This morning as I drank my coffee I saw on a morning news show that a farming couple in Colorado decided to allow the locals to gather what onions and potatoes were left after they harvested their crops. The couple thought, possibly, thousand people would show up. Forty-three thousand was the end result. As I watched this spot, I was moved. What could I do?. I mean if I lived in Colorado instead of Georgia, I would have been in line for the free veggies. Times are tough for many families this year. What is tough? I asked this question of myself? I looked around my home. I had everything I needed. NO, I don’t have a flat screen TV. I don’t even have dish or cable. I made a choice two years ago to follow my dream of writing full time. This required an adjusted budget. No more eating out two and three times a week. Not as many raids on the bookstore :). But, what have I gained in this endeavor?
Ah, I have a completed novel that is now sitting with my agent. I have a slower more productive lifestyle. I take the time to listen to others. I’ve published many short stories and personal essays. I’m no longer beating my head against a glass ceiling that will never break. Instead, my worth is measured by something much bigger than mere money. I’m living a life of art, creativity, and peace. Gees, what kind of price tag can one put on this?
What has this change done for my family? Have they been hurt from the lack of material things flowing through our door? I’m here everyday when my nine year old comes home from school. She gets my attention and help with homework. My husband comes home in the evening to conversation about writing, family, and such. In my previous life, any given night was a blur of conflict and aggravation. Just this summer my granddaughter was born nine weeks early. She now spends her days here with me as I write each morning, so her mommy can go back to being a chef.
In Christine Baldwin’s book, Storycatcher, she says: “Every person is born into life as a blank page–and every person leaves life a full book.” We are the writers of our lives.
The farming couple in Colorado chose to write a new chapter when they allowed others to come into their fields to gather what would otherwise have rotted. I chose to give up what the world thought of me for a more inspiring life. In these choices people are changed. No, I haven’t touched forty-three thousand people, but I seek to make a difference. We leave our mark on every day with our choices. I’m glad I’m awake and aware of the designs I’m leaving behind.
What chapter of your life is waiting to be written?
A Southern Novelist 
I loved this! I have been feeling the very same way about how the “material world” is pushed upon us…as if we are failures or unsuccessful if we do not keep up with the Jones’. I did want to comment on one thing…you may not have touched 43,000 peoples lives all at once, but slowly and surely, by you being there for your daughter, your granddaughter, your family, your readers, etc., you will eventually reach that goal with your very own words, actions and experiences!!! God bless you…you have touched me! 🙂
this was amazing ann. and it was very close to me as well as i see myself on a similar path. this world is nothing but a top layer of reality. scratch the surface and there is so much more! why do people choose to live on the thin veneer that is the material world? it’s an interesting question. there are so many factors that make up the answer. but for me the answer has become clear…the path i wish to walk is a spiritual one, one that requires deep meditation and thought. i want to help others. but it’s an endless path and sometimes the grim reality sinks in. positivity is the answer. and motivation. you are such an incredible motivator! you are always my inspiration and my mentor and i am so fortunate to have had your radiant light in my life since day one. I LOVE YOU!