There is so much noise within and around these days, with social media posts, voices and beings buzzing around in the workplace, drivers on edge, free floating anxiety. And yes, the U.S. election cycle that ends (hopefully) on Tuesday November 8 has contributed to a lot of it, but I get the feeling that there is a lot more going on. And there is definitely a lot more going on in the world that we are all a part of.

In order to help myself navigate these churning waters, I’ve created mantras that directly connect me to writing. That’s my calling, so I have to work with myself to pull back from the fracas.

Here’s what I’ve come up with so far:

What do I have to say?

Do I want to enter this particular conversation?

How can I add to the conversation?

How can I begin a new conversation?

What narrative do I want to be a part of?

What narrative do I want to create?

Are there tools that you have been using to focus your Self and your writing practice? If so, I’d love to hear from you.