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Write Life Preservers
by Shery Ma Belle Arrieta-Russ

I live in a tropical country. I've been surrounded by islands all my life and yet, I've never really known how to swim.

My feet would always touch the bottom of the pool. In beaches, I'd have images of sea snakes and other creepy crawlies touching my feet and legs. I'd imagine stepping into them, their slimy bodies rubbing against me. My imagination would eventually freak me out.

The deep end. That's what scares me the most. Because I could not see what is in the bottom. Because I do not know what's waiting for me.

As writers, though, there are times we need to go over the deep end to arrive at our most honest writing. This is especially true when writing personal material. We need to go off the deep end and simply trust the water will support us.

During the last 12 months, have there been times you went off the deep end as a writer? If yes, what were you writing about and how did you know you were writing beyond your depth? And who/what were your "life preservers"? If no, what would possibly push you to go off the deep end?

Who or what are life preservers? They're the people or things that help you get back to shallow waters. They're your lifeline when you suddenly find yourself in over your head.

And here are 3 other "lifeline" prompts to get you writing this New Year:

1. Reflect about the events that happened on Christmas Eve. Who is the person you think/feel made the holidays special for you? Write about that person.

2. For 5 minutes, list all the "bad" habits you used to have. Then reflect on each item on your list. Think and write about who or what helped you finally break each bad habit.

3. For 5 minutes, list all the "good" habits you've acquired over the years. Then reflect on each item on your list. Think and write about who or what was instrumental in helping you acquire each good habit.

Copyright © 2004 Shery Ma Belle Arrieta-Russ

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