Write According To Your Genius

Henry David Thoreau

I read something yesterday while doing research for my website about journaling that really struck a chord with me. I will share it with you. 

This is a quote from Henry David Thoreau,  a writer that I greatly admire: 

"Say the thing with which you labor--it is a waste of time for the writer to use his talents merely. Be faithful to your genius ---Write in the strain that interests you most---Consult not the popular taste."

I admit that I struggle a lot with deciding how much to write for the public, the views, and how much to write for myself and for what interests me. 

According to Thoreau, we should write according to our "genius," and what interests us. Henry David Thoreau was not much of a "winner" in the eyes of his peers. He struggled to get his writing recognized, was delinquent in his taxes, and lived in a cabin. 

That was just as weird then, and it would be now. But his writing is beautiful, and I am very inspired by Henry David Thoreau, who wanted to "live deliberately."

Can we do that? Write according to our genius, no matter what the cost? Thoreau's work never took off until many, many years after his death. His words were memorialized for movie goers in the movie, Dead Poets Society, for a new generation. 

How much am I willing to write from the heart, and go with what I feel my purpose is, rather than focus on what I think people think I should write about? I ask myself that question today. I think it's a good question to ask!

Love Sharilee. 

If you are interested in more quotes about journaling, check out this great list of quotes about journaling. 

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Back To Class!

I Missed Teaching! 

Well, I have finished my first day of work at the school where I will be teaching grade six. And it is: FANTASTIC! The staff was very nice and everyone helped out. I have tons of materials to start out the first few months, and it sounds like I am going to have a good class.

It just felt so good to be back in a school setting again, and talking about lesson plans, teaching strategies and  students. I think that teaching gets in your blood, and it becomes part of you, once you have taught before.

My wonderful husband is going out to help me set up classroom today. Did I mention how wonderful he is? I  have been trying to get it done all week but still have not finished. It looks like I will be going in on Labour Day Monday, too, in order to get everything done.

I  just wanted to thank everyone that was so supportive in my last post, too. I haven't blogged for a bit but I appreciated your kind comments.

This week, we start with the kids and the actual classes. Twenty busy eleven-year-old's will soon be looking up at me for knowledge and direction. Excited but scared, too! Have a good week, everyone!