Friday, January 18, 2013

Finding Your One Thing

This is one of my favorite clips of all time (33 seconds), from the movie City Slickers. It's a good reminder that while many things may compete for my attention, my job is to stay focused on my calling-- the one thing. Figuring out what that is during this chapter in my life is the task for the year, and one I daily try to dig through. I believe strongly in callings and missions in life. So what's my one thing? I'm not quite sure yet, but as I offer myself up daily, I am excited by what is yet to be revealed.




We're four weeks into 2013. How is your journey at finding your one thing going?


Keep writing,

Julie
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82 comments:

  1. I need to watch that movie again.
    I'm working on narrowing down to that one thing right now.

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    1. I know this is a time of reevaluating your direction, Alex-- still thinking about you.

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  2. It's odd (to me anyway) but I've felt like writing is that one thing ever since I started. Now if I could only narrow it down to one genre... :)

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    1. I think where I'm at in life now, yes, writing is it for me-- the what is still tripping me up a big. From my perspective, the fact that you wrestle with genres shows your diversity and talent!

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    2. Or my "Oh, shiny!" slip is showing... ;)

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  3. Geez! You gave me a difficult one here. Must be only one? I will have to look for one that encompasses all.

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    1. I get that Al. I can't quite claim just one focus in life-- there are many. But am trying to find that Purpose. I looked under my bed, couldn't find it. Too many dust bunnies. Perhaps in the back of my close (shivers-- ooo scary).

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  4. Julie - For one thing, you picked one of my favorite movies of all time. I've seen it more times than I can remember. Love it, and have even turned to it in the development of Monty.

    This is akin to "What is the meaning of life?" What is my purpose? What am I here for? If I'm a writer, what should I write? Such simple questions with much more complicated answers.

    You know that I also struggle with this. YA comes out of me naturally. I thought myself to be one genre, but as I wrote more and more, after looking back, saw that most everything had an MG or YA feel to it. Perhaps it's because I've always been a child at heart.

    I also love children, have none of my own, and want to teach good values and leave a legacy for the children of the world. It truly does take a village, which is a concept we've strayed away from. So I've been exploring that.

    But I have so many other stories. Non-YA. Totally opposite. These stories I feel compelled to write. But they are difficult...emotional...painful...and quite adult.

    And the only thing I've found to do about it is offer myself up to God and take the next directed step in complete faith.

    Short post, but such a thought-provoking one. You have a way of making the most out of your words. You're good that way. :o)

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    1. Thanks for your thoughts, Mike. Kind of like Laura said above, I'm not sure we have to nail ourselves down to one genre. I know, through your work with the kiddo's choir, you live what you are saying here about investing in kids. So awesome. And yes, I agree, it's a daily offering.

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  5. One? Huh? Why do I always arrive late to the cool kids' table?

    To be honest, I can't see myself writing outside of Spec Fic. I have one YA idea, but I doubt it will ever come to fruition. The one thing that remains the same throughout all of my work? Women's issues. No matter if I use dragons, or gods, or powers of some kind, it comes down to the woman and her inner strength to fight those demons.

    And it is fun to blow up the gods...

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    1. Yeah, I guess that's it-- you've found a voice and that's what I want to find too. I know it's there ... dammit...

      Right and nothing says satisfaction like exploded deity. ;)

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    2. Dabble! It's the best way to find what clicks. short stories, real life, issues that hit your heart, humorous, shoot all of the above. Open a document and let your imagination and heart guide your fingers. It will come to you :)

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    3. Thanks for the confirmation TJ--that's exactly what I've set out to do this year-- dabble. Good way of putting it. That's why I started the other blog and am a regular contributor now to two other sites and will keep writing magazine articles-- just to try different styles, be open to leading, see what clicks. I think your advice is exactly right.

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  6. I've narrowed it down to 4. Maybe 5. I can't help it - I am a multi-tasking, hyperactive, Type A kind of person.

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    1. That made me laugh. Yeah I can't be sole-focused in life pursuits, not as a mom, but am trying to find that focus with my writing (squirrels?).

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  7. I love that clip. I love that movie. It has so many gems of wisdom couched between complete silliness.

    I'm not sure I can narrow my purpose to one thing, but I applaud your effort to do so.

    So glad you found my blog so I could find yours.

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    1. Hi Amy-- well my overall purpose in life- it's like a pyramid. I'm pretty sure I know what's at top and a lot of roles fall under that. But in the search for my voice-- what is it that I'm looking for? The gazillion dollar question. And I'm glad I found your blog too and a couple more off of your list. I hope other people make their way to your blog!

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  8. I loved his character in that movie. Um, I'm not sure what my one thing is. LOL. Maybe I'll find it in 2013.

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    1. It was a great character and, oh boy, that is the big question, isn't it.

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  9. I've been writing for 28 years, literally as long as I've known how to write, so that's probably my one thing. When you have a call to something, you just know.

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    1. Carrie-Anne, I've read your blog to know, that yes, indeed, you have found your vision in writing. It's so clear and the theme that is carried into your blog. I love it and admire it.

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  10. I think I know what it is...I just have to find a way to keep up with it!

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    1. Oh. Now that's something I haven't thought of Elizabeth. Great. I may find the "one thing" and its like charging horses. But it must be exciting!

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  11. Love this movie too. It's been ages but now I can't get the tune "rollin, rollin rollin, man my...:P " out of my head.

    I think it's important to find out what our one "thing" is. If not, we end up spending our whole lives searching for it. I'm still looking.

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    1. Keep them doggies rollin'..... Oh, thanks for THAT, Elise. I'll be humming that all afternoon.

      Yeah and at 48, I totally get that one thing is going to change and morph through the stages of life and even the phases of our writing career. But I'm ready to find it again for this stage of life. The quest is kind of fun though.

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  12. I've seen it a million times. In other words, it is great. But it's okay if that one thing changes for time to time.

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  13. Okay Jules,

    I am starting to figure you out. You have a thing for Billy Crystal.

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    1. Rob, that's funny. I actually thought of that when I posted this clip. It's a run. Next up, youuuu loook MAHVELOUSSS!

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  14. I loved City Slickers! I remembered this scene. One of my favorites, too. My one thing for the year is to return my focus to writing and my family. It had become way to scattered on other writing-business-related things. So far, it's going pretty good. It could be better, but compared to where I was in December it's way better already!

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    1. I always put family in my equation too Carol. Like you, I'm sticking to my quest to find my path in writing fairly well, but always seems like there are interruptions.

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  15. I wish I had only one thing. That's my problem. I have too many things. And their all competing for my time. :\

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    1. We rarely have the luxury to focus on just one thing, but finding our purpose, that's another issue!

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  16. Julie, I'm still trying to figure out what my one thing is. Hopefully I will figure it out soon. I don't think we're put here to be drones. We all definitely have a purpose.

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    1. Sometimes I feel drone like! I really think we're on the same page with this thought, Melissa.

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  17. Love the clip! And the blog! In fact, I nominated your blog for The Liebster Award. Come visit to see what it is: http://beduwen.com/2013/01/18/liebster-award/

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    1. What a very nice compliment-- thank you so much. And thanks for stopping by!

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  18. Hey, Julie,
    I do know what that one thing is, but unfortunately, all the less important things keep cutting in on that thing. Hopefully, I'll learn to manage my time better before it all runs out. Thanks for this reminder about purpose.

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    1. Time does seem to be the common enemy in the comments here. If we believe in a higher purpose, then I have to believe we'll accomplish it in the time we've been given. That's my hope, anyway.

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  19. I've known my one thing since 2010. I love writing, but writing film reviews. Watching movies and writing about them thrills me. I continue to work on it and keep working at achieving my goal of becoming a film critic for one of the biggie publications. I know it may take years, but I won't give up. Great post, Julie! :)

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    1. Livia-- I'm so glad you're still writing movie reviews. I've enjoyed reading your reviews both on your blog and in Facebook. You do seem to find joy in this, and I think that's what it's all about.

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  20. Turning 40 this year has me thinking about purpose. Don't know what it is yet :) But my one thing for now is to create despite circumstance and to pursue peace & dreams. Great post!

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    1. Hi Alexandra, yeah and maybe we never really know the specifics. Maybe that's where faith and hope come in. Maybe just believing there is a purpose and seeking it is enough light for the step we're in.

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  21. Jack Palanche was great in this movie! And I don't want to figure out what my one thing is. I'm afraid this would mean the end of my life. Not knowing is my key to immortality.

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    1. I know it Stephen and was going to tell you, but now....I'd hate to be the one to take away your immortality....

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  22. This reminds me of the guy at the doctor's who pokes himself in the chest and says, "This hurts," and then pokes himself in the leg and says, "This hurts," and then pokes himself in the neck and says, "This hurts. So what's wrong with me, doc?" The doc hmms, and says, "You've got a broken finger."

    I'm sure there's a moral in there somewhere. Helpful? I doubt it, but it's a good clip. Good luck finding the answer.

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    1. That was deep, Erica. I'm going to sip my tea and seriously contemplate that. ;) Thanks for stopping by.

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  23. Let's hope that you recognize that one thing as being that one thing once you find it. Sometimes the difficulty lies more with recognizing it than finding it.

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    1. Agreed. Not sure I believe it's a sudden revelation but more of a pursuit and journey.

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  24. I don't know if I totally can buy into the "one thing" deal. I have one thing that's a priority for me---writing---but there are other things I enjoy and want to accomplish, too.

    Therefore, I have to keep my door of opportunity and infinite possibility open. I don't want to limit myself to just one thing.

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    1. I agree, Demetria. In life there is rarely the opportunity for the luxury of a single pursuit. I guess, for me, this was more about my voice-- writing-- purpose.

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  25. My one thing is to stay away from mindless charity.

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  26. After the way things ended last year I am working on the positive. Thanking the universe everyday for the things I've been blessed with and moving forward toward the goals I've set. My one thing this year is to be appreciative, I think that is where my true happiness will be found.

    Thanks for asking!

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    1. Yolanda, I know this past year has been a heck of a trial for you. Yuk-- I'm so sorry. I love that you are consciously seeking a new outlook. It's admirable. I've seen a couple posts about "word of the year"-- people choosing a word that guides their year. For me, it would be hope or faith (they're so entwined for me). I look forward to reading your posts and seeing this play out-- I'm sure it will be difficult at times too.

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  27. Great Clip, and I completely agree with finding the one thing being the key to success, but it is the finding that is the hard part. :-)

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    1. Oh Neo-- we're on the same page with that. It IS the hard part!

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  28. I actually have two things, being a mom and being a writer. I find both to be equally rewarding!

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    1. Indeed-- there are multiple worthy and satisfying pursuits in life.

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  29. Love that movie. Sad thing is I relate to it. :)

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    1. Hmm... of course, I want to ask how? But maybe that's more than a post comment should ask. ;)

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  30. What a character he was. I saw all his movies when I was a kid. Life is quite an adventure, eh? I'm still trying to figure out my purpose. It keeps changing.

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    1. I think my guiding purpose is clear and has remained true, but I think how I manifest it changes as I change and I enter new chapters in life.

      And yes, Jack Palance was a hoot in this movie.

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  31. I know my one thing. I love it, too. Pure, sweet love!

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    1. And it just doesn't get much sweeter than that, Talynn. :)

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  32. Fabulous clip! It reminds me of a quote. Hang on-- I'm going to go find it......

    ....

    “Nothing can add more power to your life than concentrating all of your energies on a limited set of targets.”
    ~Nido Qubein

    I think when you find that one thing and concentrate on it, you have so much more success than when you concentrate on 50 things!

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    1. Peggy, thanks for stopping by. That's how I am. I need the focus, but reading through the comments here, I think it feels very confining and restrictive to some types. It must be a preference thing. Love the quotes by the way-- they fit me!

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  33. staying focused, so hard...but i enjoyed city slicker clip anyday girl!!

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    1. It's been interesting reading through the responses. For some people this really resonates, for others I think it feels like a straight jacket. It must be personality-related.

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  34. great movie! lots of life lessons!
    my one thing is a lot of work and i feel like i'm alone in it...

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    1. Oh Tara-- feeling alone is not fun. Email me if you need a venting ground. :(

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  35. Excellent, thanks. Just trying to get everything done that my one thing consists of.

    I actually dropped by to let you know that you've been nominated as most encouraging blogger on my blog. Congrats!

    http://sylmion.blogspot.com/2013/01/news-day-week-3-announcing-nominees-and.html

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    1. Such a kind and gracious nomination. I'm grateful to whoever made it and humbled. Thank you for letting me know.

      As for that blasted time, yes, it is a precious commodity.

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  36. New follower here...I've found many things. That can be good and stress-inducing all at the same time. So I've learned to prioritize and decide which thing(s) should take precedence over others.

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    1. I once read a book where the author reminded the readers there are many good things we can do, a few better things, but only a select best things. Choose the best. I think you've got it straight. Thanks for following-- I'm going to check out your profile. :)

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  37. OH man! I love this show! And I love the message. Now I'm worried I don't know what my 1 thing is though. EEK! I definitely must figure this out! :)

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    1. You and me both. Let me know when you do. :)

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  38. I always thought the one thing meant that a person can only do one thing at a time, or think about one thing at a time. Then I got married, and realized it only applied to men.

    Simplifying one's life is a great goal. I should make a list of one hundred ways I can do just that. Off I go.

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  39. This is really great. I'm all about diversifying, but finding your passion and narrowing down definitely helps you focus better. Good blog post.

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    1. Hi John, thank you. There has been good conversation on the merits of focusing vs diversifying. But for me, finding out who I am, as a writer, is the primary focus.

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  40. LOVE this thought!

    Sylvia
    http://www.writinginwonderland.blogspot.com/

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    1. Hi Sylvia-- thank you for stopping by.

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Thanks for being a part of the conversation. I love reading your thoughts and feedback.

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