On Self-belief

I sit amongst ghosts, and they are getting slightly annoyed. Because I’ve become comfortable in appeasing others, instead of acknowledging that I own the rights of my life story.

“For who will testify, who will accurately describe our lives if we do not do it ourselves?” ~ Faye Moskowits

I hear a shout as I sit at the graveyard, “Old keys won’t open new doors.” No, it’s not the ghosts speaking but the key keeper; my usual inner critic. For a change, she is on my side and is nudging me to believe in my own abilities and judgement.

The Key Keeper
Illustration from adult colouring book, Enchanted Forest by Johanna Basford. Coloured by yours truly.

So, this is how I came out with my word for this year as self-belief. I’m going to embrace the fear of abandonment and try to publish some of my stories. These stories might even come in other forms of storytelling besides poetry, I’ll keep you posted.

All this means, there will be gradual additions on the blog and changes in blogging schedule to accommodate growth. So, I won’t be posting weekly as before but fortnightly. And of course, I’ll continue with the Midweek Motif at Poets United and blog parties, for instance, hosted by the wicked Ms Magaly.

Now, over to you. What writing or creative projects are you pursuing this year?

note: I call my story drafts and unpublished manuscripts ghosts because they haunt me for a chance to let them live or else bury them once and for all.

Snow has fallen…

Holiday Greetings

As we wind down the year, I want to take a moment and thank all readers and followers of my blog for taking time to read my writings, and for your kind and encouraging comments. And you my fellow writers for the inspiration and support…THANK YOU!

I wish everyone love, peace and joy.

With love from Finland! ♥♥♥

note: I’m taking a short break from blogging. See you in 2018!

p.s. I’m also linking to Midweek Motif at Poetry United, where Sumana asks us to write about “Celebration”. I’ve already covered some of the things I’m celebrating this month on my previous post but to add, a snowfall is always something to celebrate as we look forward to White Christmas.

10 Things I Love About Finland

This year marks the centenary of Finland’s independence. So, in keeping with the celebratory mood, I’ve compiled a list of top 10 things I love about my second home.

And so here they are, in no particular order:

  • Silence is fun
  • Education is a right, not a privilege
  • Sauna
  • Safe and peaceful
  • Finnish cuisine; a gift from nature
  • Friendships are genuine
  • Finns live outdoors, there’s no such thing as bad weather here
  • Gender equality
  • Winter is a fairy tale
  • Nature; a poem

Countryside in Winter

This list doesn’t even begin to express how I love my life here. But, but…I’ve been putting together more thoughts, observations and gratitude in a language I know how – poetry.

A chapbook containing 10 pieces will hopefully be available (in limited edition) early next year. I wanted it to coincide with the celebrations but I unfortunately missed the deadline.

I hear you ask, “How can you miss a deadline? What kind of a writer are you?” Well, because I receive a “bribe” every month so that I can forget about my dream of becoming a full-time writer. 🙂

Last but not least, Happy Independence Day to my Finnish family and friends!