Patti Digh Loves Me

Today’s post was inspired by Kick in the Blog, a new creation by my dear friend, Jessica Rosenberg of It’s my life…. The idea behind it is to have a place for your thoughts to go when you’re hit with writers’ block.  True to it’s name… it’s a KICK in the blog.

The question in the inaugural prompt reads, “Who believes in you today? Who believed in you in the past?”  Here is my response:

When Patti Digh gave the keynote address at last month’s Type A Conference in Asheville, she had the whole room laughing, crying, and buzzing with excitement. Her blog, 37 Days , asks the simple, but tough question, “What would you be doing today if you only had 37 days to live?”

In her keynote, Patti read excepts from her book, Life Is a Verb: 37 Days to Wake Up, Be Mindful, and Live Intentionally, which was inspired by the same question. She spoke about “being enough” and “reclaiming the joy and absolutely extraordinary” in your life.

She reminded each and every single one of us that whatever it is that we have to say, to say it plainly and loudly and proudly. To be ordinary and let that be enough, because everyone has a unique “ordinary”. She spoke directly to our hearts.

And because these are lessons that I have learned time and time again, but am constantly having to re-learn (and re-learn… again), I was anxious to buy her book. Unfortunately, she only brought so many with her and the local bookstore downtown, Malaprops, was also sold out.

“Oh well,” I thought. I’ll just get it later… knowing  full-well that I would probably forget or just keep putting it off. Unintentionally, of course.

On the second day of the conference, Patti returned with a fresh stack of books. I made a beeline for her, purchased a copy, and asked her to sign it. She wrote on my book… as she probably did on everyone else’s… “With love, Patti Digh”.

She and I chatted for a few more minutes about her cute shoes and the conference.  What I really wanted to say was, “I think you’ve changed my life! Thank you!” but how exactly do you DO that without making the other person feel awkward. (If you find out, let me know.)

Life is a Verb is equal parts heart-warming memoir, life list, and valuable lessons. The chapters are short. At least, they feel that way because I never want them to end. Each is then followed with a writing prompt and an activity (experience)  that goes along with the story.

As I read each section, I am filled with so much purpose and excitement. Then, just before I shut the book, the doubts come rushing back in.

Can I do this? Will I fail… again? 

Then one night, I reached for the book and it opened to the page with “With love, Patti Digh” written on it. Since then, I have looked at it every time I pick up the book and think “Patti Digh loves me. I CAN do this…”

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