Writing With a Wild Heart

Combining Productivity, Eclectic Interests, and Family Stories on Medium

Amy Barlowe
Readers Hope
5 min readJun 26, 2024

--

Photo by x ) on Unsplash

My days are a whirlwind of activity. Courtrooms, carpools, and climbing gyms all hold a place in my life. It’s a beautiful chaos, filled with laughter, thrill, and satisfaction. The laughter of my three kids, the thrill of conquering a challenging route on the climbing wall, and the satisfaction of a successful case in court — these are the things that fill my days.

Sometimes, it feels like juggling a dozen spinning plates, but somehow, I find a rhythm in the chaos. I’m always looking for ways to make the most of my time, streamline my work, and get more done. But not without sacrificing the things that truly matter. That’s where Medium comes in. My blog is a space where I explore the world of productivity, mindset, and time management. I weave in my own experiences as a lawyer, mom, rock climber, and…well, let’s just say, a pretty darn good cook. It’s about finding that balance between the structured and the spontaneous, the professional and the personal. It’s about writing with a wild heart and embracing the eclectic mix of my life, and sharing it with the world. Because ultimately, it’s the stories, the triumphs, and the struggles that make life worth living, and that’s exactly what I want to share on my Medium page.

Weaving Life into Words

Weaving personal stories into writing is all about finding those little connections. Maybe you’re reading about a productivity hack, and suddenly you’re introduced to Bill, an industrial engineer who also restores vintage cars. He’s a master puzzle solver, taking things apart, understanding how they work, and putting them back together — something I deeply admire. This fascination often appears in my writing.

Then there are the kids: Cassie, a gymnastics star, is a powerhouse of focus and determination. Already planning for college, she dreams of a career in sports medicine — a future doctor in the making! Darla, a little nurse-in-training, is a master at caring for her stuffed animals and offering wise advice to those with boo-boos. George, the train enthusiast and budding football player, switches seamlessly between laying out miniature train tracks and practicing touchdown moves in the backyard. Their passion, dreams, and quirky personalities inspire my writing, injecting it with real life and making it relatable. It’s about sharing these glimpses of my world, hoping you’ll find a bit of yourself within them.

Photo by Christin Hume on Unsplash

Balancing the Scales

It’s all about managing time, using clever tricks to boost productivity, and being adaptable. I love planning and making sure the most important tasks get done first, but I also embrace flexibility. That means working in quick sessions, making the most of spare moments — like car rides and waiting — and streamlining my workflow.

It’s about finding the perfect balance between structure and freedom, a constant journey of discovery. But the rewards are incredible. I can finish my writing, conquer challenging climbs, and still have time for family dinners and bedtime stories. It’s not always easy, but my love for rock climbing fuels my focus and drive. The same grit and determination I use to climb a mountain is what powers my writing on Medium. It’s about pushing my limits, welcoming challenges, and always aiming for the next level, whether I’m climbing or writing. Finding that balance, and making it work, is key.

Sharing the Journey

It’s the stories, the adventures, and the everyday moments that draw people in. Being a lawyer and a mom is a wild ride, full of quick thinking, problem-solving, and juggling priorities. This is what I bring to my writing on Medium — a blend of real life, raw emotions, and relatable experiences.

One moment, you might be reading about my latest productivity system, and the next you’re pulled into a courtroom battle. Or perhaps I’m sharing a time management tip, and then, bam! I’m recounting a crazy morning with the kids. Life is messy, chaotic, and incredibly beautiful all at the same time. Sharing those real experiences opens doors for others to share their own stories, fostering connection. This is exactly what I want to create on Medium — a space where we can all be ourselves, share our adventures, and learn from each other.

Photo by Shifaaz shamoon on Unsplash

Finding Your Climbing Style

Finding my voice on Medium has been a journey of self-discovery, much like finding my style in rock climbing. Initially, I tried to imitate the techniques of seasoned climbers. It felt awkward, not truly me. Then, I realized the power of embracing my own unique approach, my strengths, and even my weaknesses. And guess what? I started to soar!

Routes that seemed impossible before became achievable. I felt empowered, liberated, and thrilled. Writing is no different. We all have stories to share, perspectives to offer. Dare to experiment, to try new things, to find your own unique voice. It’s the key to connecting with readers, to creating something truly authentic. I’m still exploring my own style, eager to see what unfolds. Keep experimenting, keep pushing boundaries, and above all, keep writing from your heart.

Finding Your Write

Finding your voice on Medium is a journey, much like finding your style in rock climbing. When I started climbing, I felt like I was trying to mimic everyone else. I was so focused on being like the other climbers that I lost sight of my own unique abilities. It just didn’t feel authentic. Then, I decided to embrace my own way of climbing, to just let go and climb my way. I embraced my strengths, weaknesses, and my individual approach to the sport. And guess what? It worked! I began to conquer routes that seemed impossible before. I felt confident, free, and exhilarated.

Writing is the same. We all have stories to tell and unique perspectives to share. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. Find your own style. That’s the only way to connect with your readers and create something truly authentic. I’m still on this journey of discovery, and I’m excited to see where it takes me. So keep experimenting, keep pushing your boundaries, and most importantly, keep writing with your wild heart. Follow me for more tips on writing with a wild heart and join me on this journey!

--

--

Amy Barlowe
Readers Hope

Joyful mom of three, loving wife, productivity guru, and mindset writer. Embracing life's adventures!