An A-List Dinner Party: My Top Picks for Conversation and Wisdom

I love conversation starters almost as much as I love inspirational quotes; they're deceptively simple, easy to overlook or brush away, and yet...there's a wealth of value under the surface. In terms of journaling or inner self-exploration, conversation starters open new doors to understanding who you are and why. When used in conversation as intended (assuming there is adequate effort employed), simple ice-breakers are a fascinating way to foster connection, glean wisdom, and find healing.

For example, I was absolutely delighted to overhear this forgotten gem at my church's women's conference this weekend:

• "Imagine you're hosting a dinner party. You are only allowed to have five guests - but they can be any person, alive or dead, from any period of time. Who would you invite, and why?"

It got me thinking. I've been struggling quite a bit lately with motivation and self-doubt; I have complex PTSD, and while 2024 has been a fabulous year of growth and inspiration, I've pushed myself hard, and I was overdue for a period of emotional fatigue and physical burnout. The conference made it obvious that the time is now, so after the conference ended, I took yesterday afternoon to rest not only my body, but also my over-worked spirit, and just let my mind wander. (I had accidentally eaten something allergen-contaminated, and several Benadryl tablets may have played a part in this next bit.)

What if I were able to host that kind of dinner party? Who would I invite? Perhaps more importantly, what am I hungry for right now, in terms of conversational input and the kind of soul food you only get from deep and intimate conversation with like-minded company?

So, in keeping with my taking space to rest and recharge, I'm skipping my weekly Ta-Da list in favor of sharing my guest list:

Now, onto the writing update. Honestly, this wasn't my most productive week. Between a series of doctor’s appointments, a minor emergency at my daughter’s school, and preparations for the women’s conference at our church this past weekend, I’ve barely had time to think, let alone sit down and write.

I know these things are part of life, and nothing goes smoothly all the time. But as a writer who loves almost nothing more than those moments of blissful creativity...I'm so frustrated I could scream.

I keep telling myself to be graceful, to be patient. That it’s okay. That some weeks are slower than others, and that life happens. Instead of beating myself up over it, I’m trying to embrace the idea that downtime is a necessary part of the process. Rest is just as important as productivity, and the value of what we offer the world is directly related to how healthy we are when we offer it.

So, while the words didn’t flow this week, I’m okay with that. I’m using the time to recharge, letting inspiration brew and bubble up, and reminding myself that creative energy is like the tide - if it goes out, it'll come back in. While I'm waiting I'm gonna take my medicine, get some rest, firm up my boundaries, and try to...