🗂 This Week in Work in Progress
Status Update: Dolly Parton discovers a new voice and we both take on new challenges.
Inspiration: Dolly Parton’s wisdom on choosing your own path bravely.
Lighter Note: Artistry of all types is good for well-being.
🔔 Status Update
Do you have trouble predicting the scale of a project? I definitely do. Especially when it comes to writing.
I keep planning to knock out a relatively trim essay. I carefully winnow away, narrowing the scope till I get to the “shiny dime” – the essence of the piece – before I even begin to scribble. And then I wind up producing the equivalent of a book chapter instead. 🥴 🙄 🤭
It’s week 3 of Write of Passage and I definitely bit off more than I can chew this time.
I started a piece-of-work (in the literal and humorous sense) loosely titled, “Therapy Doesn’t Work. Let’s Fix it.” Yeah, cause I’m not too masochistic (this is just the kind of thing that could get me called into the Dean’s office!). And I’m not too narcissistic (yeah, I’m gonna write an essay that solves the problem of unimpressive cure rates in the entire field of mental health…this week).
And yet…I do have a lot to say on this topic. And many ideas on how to fix it, if we’re willing to face it. (“We” being the field of mental health treatment, that is. We patients have been facing this issue since the dawn of time.)
I’m letting this one rest, like dough – delaying publication rather than plunking something half-baked out in the world. Half-baked is fine when I’m rambling about ducks. Not so great when I’m spewing something pretty spiky. Anyway, get ready for some spice in your inbox in a few weeks as I wrestle this monster into submission.
On another note 🤣 …and speaking of climbing new mountains and daring deep dives…
At 77 years young, Dolly Parton is releasing her first rock album. Talk about scope creep! While it won’t hit the airwaves till November, the first single, titled World on Fire, was released just a few minutes ago!!!
One, I’m sorry, country girl, you will always sound country to me – it’s the texture of your voice. Two, Dolly, you are a goddess. I’ll follow you anywhere including into a driving drumkit and ripping guitar riffs.
Prepare yourself. Dolly’s mad and she’s not gonna take it anymore. She feels about US politics and the state of the world much like I feel about the state of disarray in my field. More than one world’s on fire. Nice to have something in common with Dolly, even if it is just run-of-the-mill fury and the desire to shout the obvious from the rooftops.
In case you’re interested…The album itself will feature Paul McCartney, Miley Cyrus, and Elton John plus collaborations with – hold on to your cowboy hat: Joan Jett, John Fogerty, Steven Tyler, Pat Benatar, Chris Stapleton, Pink, Brandi Carlile, Ann Wilson, Debbie Harry, Steve Perry, Richie Sambora, Kid Rock, Emmylou Harris, Sheryl Crow, Ronnie Van Zant, Warren Haynes, Rob Halford, Nikki Sixx, Linda Perry, John 5, Simon Le Bon, Michael McDonald, Ronnie McDowell, The Jordanaires, Gary Rossington, Artimus Pyle, Kevin Cronin, Neil Giraldo, and Waddy Wachtel. Wow!
Community makes taking risks far less risky and dials down the fear factor. When you’re going far out on a limb, it pays to have friends. Take note of this, dear readers, when you decide to go all spiky.
Dolly’s found a new voice in an old genre. I’m finding my voice in your company each week (thank you!). And I’ll always support you in finding yours!
Do you have a spiky point of view you’d like to give voice? Please share. I’d love to know!!!
💡 Inspiration
“I’m not going to limit myself just because people won’t accept the fact that I can do something else.”
― Dolly Parton
Ditto.
I don’t have more to add, so I’ll let Dolly fill out this whole section for me today, with a couple of quotes to support the one above…
“If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.”
“You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try.”
Let’s all be brave with Dolly this week and do something daring. What will your act of courage be?
That’s what this quote triggers in me. What does it say to you?
🤡 On a Lighter Note
Artistry in all forms …
Dolly Parton’s World on Fire, for your listening pleasure!
Listening to Dolly – or our personal fave artist – on Spotify makes us happy. Turns out that looking at art online has the same effect. Here’s a study on the contribution of online art viewing to our well-being.
And speaking of finding your voice, or a new version of it…Dozens of species assumed to be mute aren’t mute at all. How was this discovery made? They were recorded making sounds!
Want more on finding your voice? Start with your own personal Parts. Here’s your next read.
🎀 It’s a Wrap
A warm thank you for reading and a hearty welcome to all new subscribers. I’m so glad you’re here!
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Until next week, take care of yourself and someone else if you’re able.
Hi Lyssa. Love the sentiment about risking together as a community emboldening our courage. Hell ya. Can’t wait for the gestating spiky solution to mental health care. Here is my latest spiky experiment in the direction of disruptive intelligence. www.breakarule.com
Love the theme of voice and how you have weaved it together in each of Dolly Parton, community, and IFS.