Seven Characteristics of a Fully-Functioning Person

Written by Kain Ramsay

One of my biggest influences in the realm of personal development has been the work of Carl Rogers, the pioneer of person-centred counselling and author of 'On Becoming a Person'. I first came across his work while studying entry-level psychology and explored it further as I trained in counselling over a decade ago.

The greatest thing about Rogers' methodology for me is his humanity and compassion. He is extremely considerate of our individuality, emphasizes potential rather than pathology, and allows a lot of space in his theories and frameworks for people to be themselves and live the concepts in accordance with who they are.

One of these frameworks, and the one I'd like to discuss in this article, is the seven characteristics of a fully-functioning person, which he discusses in his excellent book On Becoming a Person. These qualities aren't something we reach at; instead, they're a continual process we strive for (Rogers refers to this as "the good life).

As you'll see, these qualities are more philosophical in nature than practical life advice, and many of them are interconnected. They're all about optimising our human potential and offering a beneficial summary of things to be aware of as we reflect on our daily lives.

Here are the Seven Characteristics of a Fully-Functioning Person;

# 1. Growing Openness to Experience

Having a growing openness to experience is about learning to accept the circumstances of life as they are, without needing them to be something different. It's also about stepping away from defensiveness. In this light, Defensiveness might be characterized as: "self-defense in the form of righteous indignation or innocent victimhood to avoid a perceived assault."

When we feel under emotional assault or criticism, defensiveness is generally synonymous with redirecting the blame away from ourselves and onto someone else. We are more receptive to what is unfolding before us as it occurs since we are less prone to react in an unconscious, knee-jerk manner.

# 2. Living Life Existentially

We tend to interpret our experiences through the prism of what we already believe about ourselves and the world, usually in a way that confirms these beliefs. However, when we embrace Rogers's "increasingly existential lifestyle," we reverse this process, allowing our personality and self-concept to develop based on what we are experiencing (rather than the other way around).

So, what does this imply in practice? Let's assume a person praises us for a job well done. If we apply our current belief system (which holds that we're not very good at what we're doing), we might dismiss their statement as them "just being polite" or even respond with, "Oh, it was nothing...," thus rejecting the compliment. However, if we allow our experience to shape our self-esteem, we may accept this compliment for what it is. Just a compliment.

This, too, demands us to cultivate mindfulness and live each moment completely. What I enjoy about this quality is that it includes a little mystery. Who knows what's possible if we let ourselves be open to our present-moment experience?

# 3. Increased trust in the Self

Self-confidence, in a nutshell. This is about believing in our judgment and ability to act appropriately in any situation. It's all about developing our sense of ethics and personal moral compass (rather than simply following the beliefs of others around us). This then leads us into...

# 4. Freedom of Choice

When we trust our internal procedure and external actions, we gain more freedom of choice. We are conscious of the distinction between “have to” and “choose to,” and because we understand that we have the power to respond in any scenario, we accept responsibility for our choices and conduct.

Granted, we live in a world where many people do self-centred, greedy, vindictive and highly destructive things, and while we have no freedom to choose what happens to us, we 100% have the freedom to choose how we respond in each situation that we face.

It's true that in some contexts, "control" has a negative connotation, but it is also true to say we have complete agency over all of our decisions and actions, allowing us to be who we are and act in accordance with our values and sense of right and wrong. Which then leads us to...

# 5. Raw Creativity

With the confidence to be ourselves and the self-trust that comes with it, we are able to be more inventive. As Rogers points out, without feeling compelled to conform to norms and values that are in conflict with our own, we may be even more creative when it comes to adjusting to our circumstances. Some people go on to found multinational corporations, socially innovative enterprises, and world-changing products or services during this stage of human development.

# 6. Consistency and Constructiveness

This idea appeals to me because it addresses the relationship between our inner and external selves. Rogers describes this as being open to all of our requirements while also maintaining a balance between them. According to Rogers, when individuals develop a congruent view of themselves (one in which their self-worth, self-image, and ideal self are similar rather than distinct), even aggressive needs are answered by inherent goodness within the individual.

# 7. A Purpose Oriented Life

The “fully-functioning” individual, according to Rogers, feels pleasure and pain, love and heartbreak, anxiety and bravery more intensely, and does not need more of or less of these experiences. The purpose-oriented individual is open to experiencing everything that life has to offer - including both good and bad.

Human beings cannot choose to be ignorant of specific events: when we numb so-called unpleasant emotions, we also numb everything. Receiving the entire spectrum of human existence - the good, the unbearable, and the heartbreaking - means opening ourselves up to a full, rich and purpose-oriented life.

And living life this way isn’t easy. As Rogers writes in On Becoming a Person:

“This process of the good life is not for the faint-hearted. It involves stretching, growing and embracing more and more of one’s potentialities. It involves the courage to be. It means immersing oneself fully into the stream of life.”

So to summarise, is it possible for you to become a fully functioning person?

Yes, of course, it is. But to achieve this, you must become willing to let go of any expectations you have regarding how your life should go. Lose your opinions, disregard your biases, your fears, insecurities, and embrace the opportunity you have to step apart from the norms that the majority of people live their lives by.

PRINCIPLES INTO PRACTICE QUESTIONS:

1. What are your initial thoughts about these characteristics?

2. In what ways are you unwilling to accept certain experiences?

3. In what ways can you become more fully functioning today?

Fourth Principle of Creativity: We are, ourselves, creations. It means that we should continue creativity by being creative ourselves.

Studying a river, you will notice the ease it flows with. Flowing over and around obstacles as if they don’t exist. Why? They’re in the habit of creating. They do it without thought. A natural phenomenon which we admire.

In the week I saw three people, on inflatable mattresses, drifting off on a stream through a forest. Now and then you notice they bump against something and their course changes. It is so slight that it goes unnoticed by them as they follow the flow and enjoy the view. The treetops waving in the slight breeze and while enjoying the wonderous spectacle.

A fun way of relaxing and appreciating nature while you become one with yourself.

Likewise, our creativity should pour from us with an ease and comfort. It is not a strenuous task we have to think too much about.

Take, for instance, a dancing couple. Each step is perfectly coordinated to sync with each other because they have taken the time to practise. I believe the dancing gene was already within them. The flawless movements were already alive within their bones as they glide across the floor. The gentle sway of the hips, the graceful lifting of an arm or leg already brimming with energy earmarked their passion.

I envy people that can move like that. I love to dance. Alone, I can glide over the floor with relative ease, but when a man asks me to dance, I tense up. Why? Because I don’t know him, nor have I ever danced with him. Basically, it comes down to trust.

A dancing couple trust each other. When the woman turns away, she trust that the man will bring her back fluently and will bring her no harm. Likewise, a man will walk away in a sassy swagger because he knows the woman will not leave him on the dancefloor. They are both invested into that routine.

That is how we should be with our creativity. Like dance partners, we should trust in our ability to bring out the best in us. To trust ourselves is to allow devoted time for play/practise. Without adding time into the routine, your creativity will come to naught. Then you will lose the free flow of the river-like movements which promise to take you to a restful place.

The more we create, the more we trust the process. The more we create, the more we become invested into our creations. Like a couple that takes the floor, we trust each other. It becomes an investment we pour ourselves into and we continue to become better at our craft.

When your body, soul and spirit operate as one, your creativity flows with a river-like ease. Any obstacle you might encounter becomes an opportunity to grow, to change direction, to tweak and grow some more. A dynamic duo exists between our body and spirit, and we pour our very heart within its recesses to become bigger than us. So big that it becomes a legacy which last forever.

Your thoughts are always welcome, so add it in the comments.

Let the river flow.

©Lynelle Clark 2023

https://linktr.ee/AuthorLynelle

Links

The KreativPreneur Club

Book Release your Creativity (authorlynelleclark.blogspot.com)

Writer’s Journal for Beginners

Book Writer's Journal for Beginners (authorlynelleclark.blogspot.com)

PDF Writer's Journal for Beginners (authorlynelleclark.blogspot.com)

Maslow’s hierarchy download

Third Principle of Creativity

 

The third principle: When we open ourselves to our creativity, we open ourselves to the creator’s creativity within us and it expands to our lives.

In the presence of the Lord, we find answers. Because, in His presence, we open ourselves to God’s impartation. We allow Him to take centre stage and perform the creative miracle we are longing for.

I can honestly say that I have never gone into a fast-moving river, lay on my back, and enjoyed the ride. My analytical-realistic brain stops me at the edge as I watch the water pass.

I grew up next to the Orange River in the Northern Cape. It is an intimidating river that snakes through the Kalahari with a quiet stillness. From a far it is beautiful and inspiring but up close it shows a strength that warns you to step lightly. The riverbanks at some places so steep to keep you away and at other places you can step into the shallow waters as it laps at your feet. Even in the days when we were standing on the sandbanks inside the river, learning to swim, I always approached it with high regard. Its presence left a great impression on my younger soul. It still does.

Currently, it is in flood, its power sending shock waves through the community and awe in the rest of us. Then, it accumulates at the Augrabies Waterfall as a thunderous body of water into a very steep ravine. It is a sight to behold. I was there in 2021 when it was in flood as well. That mighty roar spoke to my spirit-man, and I cried. A mixture of awe, fear, and respect that you cannot explain to another person. The roar to deafening and the presence of God so real that you could feel the tantalizing power right into your bones.

Right at this moment, the thunderous roar of the Augrabies Falls is ten times that and has been closed for public viewing.

Can you imagine, Father God, inviting us into that powerful body of water to reveal His greatness to us? Yes, even His creativity is shown to us as He urges us to relax and ride it out with Him.

With that image in mind, it can be intimidating to approach God’s presence, but God wants us there. A place where we can trust Him. Rely on Him and experience God’s creative power to come to its fullness.

“God, are you for real?” I would ask, then I would see a smile spreading across His beautiful face as He nods. Yes, He is real.

When I was younger, I always accompanied my father and uncles on the small blue boat across the river. It was such an adventure, even though it was scary. But that small boat was sturdy, and the men understood the streams and rowed us safely across to where my grandfather’s farmland was. Today you can access the island by car much easier. Back then, it would take too long to go around reaching the island from the other side. Besides, you would miss the splendour of such a journey. So, we always took the boat, and my uncle’s dog swam next to us. Always reaching the riverbank first.

(My cousin replaced the oars with an engine which made the trip so much quicker.)

I remember the firm hold I had on the sides of that boat as my father and uncles rowed us across that brooding water. The water sliding underneath your fingers as sunrays danced on the surface. Capturing you into silence. The stretch of water so close you can taste its very existence.

For some reason, I always think of that river when I read about the rivers in the Bible. The mesmerising awe it inspires to lie back and enjoy the ride while God does His thing.

This is what I experience when I see point three of the basic principles of creativity. God invites us into the mighty river to show us what He has in store for us. The question is, will we trust Him enough?

Once we do, our creativity flows from our heart to our mind, to our hands and fingers. Our hands and fingers are only the tools God uses, but the creativity itself begins in our spirit. There, God the creator gives us images of what He wants to birth in us. It is only in a place of trusting and relaxing that we truly can experience God’s creativity to work through us.

Your thoughts are always welcome, so add it in the comments.

Let the river flow.

©Lynelle Clark 2022

https://linktr.ee/AuthorLynelle

The second basic principle: the in-dwelling creative force.

 

There is an underlying, in-dwelling creative force infusing all of life—including ourselves.

 

Our in-dwelling force has its own character and personality. It is filled with insight and knowledge. If you trust Him and follow Him, then you become part of a greater force. A creative force that has no copycat in its veins. It is original as your Source is.

We talk, of course, about the Holy Spirit that talks to your spirit. The interaction is a clear vibration of wisdom and insight into the deeper things of an Almighty God.

Your creativity is not human-born or man-made. It comes from your innermost being where no one can see it move. It is so deep within that no one else can hear its voice or see what it shows to you.

Only you are aware of this movement. Only you can react to it.

Once you tap into that force, creativity blossoms and you become a river of insight, providence, and healing.

Each one of us hears and listens differently. Therefore, our creativity manifest differently. This is what makes it so unique and beautiful. And most importantly, people recognise you. It becomes your voice within this busy world.

Shema.

Shema means to hear but also to listen. To incline your ear to the voice within and act on what you hear.

Shema can also mean obedience. When you are obedient to the inner force/voice, you act on what you hear. You become single-minded in your actions and your dreams receive a certain direction. Follow this. Follow that. Do it this way. Add this.

The more you listen, the more your inner force grows. The more your creativity shapes and forms to something tangible that others can enjoy and appreciate and buy.

This is the ultimate goal of your creativity. To inspire, to heal and provide.

It is the basics we all need according to the Maslow hierarchy of needs.

SELF-TRANSCENDENCE

Transcendence refers to one’s spirituality and relation to the universe and others. This need is specifically concerned with the act of helping others to self-actualise.

SELF-ACTUALISATION

This stage can only be met once all other needs are satisfied. Though any person can achieve self-actualisation, not all people will since progress may be halted by life’s challenges.

AESTHETIC NEEDS

This refers to the search for beauty, balance, and form. Maslow recognised that artists tended to focus on fulfilment of these needs.

COGNITIVE NEEDS

A person’s cognitive needs may be fulfilled by the pursuit of knowledge.

SELF-ESTEEM

A person’s self-esteem needs are often met as they achieve goals, master certain tasks, and receive recognition or respect for accomplishments.

BELONGING NEEDS

These include love and community and are met by family, friends, or romantic partners.

SAFETY NEEDS

Safety includes feelings of security and stability, living free of fear, and being safe from harm.

PHYSIOLOGICAL NEEDS

These essential needs include food, water, and shelter. Most people try to fulfil these needs before any others.

This where we are going. Once we tap into our inner force and creativity begins to flow we become whole.

Your thoughts are always welcome, so add your thoughts and ideas in the comments.

Let the river flow.

©Lynelle Clark 2022

LinkTree 

Links

Join The KreativPreneur Club and become part of the river. 

Introduction to Release your Creativity (authorlynelleclark.blogspot.com)

Book Release your Creativity (authorlynelleclark.blogspot.com)

PDF Release your Creativity Manual (authorlynelleclark.blogspot.com)

Writer’s Journal for Beginners

Book Writer's Journal for Beginners (authorlynelleclark.blogspot.com)

PDF Writer's Journal for Beginners (authorlynelleclark.blogspot.com)

 

Prrr... just like a cat.

 

This morning during my quiet time, these four words stood out, and I created an acronym with it.

Prrr... just like a cat.

Have you ever watched a cat?

If you did, you will notice he is very good at sleeping. He can sleep the entire day, stretched himself out, may eat some, just to curl up again and continue with his sleep. Then, when he does wake, he baths himself with careful intent. He doesn't miss a spot.

Prrr...

Pray (meditate):

Throughout the new testament, you will notice the times Jesus walked away from the crowd, or stood up early to speak with his Father.

He wasn't swept away by the crowds, or social media. No, he was mindful of spending his time in conversation with his source. This is the reason he always seemed in control of every situation.

Prayer leads to the first r... it is rest:

Rest means to take a step back and make time for the things that are important to us.

We all have deadlines we have to make, but if we do not schedule time to rest, it will be detrimental to our health.

This leads us to the second r... reflecting.

Reflecting results from rest. As we take a time out, we realize what is important to us, make adjustments and walk with greater ease through our day. We become mindful of the smaller things and chuck out the big things.

The next r... results from reflection, and that is recreation.

Recreation comes through play, sing, paint, dance, having fun, exercise, etc. It brings us closer to the place of creativity where we found the outlet.

Recreation that is truly restorative always creates a clear sense of well-being and centeredness, both physically and spiritually. Recreation, like the word implies, re-creates in us a heart for God that is expressed by a sincere appreciation and gratefulness.

Joey O'Connor. The Longing: Embracing the Deepest Truth of Who You Are.

This is a good way of reminding ourselves to become still. It is from this place that our creativity blossom into something beautiful.

PRRR STAND FOR

P - Pray (Mediate)

R - Rest

R - Reflecting

R - Recreation

There are days I am so thinly spread that I neglect certain things. I trust you can understand this as well.

Therefore, it is so important to take the time to pray, rest, reflect and be recreational.

Each step brings you closer to the words and colours stored in your mind and you become a colourful array of shapes and sounds, fulfilling your purpose.

I WANT TO LEAVE YOU WITH THESE QUESTIONS:

What re-creates your heart and soul?

What playful activities, hobbies, and interests do you immerse yourself in to live out a childlike faith?

How is your time best spent allowing the re-creative work of God to refresh and remind you of who you are?

Do become part of the discussion and jou the club on Facebook. 

In gesprek met Mari Botha: Die Waarheid Radio. Staan 'n kans om die boekbundel te wen.

Die Waarheid Radio

Skryf in vir die kompetisie en staan 'n kans om die boekbundel ter waarde van R1800 te wen. 

1. Waar kom die skrywersdroom vandaan?

Ek het boeke nog altyd fassinerend gevind. As tiener het ek Konsalik ontdek en het sy boeke verslind. Die manier wat hy jou kon intrek en deel maak van die storie terwyl die plot lewendig word het my diep geraak. Ek dink dit het daar begin. Tussen die ysvlaktes van Siberië, agter die Ystergordyn en die absolute deursettingsvermoë van sy karakters wat dit verg om te oorleef.

Maar natuurlik, moes ek eers my eie ondervinding opbou voordat dit ‘n werklikheid kon word. ‘n Mens kan net skryf wat jy weet, en op dertien het ek nog geen begrip gehad van die lewe nie. Ek het ook nie ‘n liefde vir die taal gehad nie. Maar die droom was daar gebore.

‘n Skoolmaat van my het my eendag herinner aan my woorde in standard sewe. Ek het heeltemal vergeet van daardie woorde. My kop was toe in die wolke want ek wou ‘n lugwaardin word. Toe dit nie realiseer nie moes ek ‘n kopskuif maak en oor tyd het die droom vervaag maar my liefde vir lees nie. Dit het die droom gevoed sonder dat ek werklik bewus was daarvan. Eers in 2010 het die woorde in my kop die sleutelbord gevind. Toe my eertse boek in 2012 die lig sien, toe slaan dit my tussen die oë en van daar het dit geëskaleer tot die ses vrystellings en 10 samewerking bundels met ander skrywers.

2. Jou persoonlike gunsteling uit jou eie pen en hoekom?

Love at War. Die storie het as ‘n novelle begin. In 2010 was my kop op ‘n verkeerde plek weens die probleme wat ons destyds beleef het. My woede en seer het my uitlaatklep geword. Hier het ek ook besef dat ek eintlik baie passievol is. Uit hierdie passie het skryf begin ontwikkel en het ek geskryf wat op my hart was.

Love at War het saam met my ontwikkel en die storielyn het van ‘n novelle na ‘n boek ontwikkel totdat dit geeindig het as ‘n 700 bladsy boek met lewenslesse reg uit my lewe uit. Die vrae waarmee Sonia Main gesukkel het was my vrae.

Sonia Main, die hoofkarakter in die boek het deur verskeie ervarings gegaan en op die ou einde het die lewe haar terug gevat na die Here toe. Sy was kwaad, vir haarself en vir die Here. Maar Vader is getrou. Hy weet hoe om ons uit die varkhok te kry.

Haar storie is die storie van so baie ander vrouens ook. Genesing kom eers wanneer ons onsself werklik kan vergewe. Dit is dan wat ‘n straf ons grootste seën word en jy verantwoordelikheid vat vir jou lewe. Hierdie lesse lei ons dan terug na die Vader huis.  

3. Nuutse boek

Ek is lief vir ‘n goeie sielkundige riller en wou nog altyd my hand daaraan slaan. Laas jaar het ons ‘n mini-kompetisie gehad op Skryf Jou Storie se FB groep. Dit was aangebied deur Floris van Zyl en ek het Verlore Gisters begin skryf met The Sinner en Agatha Christy in my kop.

Die kompetisie het die storie aan die brand gesteek maar die woordtelling was ‘n buffer om werklik uiting te gee aan die storielyn. Maar die fondasie is gelê en ek is tans besig om bietjie meer vleis daaraan te sit. So ‘n regte spanningsverhaal met ‘n twist. 

4. Vertel ons meer van KreativPreneur

KreativPreneur het einde laas jaar begin vanuit my begeerte om ander by te staan in hul kreatiewe reis. Benewens die skryf trek enige vorm van kreatiwiteit my aan. Hetsy sang, dans, koekversiering, ‘n mooi skildery, ‘n unieke gebou, tuin of fotografie. Dit maak nie saak nie, ek waardeer die kreatiwiteit daaragter.

In 2020, met die epidemie in volle swang, het ek begin met ‘n lewensgids kursus op Udemy. In die proses het ek op verskeie boeke afgekom waar God werklik verhoog word deur kreatiwiteit. ‘n Nuwe wêreld het vir my oopgemaak. The Artist Way van Julie Cameron het my pad gekruis en aangespoor om met wat ek geleer het ‘n werksboek saam te stel. Release your Creativity is ‘n 9-weke kursus, en The Artist Way het die fondasie daarvoor gelê. Release your Creativity is tans beskikbaar op my webwerf en sal eersdaags ook in Afrikaans beskikbaar wees.

Met dit saam het ek geweet ek sal ‘n platform moet skep. Aanvanklik was dit Kreativ Collectiv gewees maar met konstante tegniese probleme op daardie webwerf, en tyd vir hernuwing vir my domain het ek besluit dit is ‘n goeie idee om oor te slaan na KreativPreneur toe. Dit het maar alles met tydsberekeing te doen.

KreativPreneur is ‘n holistiese platform waar ek kyk na elke aspek van kreatiwiteit. Ons bestaan immers uit liggaam, siel en gees, ‘n volronde holistiese wese. God se DNA is in ons geprogrammeer en daaruit wys Hy ons nuwe dinge wat vir ons ‘n nuwe lewe voorberei.

M.a.w., Hy gee ons ‘n platform om selfversorgend te word mits ons gekonnekteer is met Hom. Ons is elkeen ‘n put. Elkeen se put verskil in diepte en die donker vrese van die onbekende. Maar wanneer ons toelaat dat God deur ons werk begin daardie put oop te maak en die donker word verruil vir lig. Die water begin te styg, later stroom dit oor die rotswande wat dan ‘n stroom word. Hierdie stroom word ‘n volwaardige rivier. Die doel van KreativPreneur is dan om elkeen te help om daardie stroom te bereik.  

Openbaring praat van ‘n rivier wat gevul word met visse wat dui op voorsiening, die blare wat nie verwelk nie wat dui op God se genesing en ons bewaar. Die goeie vrugte wat genesend en voedend van aard is, is wat ons uit gee aan die mense wat ons pad kruis.

Hierdie prentjie is lewendig in my hart. My stroompie moet aansluit by jou stroompie. Ons kan dit nie alleen doen nie. Ons het mekaar nodig want dan word ons ‘n rivier wat deur die land vloei met genesing in ons dieptes en voorsiening in ons samestelling.

5. Die Waarheid se Dig en Skryf kompetisie - is daar nuwe talent in SA?

Ek glo daar is. Die pad is oop vir elkeen om te ontwikkel mits hulle luister na die raad wat gegee word. Dit is so maklik om in ‘n strik te val van “ek weet”. Glo my, selfs na 13 jaar weet ek nog nie als nie. Ek maak nogsteeds foute. Maar wanneer jy bereid is om te leer en aan te hou skryf sal die woorde outomaties kom en saam met dit die deurbraak.

Die geheim is skryf en lees. As ‘n skrywer is die twee onlosmaaklik deel van jou.

Ek lees ten minste een boek ‘n week. Ek lees verskillende genres want elkeen leer my iets. Daar is baie skrywers wat niks lees nie en nie kan verstaan hoekom hulle nie ontwikkel nie. Lees is ‘n katalisator vir jou eie skryfwerk. Of jou nou fiksie, nie-fiksie of net die Bybel lees. Jy moet lees.

Saam met dit moet jy ‘n tweede vel ontwikkel. Daar was verskeie kere wat ek wou ophou. Daar is mense wat dink ek is sub-standaard. Daar is mense wat dink hulle kan dit beter doen as ek. Maar ek is nog hier, waar is die mense? Jy moet in jouself glo. Niemand anders gaan nie. Baie mense stop met die eerste kriteik wat die verkeerdste ding kan wees.

6. Hoe oorkom skrywers die vrees om te begin?

Vir elkeen is dit anders. Maar dit is eintlik eenvoudig. Deur op jou knieë te gaan en Vader toe te laat om deur jou te werk. Ons kreatiwiteit kom van Hom af. Hy weet waarmee ons sukkel. Hy weet van elke vreesagtge gedagte en gevangeniskap waarin ons is. Hy weet hoe ons aanmekaar gesit is.

Maar ten spyte daarvan het Hy sy asem in ons geblaas. Daardie asem is lewend en kragtig om elke muur van vrees te oorwin. Wanneer ek Hom vertrou en al my vrese voor Hom neersit dan help Hy my om dit te oorkom.

Die volgende stap is om te gaan sit voor daardie sleutelbord en jou gedagtes neer te pen.

Deel van die 9-weke kursus is om elke dag vir daardie nege weke elke oggend jou hand op papier te sit en te skryf. Deur net te skryf sonder om te dink oor wat jy skryf maak jy ‘n deur oop vir woorde om te vloei. Kort voor lank begin stories tevoorskyn kom. Of ‘n gedagte vir ‘n boek. Of ‘n gedagte vir ‘n rolprent. God wil sy Hart aan jou openbaar en wanneer jy tyd maak om stil te word begin Hy om die pen oor te vat.  

Maar dit begin by daardie eerste stap. Om jou knie te buig en stil te word. Wanneer ons in tap in God in wys Hy jou die pad vorentoe. Hy help jou om daardie vrees te oorwin.

7. Waarna sien jy uit vir die toekoms van 'skryf' in Suid Afrika?

Die toekoms van Skryf in Suid Afrika is baie helder en blink. ‘n Mens sien dit oral op die Internet. Die skrywersplatforms op FB alleen is legio. Met mense wat passievol hierdie craft volhou sal skryf ‘n permanente rol speel in ons lewe.

Ek lees nou die dag dat AI of Artificial intelligence skryf gaan oorneem in die toekoms. Maar ek kan nie sien dat dit wel sal gebeur nie. AI kan nie emosies skryf nie. AI kan nie die kleure van ‘n Bosveld sonsondergang beskryf nie. Dit kan ook nie die pyn van ‘n kind weergee of die weëmoed van ‘n moeder of die absolute radeloosheid van ‘n vader nie. Dit is nie in sy DNA geskryf nie. Net die mens kan uiting gee aan dit wat hier binne gebeur.

Skryf is ‘n tasbare lewende organisme wat niemand kan keer nie. Selfs al moet ons op klip skryf sal dit voortleef.

8. Hoe werk die Writer's Journal for Beginners? Hoekom is daar so baie mense wat deesdae hul stories wil skryf?

Writer’s Journal for Beginners is ‘n samevatting van wat ek geleer het die afgelope jare. Dit is die fondasie van skryf en waarna om te kyk. In Suid Afrika is daar min sulke boeke beskikbaar en met ‘n groeiende mark wil mense weet hoe. Met die knaende kragprobleem in ons land wil mense ‘n werksboek in hul hande hê.

Die riglyne is weereens ‘n omvattende holistiese kyk na jouself. Die joernaal begin met dertien vrae wat jy moet deurwerk. Juis om daardie vrese waarvan ons vroeër gepraat het te kan uitwis. wanneer jy jouself begin verstaan dan kan jy makliker deurbreek deur die blokke wat jou probeer terug hou. Wanneer dit klaar is teken jy ‘n Honouring pledge met jouself. ‘n Sertifikaat wat jou verantwoordelik hou vir die projek waarmee jy begin.

Ek help jou van karakter en wêreld bou tot hoe om jou woorde te hou (Of Word Tracker). Dit is ‘n aansporing asook ‘n middel om jou gefokus te hou op die eind doel.

Wat is die verskillende oogpunte waaruit jy kan skryf. Waarna om te kyk as jy ‘n karakter wil skep, ens.

Elkeen van ons het ‘n storie om te vertel. Of dit nou in fiksie is of nie-fiksie. Daardie storie brand in jou en vroeër of later wil hy uit. Hy wil die lig sien. Met al hoe meer stemme wat die lugruim beset kan ‘n mens maklik voel jy word nie raak gesien of gehoor nie. Om jou storie te vertel is om jou stem te laat hoor. Al is dit al wat jy agter laat, vir iemand sal dit iets beteken.

9. Vertel meer oor Joernaal reeks vir vroue.

Die erfenis reeks is een van KreativPreneur se eerste babas. Omdat ekself uit ‘n gebroke huwelik kom en die pad van opstaan ken verstaan ek die waarde van ondersteuning.

Die joernaal reeks, wat in al die landstale beskikbaar sal wees is ‘n ondersteuningsmiddel vir vroue wat weer van vooraf moet begin. Selfs die jonger geslagte, om hulle te help om doelgerig te lewe te daarby te hou. Sodat hulle kan besef daar is meer in die lewe as net dwelms, kêrels en om getroud te wees.

Daar is ook plek vir ‘n gebedsjoernaal, dankbaarheid, finansiële en spaar joernaal asook ‘n lees joernaal. Die is amper klaar en sal beskikbaar wees aanlyn in my webwerf en FB winkel.

Die vertalings vat bietjie langer as wat ek gedink het maar dit kom daar.

10. Hoekom juis vroue?

Selfs in vandag se tyd waar vrouens als kan doen wat ‘n man kan doen is die vrou nogsteeds in baie opsigte agter. Baie glo hulle is net geroep om ma te wees en ‘n tuisteskepper te wees maar word as vrou heeltemal mis gekyk. Ekself was ‘n huisvrou vir negentien jaar, en daar is niks mee verkeerd nie maar vroeër of later kom die “resentment” of wrok na vore en jy glo jy kan niks doen nie.

Baie glo hulle het niks om te bied nie. Van 2017 tot begin 2019, ek hoop ek het die datums reg, het ek ‘n radio program gehad vir enkellopende vroue, Diamant Divas, op Elan Global Radio. Ek wou vroue help om die gevare van ‘n enkellopende pad raak te sien en ook te leer waarvoor om uit te kyk. Asook om hulle aan te spoor om weer te gaan leer.

Wat ek uit my eie pad geleer het en ook met die wat met my gesels het is dat ons baie goed nie weet nie. Baie vrouens is nie “street smart” nie. Juis omdat ons weggehou word, in watte toegedraai word en glo ons kan niks anders doen nie. Maar die dag wat ons opstaan is ondersteuning yl.

Dit is ‘n brandende passie in my om vrouens te help om op te staan. Om vir hulle ‘n platform te skep waar hulle weer volwaardig vrou kan word.

11. Nuwe boek oppad... wanneer? Wat maak jou opgewonde oor die verhaal?

Daar is twee boeke wat albei halfpad is. Die een is The Connection Series. Die storie is gebore toe my seun Amerika toe is. Dit was my manier om oor dit te kom en die mooi daarin te sien.

Dit handel oor twee families: die Calloway’s, in Amerika en die Stevenson familie hier in Suid Afrika. Elke boek in die reeks handel oor ‘n Bybelse waarheid. Die eerste boek is Source of Joy, en is ligweg gegrond op Abigail en Dawid se storie.

Die ander boeke in die reeks handel oor tweede kanse (Second Chances), om ‘n vrou van inbors te wees (Wife of Nobility), geopende hemel (Open Heavens) en genadehuis (House of Mercy). Elkeen handel oor gehoorsaamheid en net soos met Love at War moet die karakters luister en gekonnekteer wees met God om hul seën te kan ontvang.

Die ander boek is Seisoen van Liefde wat handel oor ‘n pa en dogter wat smag na ‘n nuwe lewe met ‘n paar twists in die storielyn.

Al my boeke het ‘n Bybelse waarheid in. Met Love at War is dit baie prominent waar die ander se storielyn nie so opvallend is nie ten sy jy geestelik ingestel is om dit te ontvang.   

Besoek Die Waarheid FB blad plasing hier, en skryf in vir die Boek Bundel Valentyn’s kompetisie. 

Deel FB post wat Die Waarheid Radio, KreativPreneur, Lynelle Clark en al my links ook.

Valentynsdag is om die draai!

Jy kan lekker WEN vir jouself óf vir die spesiale persoon in jou lewe.

Om te kan skryf is om uiting te gee aan dinge wat almal nie altyd verstaan nie. Lynelle Clark, outeur en een van die beoordelaars van Die Waarheid se Dig en Skryf kompetisie, verstaan die skryfkuns egter baie goed. Sy het by Die Waarheid Radio kom kuier en een gelukkige luisteraar kan haar boekbundel wen vir Valentynsdag. Dit sluit die volgende 6 boeke uit haar pen in: A Pirate's Wife, Bella's Choice, Love at war, Blood Mines, Gedagte Kringe en Juweel van die Oosgrens. ’n Behoorlike bederf vir enige boekwurm.

Hoe kan jy inskryf om te WEN:

1. Deel hierdie plasing met soveel as moontlik mense. Elke 'share' tel as ’n inskrywing.

2. Gaan ‘like’ Lynelle Clark se Facebook en Instagram bladsye

https://www.facebook.com/lynengclk

https://www.instagram.com/lynelle.clark/?hl=en

3. Volg die Waarheid Radio op Facebook, Instagram en YouTube

https://www.facebook.com/diewaarheidradio

https://www.instagram.com/diewaarheidradio/?hl=en

https://www.youtube.com/@diewaarheidradio2541

4. Sluit aan by KreativePreneur Club op Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/groups/kreativpreneurclub