.: When you are pulled into conversations or find your ruminating thoughts defaulting to what you are trying to change, remember to “W.A.I.T.” Stop yourself from talking or thinking negatively and say to yourself, “Why am I talking?” When we pause, we allow our brains to quiet down, making room for creative solutions to problems or for positive and abundant thoughts. Resist those negative thoughts and assist positive ones. 
  6. Celebrate the small wins. Be thankful for the journey you are taking. There will be setbacks, but make them a momentary trip up. One way to celebrate the small wins is through love. Do not judge or attack ourselves or others. These small judgments are nothing more than powerful negative thoughts. When these judgments or negative thoughts come, offer forgiveness for having the thought and consciously say, “I choose love instead.” God made us in His image, and He is love. 
  7. Expect miracles. Choose to expect that something good is going to happen. It’s an act of faith. Do not let your imagination create a false narrative. Instead of constantly imagining or expecting things to go wrong or to be the worst, lean into God’s promises and have faith that something good is coming your way. Having positive thoughts at the forefront of your brain takes practice, but eventually, you will be filled with love, community, and grace. 

Here are a few verses to lean into on your mindset journey: 

Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” 

2 Thessalonians 3:5, “May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.”

2 Peter 1:2, “Grace and peace be yours in abundance.”

Thank you for joining me on this journey. I hope you took away some seeds of love from this series. Let’s connect through comments and support each other to grow in love. 

Posted on by Denise Hartzler

Summer of Love Series: Day 25

As we are nearing the end of the Summer of Love series, it is important to understand that when we cast judgments on ourselves or others, we remove our ability for love. Healing happens in a community, not in isolation. Yes, it’s important to be alone with your thoughts, and it’s important to quiet the chaos of our minds, but the company we keep is equally important. Suppose you are in a group that always focuses on the negative or, as in my case, shares in my lack/scarcity mentality. If I am constantly in that company, I block any chance of abundance and any possibility of a mindset shift because my conversations are feeding/fueling the scarcity/negativity. 

What is the best way to step back and not allow those unwanted thoughts or statements to dominate the forefront of our minds (aka our automatic response)? Use the W.A.I.T. method:

  • W – Why
  • A – am
  • I – I
  • T – talking? 

I first learned this method from Gabby Bernstein. Talking about your lack/scarcity fuels it, so use the “Why am I talking” prompt to stop you from feeding that lack mentality. When you stop talking, you allow creative solutions to come into play. You give abundance a chance to work its way into your life. 

This subtle shift reminds me that God did not give me a lack/scarcity mentality. It also serves as a reminder that the company we keep is important. In reality, we cannot always be around positive people, especially if the negative ones are family. So how does one go about creating a protective barrier around their mindset? We learn to tune out and replace and remember to W.A.I.T.  

I learned to tune things out as a mother. Most mothers will agree that there are moments when you are driving alone before you realize you are listening to your kid’s music rather than what you want. This is because we trained our minds to tune it out, especially when it’s on an endless repeat cycle the moment your car starts. Therefore, we must learn to tune out and replace the negative/scarcity mindset with positive, loving, and abundant thoughts. Have scripture or affirmations on repeat. Autoplaying God’s promises and your new narrative will tune out the negativity. So you can now become the calm body at the table who radiates peace and love. Eventually, the rewiring takes place and becomes the automatic response. 

I know we can do this! It will take lots of practice, but positivity and abundance will come.  

I will leave you with my most recent prayer: Dear God, I am aware of my financial scarcity mindset, and I confess this fear’s stronghold on my life. I’m willing to release it to you. Thank you for your guidance. You did not give me a spirit of fear. Heal me from this sabotage, awaken the love within me, and give me a spirit of abundance so that I may use my talents to help others and serve you. Amen.  

Give W.A.I.T. a shot, and let me know how it worked.