So, I’m obsessed with Etsy and tend to read the Seller Handbook blog on a daily basis. Despite the fact that I am STILL not an Etsy seller. Details, details.

Today, I found this, an exercise for “telling your story on your blog.” Never one to miss telling a story, I’m doing the exercise here.

Storytelling Exercise

Try this little exercise to start telling your story.

Step 1: Write down the following —

Three things you see or hear right now. I see an art print that says “Do What Makes You Happy” that’s still in its plastic packaging. I see jewelry parts that still need to be finished. I hear the song “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz.

Three things you did last week. I got the first of several injections to fix the pain associated with carpal and radial tunnels in my arms. I went to “City Liquidators” on a sunny day with Ryan. I had drinks with my coworkers and ended up with a colossal hangover on a Wednesday.

Three exchanges you had with someone else. I talked to my friend about how I don’t trust going to “psychic advisors.” I replied to an email from a former Eat Move Write reader about her weight loss surgery. I listened to my husband tell me about exciting news at his job.

Step 2: Ask why. Pick one item from your list and ask “Why?” until you find something interesting.

Step 3: Repeat until you do indeed find something interesting. If it doesn’t go anywhere, try another item. Within a few minutes you should have something you want to share that reveals the texture of your life.

I had drinks with my coworkers and ended up with a colossal hangover on a Wednesday. Why? I have no idea. I’m way too old for that crap.

I have an art print that says “Do What Makes You Happy” and it’s still in its plastic packaging. Why? Because I tend to procrastinate. I have great ideas, but so rarely do I take the time to get them out of their packaging and make something of them. I want to change that, because I have a feeling the path to happy lies on the other side of plastic packaging. (Print purchased here.)

I am listening to “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz. Why? Because it touches my heart. Because it reminds me to keep looking up. Because I need to remember that giving up isn’t an option.

I talked to my friend about how I don’t trust “psychic advisors.” Why? Because I believe that it is dangerous to be told your future. I believe our thoughts are the most powerful engines in our lives, and when someone whom we’ve endowed with power tells us what we’re going to do, it changes what we would have done. If thoughts lead to actions, I want to be the one driving.

Hm. I suppose that’s an interesting topic. I think I’ll stop while I’m ahead. Bye now.