by Lynn Sanders | Apr 10, 2022 | DMM Blog
While I’ve loved writing ever since I picked up a pencil, I realize that not everyone feels that way.
Do you feel like everything you write must be perfect? That your writing must serve some purpose? That it needs to captivate. Fascinate. Sell. Promote… (etc., etc…)
AND MOST Importantly — Do you feel your writing MUST MOVE PEOPLE TO ACTION??!!??!!!
Lions and tigers and bears, OH MY! How much pressure we put on ourselves.
I’ve felt like that a million times, until I decide to step back and play with words.
What if… we wrote like we were finger-painting words on paper?
What if… we just wrote for fun? For no purpose? For the sheer joy of self-expression?
As a writer, I wrote this blog intentionally in hopes that you’d read my email. And yet, I also enjoy writing for fun. For self-expression. I love how the poetry of e.e. Cummings inspired me to write in new ways.
So, I’d like to suggest an idea for you that can bring you joy.
Let’s build writing muscles by just playing with words.
Practice writing as you would any sport. Just for fun — with NO intention… NO purpose.
Write a letter that never gets sent. Write about a special vacation. Write an imaginary dialogue between people you know.
If you don’t know what to write, start by writing, “I don’t know what to write….” And keep writing those words until new ones come to you.
Let your mind relax. Imagine you’re floating and allow a wave of words to flow over you.
Let your words simmer in a tasty soup.
Imagine your words are ingredients for an amazing dessert. Dabble. Stir. Mix the chewy words with elegant swirls of honey. Savor the sound of words.
To get good at any skill, we all benefit from practicing.
By doing this writing exercise, just writing with no expectations, you may be able to discover a joy in writing that provides a purpose in the future.
If you’re willing to open your heart to writing without judgment, you can discover a wonderful world of self-expression. You can be a kid again. Write any ol’ words and don’t worry about them.
Writing for fun can ultimately lead you to discovering your own voice.
So write on…. The keys to fun are right at your fingertips.
Here’s to your success,
Lynn
by Lynn Sanders | Apr 5, 2022 | DMM Blog
This message is in honor of my dear friend, mentor and global leader, Helice “Grandma Sparky” Bridges who turns 80 years young today. She teaches me by her “being.”
She exemplifies the words we all need to hear…
The words that nurture our souls.
The words that uplift us all.
“Who I Am Makes A Difference.”
Those precious six words have been distributed on a blue ribbon to over 50 million people worldwide. The ribbon is in 12 languages.
The goal is to reach one billion people.
Will you help spread the message?
(Visit: https://blueribbons.org and get ten free blue ribbons.)
Being is who we are at our essence. It’s not what we do. “Being” is radiating the essence of our soul.
Who do you choose to “be?”
Sparky inspires me and millions of others by “being” love through her blue ribbon.
“Who I Am Makes A Difference.”
Our souls are hungry for those words that acknowledge our value.
“Who I Am Makes A Difference.”
Practice saying those words and ask yourself, “How does that make me feel?
Can I choose to value myself?
Can I believe that I really am making a difference?
Oprah Winfrey says, “We become what we believe.”
How do we believe what we want to become?
* Start repeating affirmations of what you choose for yourself.
* Take time to appreciate yourself.
* Find someone who supports your dreams coming true.
(I’m here for you!)
So — here’s to Sparky’s birthday and to that spark of love, light and joy that we all share.
We are all connected.
“Who I Am Makes A Difference.”
Here’s to your success,
Lynn
P.S. I invite you to step out of your comfort zone this week and honor someone. Let them know why they make a difference to you. It can be anyone.. a grocery clerk, a business colleague, a coach, friend, family or neighbor…
Watch what happens. You’ll feel that loving energy come back to you!
by Lynn Sanders | Mar 30, 2022 | DMM Blog
Do you know how to be a good “hook’er?”
Hint: I’m not referring to the hooker who walks up and down streets…
I’m talking about knowing hooking people onto your message.
Being a good “hook’er” makes all the difference in the world in building your business.
Whether you’re writing an article, blog, book, press release, a good “hook” opens doors. It grabs attention – just as I hope this headline did.
It startles people!
Years ago, when I wrote live trade shows for Fortune 500 companies and commercial lyrics, I learned to create a powerful hook. At a trade show, we only had a few seconds before people passed by the booth. For a commercial, we just had 30 or 60 seconds. Later, in writing a press release, I had to create a powerful headline or the media would never look at my client’s story.
What can YOU do to stop your ideal prospects?
Once you’ve hooked someone, they are more likely to read your content. They’ll be more receptive to learning more. (Just as I hope you’re reading this now…)
Ready to learn more? Here are three hooking tips.
1. Be disruptive. Write something bold, post a unique quote, or create something unexpected.
2. Keep it short. The less words, the better. (This one can be challenging for me.)
3. Pose a question. If you ask a question as your hook, your audience gets curious and engaged. They will want to read on and learn more from you.
The stronger your hook, the better!
Let’s take action, shall we?
I invite you to come up with a powerful hook for your business. Post your one or two-line hook on our Difference Makers Media Group Facebook page. I’ll be glad to check it out and comment.
Visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/1009500486109598
Or: https://www.facebook.com/DifferenceMakersMedia/
If you’d like a private story strategy session, feel free to email me. I’ll also send you details
about our Spring Special — Mastering Your Elevator Pitch To Attract Perfect Customers.
Wishing you an amazing time at hooking!
To your success,
Lynn
by Lynn Sanders | Mar 9, 2022 | DMM Blog
Imagine we’re relaxing on a quiet, tropical island.
Palm trees sway in the breeze.
Seagulls wing their way above us, singing out ancient calls, “Live now. Do it today!”
We lie back on our lounge chairs, marveling at nature’s gifts and wonder,
How DO I want to live my life?
What legacy can I pass on to the next generation?
How can I make this earth better while I’m still here?
We only have so much time to bring our dreams to life.
I urge you to start now.
Focus on one thing that you want to accomplish this year. What steps can you take to move forward?
Over the last few months, I served as an editor for Natalie McQueen’s powerful book, “Gifts of Legacy, The Ultimate Blueprint for Generations To Come.” Her book features the story of her near-death experience. In a moment, her life flashed before her eyes, and she realized she hadn’t lived fully.
There was so much she still wanted to do. Fortunately, she was able to survive. Now, she finally birthed the book that had been in her heart… filled with insights on how to live fully and leave a legacy.
What’s keeping you from writing your story?
There is no time like the present.
If you want advice, I’m happy to offer a complimentary chat. Feel free to book time on my calendar: https://bit.ly/DMM-StrategyCall
In the meanwhile, as we all face challenging times, I encourage you to be good to yourself. Give yourself even 15 minutes a day for a sacred time of quiet reflection. When we allow our minds to rest, we’re better able to handle whatever happens during our day.
Take 15 minutes each day to meditate, do affirmations, exercise, read a positive book
and/or journal what’s on your mind.
That special time will make a difference in your mindset. (I promise you’ll like it!)
And now a special surprise gift…
Last week, I interviewed an internationally recognized leader, Scott Schilling on our show, ‘The Difference Makers.’ His conversation focused on increasing your personal significance — a fascinating topic! Besides his compelling stories and insights, Scott is giving everyone a digital copy of his best-seller, “Talking With Giants.” It’s a book that features conversations with fifteen thought leaders in our country. Proceeds go to nonprofit causes.
You can hear Scott at: https://bit.ly/DM-Schilling
Scott’s free book is at: https://twgfreegift.com
Wishing you a week of making a difference!
Warmly,
Lynn
by Lynn Sanders | Mar 2, 2022 | DMM Blog
I want you to know — we are in this together.
Life has felt very challenging lately. The world’s tumultuous news. Healthcare concerns.
Our own vulnerability to outside events.
I want to be open with you. After dealing with emotional challenges lately — from the loss of my father to the ongoing concerns over a friend with a serious illness, my lower back has been responding with severe pain. I just went for spinal x-rays and had an MRI yesterday.
As I know, our inner self affects the outer self. I just got off the phone with a doctor who recommends that I have back surgery! Yikes. I will do whatever I can to avoid something so drastic. And yet, I will be open to hearing that perspective.
I prefer listening to a highly recommended chiropractor and amazing physical therapist, and taking less invasive measures. So I’m doing my best to take care of myself, as I serve several clients to let them know I’m still here for them. In the meanwhile, I’m pausing to reflect…
What is the gift in this situation? I invite you to consider the gifts in your own challenges…
No matter what happens around us, we still get to choose our thoughts.
So here’s what I CAN do… (And what you can do too!)
1. Take Deep breaths. This calms down the nervous system and tells our brain that we’re alright.
2. Say Positive Affirmations. Our brain is a computer, taking in all the thoughts and messages that we repeat to ourselves. I’m choosing to say:
“I am good enough.”
“Every day, in every way, I’m getting better and better.”
“I make a difference.”
3. Visualize A Happy Place. The mind can take us places to feel better.
4. Take Positive Action. Let’s do what we CAN in any situation. Speak up. Write a blog. Give yourself time for more sleep.
5. Remember – You Are Not Alone. We are what we think. And sometimes, we need support beyond what we consciously know. That’s why relationships are so important.
“To the world, you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world.” Dr. Seuss
Sending you all much love,
Lynn
