Writing from the Heart

Unleash the Power of Family and Hobbies

Amy Barlowe
Word Garden
5 min readJul 1, 2024

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Photo by x ) on Unsplash

Last week, I was climbing a sheer cliff face, the wind whipping through my hair. It’s my happy place, rock climbing. It’s more than a hobby; it’s a chance to clear my head, think, be creative. Sometimes my best ideas hit me while grappling with a tricky route, maybe it’s the adrenaline rush — whatever it is, it sparks something in me.

It’s not just rock climbing that fuels my passion for writing, it’s the experiences I share with my amazing family. Bill, my husband, who loves restoring cars, always supports my climbing adventures. Our kids — Cassie, a rock-star gymnast, Darla, a future nurse, and little George, a train-loving football fanatic — they are my inspiration. Their energy, their stories, their passions — it all feeds into my writing. Today, let’s talk about how your passions and the incredible people in your life unlock a whole new world of creativity. Sometimes, the most powerful stories come from the heart, that’s where the magic happens.

Family Stories, Family Flavor

Cassie, my amazing gymnast, was preparing for a big competition. She’d dedicated months to perfecting her routine, every flip and twist. On the day of the competition, she walked downstairs in her leotard, radiating determination and readiness. I went to hug her, and her eyes widened in panic. “Mom,” she exclaimed, “I think I forgot the most important thing — my lucky socks!” My heart dropped. Where could they be?

It turned out, our little train enthusiast, George, had “borrowed” them to complete his new “train engineer” costume. He proudly wore them, announcing his “train journey” to the living room floor. It was pure chaos, but also a delightful reminder of the vibrant life we lead. Those moments — the joy, the craziness, the laughter — they’re the essence of our family, the very flavor that infuses my writing. Thank goodness for my knack for productivity, or I’d be swallowed by the chaos. But honestly, who wants ordinary when you have a gymnast, a future nurse, and a train fanatic in your life?

Photo by Kelsey Chance on Unsplash

Bill’s Workshop, My Writing Workshop

Bill, my husband, has a remarkable talent for restoring old cars. He possesses an incredible eye for detail, meticulously attending to every bolt and wire. This meticulous nature, I believe, is why he’s an industrial engineer, but that’s a story for another time.

When he’s working on a project, his dedication and focus are contagious, influencing my own writing process. The way he carefully plans and executes each step, it’s a masterclass in transforming the seemingly broken into something beautiful. I see a parallel in my writing, where I take raw ideas and shape them into polished stories, just as he brings those old cars back to life. His passion for restoration inspires me to approach my writing with a fresh perspective. It’s as if our home has become a creative workshop, one filled with wrenches and engines, the other with pens and paper.

The Power of Sharing

I recently wrote about balancing work, family, and my love for climbing. It was tough, feeling stretched thin, but a hike in the mountains helped me find peace. The response was amazing. Readers felt understood, they saw themselves in my story. They shared my struggle of managing different roles and finding time for themselves. One reader said, “You wrote my story!”

That’s when it hit me: it wasn’t just about climbing. It was about the shared human experience, the desire to be the best at everything we do. Sharing my personal struggles and triumphs creates a connection with readers. It’s like we’re all in this together, navigating life’s beautiful chaos. Writing from the heart is powerful because it fosters this sense of shared experience.

Photo by Unseen Studio on Unsplash

Climbing for Clarity

Finding that balance between family, work, and my passions — that’s where the magic truly happens. Juggling a demanding career, raising three amazing kids, and supporting my incredibly supportive husband — it’s a lot to handle! But there’s one thing that helps me stay grounded, climbing. Being up there, harness strapped on, with the wind in my hair, it’s an incredible feeling.

It’s more than just a physical challenge; it’s about being present, pushing my limits, and finding that sweet spot where my mind can wander freely. Those moments of quiet reflection, completely immersed in the climb, they do wonders for my mental well-being. It helps me manage stress, find creative inspiration, and approach everything else in my life with renewed clarity and energy. That’s exactly what I need to keep those creative juices flowing!

The Heart of the Story

What an amazing lesson! Writing from the heart — it’s truly powerful. Let your passions shine, your family stories flow, and your unique experiences color every word. Share your journey, the joys, the struggles, and the victories. Connect with your readers on a deeper level.

Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through; it makes your writing interesting, genuine, and captivating. It can be about climbing mountains, restoring cars, or navigating the busy life of a family. Whatever your story, let it flow from the heart. Watch as your writing takes on new depth and connects with others. Now, I’m eager to hear your stories! Share your passions, your family adventures, and your unique experiences in the comments below. Let’s create a community where writers embrace the power of writing from the heart and celebrate the magic that unfolds when we share our stories with the world.

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Amy Barlowe
Word Garden

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