Kindling the Flame
Some of my readers have told me that someday I will make a fantastic writer of inspirational books. I appreciate the compliment; although, I intend to reach people through other forms of writing as well. I don't plan on limiting it to a specific theme; I don't want all of it categorized under the sign "inspirational" on a shelf in Barnes & Noble when I know I am capable of creating children's books, magazine articles, newspaper columns and maybe even screenplays of various genres. I am not saying I won't find my niche, but with writing, there's a playing field that seems almost boundless as to where I can go and what I can do. I'm ready to get out there and throw the ball around.
I will admit that influencing, provoking and touching the hearts of my readers--in other words, inspiring--is a substantial piece of my writing that continually helps unveil the talent God's granted me. However, I feel as if my ability to convey my thoughts, ideas and feelings to an audience can only be accomplished if I first am inspired. Thus, I would like to share some examples of who and what inspires me.
Movies. I am not listing what inspires me in any particular order, but if I was, movies would be close to numero uno. Like many kids, I grew up watching movies, and like most adults I enjoy the weekend trip to the theater despite the rising ticket cost; however, I feel as if I have a connection with movies that few do. I have grown to appreciate the creation of movie making, so much in fact that I feel I have a calling for screenwriting. I'm the one who will sit in the theater until the credits finish rolling. Yes, I, Jayme Smith, recieve a guilty pleasure from reading screen credits. I follow actors' and actress' roles onscreen and off. I am intrigued at how they do what they do, what makes them so good, or consequently, bad. I enjoy researching the way movies are written and directed, more so written. And I use this knowledge in comparing movies. In a sense, I relish being the movie critic. But getting back to the purpose of a movie, the actual viewing; I am riveted by dramas. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good laugh out of a comedy, scream from a thriller or warm, fuzzy feeling those chick-flicks give you, but dramas really know how to reach me, especially those based on true stories. I believe this particular genre is the most difficult to write; nevertheless, if done well, the most rewarding. Most dramas are written to relate to the audience member--to throw out there, "Hey, we all have been in the situation of feeling powerlessness. So what needs to be done to progress toward the goal or achieve a sensible solution?" I'm attracted to major issues, conflicts, etc. and then the struggle that occurs when fighting your way out in order to bring about a sense of peace, happiness or feeling of accomplishment. I mean, who's not inspired by the story of a true underdog?
Quotes. I keep this notebook on my desk. It contains my favorite sayings from those who are famous, whether he be a theologist, humanitarian, author or celebrity, as well as quotes from my teachers, friends, family and even strangers. Anyone who says something that intrigues me and sometimes makes me laugh, I will note it in my book. I believe anyone can give advice but only few give it truthfully and meaningly. In time, God endows each of us with wisdom, more so, the older we grow. Hence why the majority of my quotes are from those older than me. When I need a pick-me-up, I open that notebook and read. When a friend needs advice, sometimes I share with them a quote that was passed on to me; so once again, I open that notebook. How comforting it is to read the words of someone who has witnessed or experienced what I am currently witnessing or experiencing. And more than that, to receive the power and inspiration that if this person did it, so can I. I would like to share one with you. And although it resides as the last quote in my notebook today, I can assure you it won't be tomorrow. It was from a movie I watched this weekend:
"When I was a kid, they used to tell me that I could be anything I wanted to be, no matter what... and
maybe I am insane, I don't know, but I still believe that. Somewhere along the line we stopped believing
we could do anything. And if we don't have our dreams, we have nothing."
-The Astronaut Famer
Music. Alright, so movies and music would probably tie in a race for things that inspire me. I almost feel dead when I'm not listening to it. As I write this, I am listening to my iPod. I work out, play basketball, do the dishes, talk on the phone and almost every other activity throughout my day involves me listening to music. It's my prime motivator. I could even go as far as saying that it stirs something inside of me that not even words could reach. When I exercise, I listen to rap. When I play video games with my brother, its rock. When I clean, it's pop. When I'm relaxing, it's Sinatra or Dino. When I'm dancing, it's MJ. When I'm reading, studying or writing, it's classical. No matter the classification, it never ceases at it's purpose to inspire. Much like movies, music is another obsession of mine. I follow artists, bands, composers, song writers, etc. I enjoy learning about what makes them tick, how they create their lyrics for a song and what music means to them. Musicians are passionate people. They work to reach people's soul. I'm attracted to a good beat of a rap song. I'm fascinated by the lyrics of a well-written ballad. My emotions are stirred listening to an exquisite, pure voice. Put on a record, I'll close my eyes, throw up my feet, lean back and let the music take me away to a magical place where only it can.
Teachers. Leave it to a teacher to reinstate faith into your life when it seems as if the rest of the world has given up on you. Sometimes I would only get by after one of my teachers had come up to me before or after class to encourage me. I have been extremely blessed to have had the privilege to learn from some of the most intelligent, compassionate instructors throughout my schooling. From kindergarden to college, I am appreciative of each one who has not only taught me book smarts but unforgettable life lessons. Like many people, but in my opinion not enough, I feel as if this profession is underpaid and overlooked. Whatever occupation an individual holds today is because he was first granted experience, knowledge and wisdom days prior by a teacher. Teachers deserve more respect. They want students to excel at becoming the best they can become. I personally think the good teachers are hardest on those students they feel don't believe in themselves. Professors understand the power of an education and even more so, the ability to equip others with that power. They take it seriously. I will admit that with time, I might forget facts I have learned from books, Powerpoints and lectures; however, I will always remember the moments certain teachers took to tell me I am talented, intelligent and determined. One of the reasons I still write is because my English and journalism teachers have told me I can write and I do it very well. And I thank them for their encouragement and inspiration, and I am proud to call them friends. Leave it to a teacher to tell you that you can do anything.
Criticism. It comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. It can come from your enemies or even from the ones you love. Some say it because they don't believe in you but some say it because they do. Ergo, constructive criticism; I take it and learn from it. The ones who critique you out of love usually want what's best for you. Criticism can be a slap in the face but like they say, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I have been the receiver of negative comments, remarks and actions but I choose to take them, twist them around and tell myself that I can either let it hold me back or motivate me to try harder. I've realized that I will never earn acceptance from everyone in this world, but that doesn't have to stop me from being myself. Sometimes it hurts when those you have trusted and put faith in let you down by telling you that you can't do this or that. No one has the right to tell you what you can't accomplish. I say that criticism inspires me because I view it as a double-edge sword. Most of the time it will cut you and sometimes deeply, but you have the choice to turn the humility, judgment and discrimination around transforming it into determination, which can lead you down the path to success. So the next time criticism is shot my way, I know how I'll be handling it.
Friends. At 22, I've learned that sadly, they will come and they will go. I believe God puts certain friends in my life at certain times for certain reasons. Without them, I don't know who I would be today. In my life, I have depended more on them than family. Heck, I have considered my friends family. Those resembling my guardian angels are those I consider my best. My best friends know all of my flaws and still love me for who I am. I have always had a tendency to flock toward those who are labeled misfits, underdogs and ragamuffins. And I have never been more proud to call them my friends, because I am a work in progress myself. No matter how bad I screw up or how long it's been since I've contacted one of them, they still talk to me and find encouraging ways to display their love for me. My friends believe in me when I say I want to become a writer. My friends support me when others have denied me. They help me laugh when it'd be easier to cry. They listen when I ramble about absolutely nothing because they know I'm confused and worried. Most of all, they just want what's best for me and they do everything possible to help me achieve it. They walk in when others walk out. They pull me off my sorry butt when I've lost hope and stand me back up on my two feet revealing to me opportunites I still have a shot at. They're generous, caring and kind. Each of their stories inspire my own life every day and I will continually look to them for guidance, advice, a shoulder to lean on and laughter. God loves them and so do I, very much.
The dictionary describes the word inspire as follows:
"To fill with an animating, quickening, or exalting influence; to produce or arouse; to fill or affect with a specified feeling, thought, etc."
The previous examples I explained of what inspire me represent this definition to its fullest. Without inspiration in my life it would make it close to impossible for me to live. The weight of my difficulties in life are lightened through the objects, people and ideas listed above. I thank God for giving me these sources of inspiration and I pray they continue to fill me with an animating, quickening and exalting influence. I can only wish for my readers that their inspirations conjure the same feelings of belief, awe and motivation mine reach inside of me.
When you work only for yourself, or for your own personal gain, your mind will seldom rise above the limitations of an undeveloped personal life. But when you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break your bonds: your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be. -Patanjali, 2nd century B.C.
Some of my readers have told me that someday I will make a fantastic writer of inspirational books. I appreciate the compliment; although, I intend to reach people through other forms of writing as well. I don't plan on limiting it to a specific theme; I don't want all of it categorized under the sign "inspirational" on a shelf in Barnes & Noble when I know I am capable of creating children's books, magazine articles, newspaper columns and maybe even screenplays of various genres. I am not saying I won't find my niche, but with writing, there's a playing field that seems almost boundless as to where I can go and what I can do. I'm ready to get out there and throw the ball around.
I will admit that influencing, provoking and touching the hearts of my readers--in other words, inspiring--is a substantial piece of my writing that continually helps unveil the talent God's granted me. However, I feel as if my ability to convey my thoughts, ideas and feelings to an audience can only be accomplished if I first am inspired. Thus, I would like to share some examples of who and what inspires me.
Movies. I am not listing what inspires me in any particular order, but if I was, movies would be close to numero uno. Like many kids, I grew up watching movies, and like most adults I enjoy the weekend trip to the theater despite the rising ticket cost; however, I feel as if I have a connection with movies that few do. I have grown to appreciate the creation of movie making, so much in fact that I feel I have a calling for screenwriting. I'm the one who will sit in the theater until the credits finish rolling. Yes, I, Jayme Smith, recieve a guilty pleasure from reading screen credits. I follow actors' and actress' roles onscreen and off. I am intrigued at how they do what they do, what makes them so good, or consequently, bad. I enjoy researching the way movies are written and directed, more so written. And I use this knowledge in comparing movies. In a sense, I relish being the movie critic. But getting back to the purpose of a movie, the actual viewing; I am riveted by dramas. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good laugh out of a comedy, scream from a thriller or warm, fuzzy feeling those chick-flicks give you, but dramas really know how to reach me, especially those based on true stories. I believe this particular genre is the most difficult to write; nevertheless, if done well, the most rewarding. Most dramas are written to relate to the audience member--to throw out there, "Hey, we all have been in the situation of feeling powerlessness. So what needs to be done to progress toward the goal or achieve a sensible solution?" I'm attracted to major issues, conflicts, etc. and then the struggle that occurs when fighting your way out in order to bring about a sense of peace, happiness or feeling of accomplishment. I mean, who's not inspired by the story of a true underdog?
Quotes. I keep this notebook on my desk. It contains my favorite sayings from those who are famous, whether he be a theologist, humanitarian, author or celebrity, as well as quotes from my teachers, friends, family and even strangers. Anyone who says something that intrigues me and sometimes makes me laugh, I will note it in my book. I believe anyone can give advice but only few give it truthfully and meaningly. In time, God endows each of us with wisdom, more so, the older we grow. Hence why the majority of my quotes are from those older than me. When I need a pick-me-up, I open that notebook and read. When a friend needs advice, sometimes I share with them a quote that was passed on to me; so once again, I open that notebook. How comforting it is to read the words of someone who has witnessed or experienced what I am currently witnessing or experiencing. And more than that, to receive the power and inspiration that if this person did it, so can I. I would like to share one with you. And although it resides as the last quote in my notebook today, I can assure you it won't be tomorrow. It was from a movie I watched this weekend:
"When I was a kid, they used to tell me that I could be anything I wanted to be, no matter what... and
maybe I am insane, I don't know, but I still believe that. Somewhere along the line we stopped believing
we could do anything. And if we don't have our dreams, we have nothing."
-The Astronaut Famer
Music. Alright, so movies and music would probably tie in a race for things that inspire me. I almost feel dead when I'm not listening to it. As I write this, I am listening to my iPod. I work out, play basketball, do the dishes, talk on the phone and almost every other activity throughout my day involves me listening to music. It's my prime motivator. I could even go as far as saying that it stirs something inside of me that not even words could reach. When I exercise, I listen to rap. When I play video games with my brother, its rock. When I clean, it's pop. When I'm relaxing, it's Sinatra or Dino. When I'm dancing, it's MJ. When I'm reading, studying or writing, it's classical. No matter the classification, it never ceases at it's purpose to inspire. Much like movies, music is another obsession of mine. I follow artists, bands, composers, song writers, etc. I enjoy learning about what makes them tick, how they create their lyrics for a song and what music means to them. Musicians are passionate people. They work to reach people's soul. I'm attracted to a good beat of a rap song. I'm fascinated by the lyrics of a well-written ballad. My emotions are stirred listening to an exquisite, pure voice. Put on a record, I'll close my eyes, throw up my feet, lean back and let the music take me away to a magical place where only it can.
Teachers. Leave it to a teacher to reinstate faith into your life when it seems as if the rest of the world has given up on you. Sometimes I would only get by after one of my teachers had come up to me before or after class to encourage me. I have been extremely blessed to have had the privilege to learn from some of the most intelligent, compassionate instructors throughout my schooling. From kindergarden to college, I am appreciative of each one who has not only taught me book smarts but unforgettable life lessons. Like many people, but in my opinion not enough, I feel as if this profession is underpaid and overlooked. Whatever occupation an individual holds today is because he was first granted experience, knowledge and wisdom days prior by a teacher. Teachers deserve more respect. They want students to excel at becoming the best they can become. I personally think the good teachers are hardest on those students they feel don't believe in themselves. Professors understand the power of an education and even more so, the ability to equip others with that power. They take it seriously. I will admit that with time, I might forget facts I have learned from books, Powerpoints and lectures; however, I will always remember the moments certain teachers took to tell me I am talented, intelligent and determined. One of the reasons I still write is because my English and journalism teachers have told me I can write and I do it very well. And I thank them for their encouragement and inspiration, and I am proud to call them friends. Leave it to a teacher to tell you that you can do anything.
Criticism. It comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. It can come from your enemies or even from the ones you love. Some say it because they don't believe in you but some say it because they do. Ergo, constructive criticism; I take it and learn from it. The ones who critique you out of love usually want what's best for you. Criticism can be a slap in the face but like they say, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I have been the receiver of negative comments, remarks and actions but I choose to take them, twist them around and tell myself that I can either let it hold me back or motivate me to try harder. I've realized that I will never earn acceptance from everyone in this world, but that doesn't have to stop me from being myself. Sometimes it hurts when those you have trusted and put faith in let you down by telling you that you can't do this or that. No one has the right to tell you what you can't accomplish. I say that criticism inspires me because I view it as a double-edge sword. Most of the time it will cut you and sometimes deeply, but you have the choice to turn the humility, judgment and discrimination around transforming it into determination, which can lead you down the path to success. So the next time criticism is shot my way, I know how I'll be handling it.
Friends. At 22, I've learned that sadly, they will come and they will go. I believe God puts certain friends in my life at certain times for certain reasons. Without them, I don't know who I would be today. In my life, I have depended more on them than family. Heck, I have considered my friends family. Those resembling my guardian angels are those I consider my best. My best friends know all of my flaws and still love me for who I am. I have always had a tendency to flock toward those who are labeled misfits, underdogs and ragamuffins. And I have never been more proud to call them my friends, because I am a work in progress myself. No matter how bad I screw up or how long it's been since I've contacted one of them, they still talk to me and find encouraging ways to display their love for me. My friends believe in me when I say I want to become a writer. My friends support me when others have denied me. They help me laugh when it'd be easier to cry. They listen when I ramble about absolutely nothing because they know I'm confused and worried. Most of all, they just want what's best for me and they do everything possible to help me achieve it. They walk in when others walk out. They pull me off my sorry butt when I've lost hope and stand me back up on my two feet revealing to me opportunites I still have a shot at. They're generous, caring and kind. Each of their stories inspire my own life every day and I will continually look to them for guidance, advice, a shoulder to lean on and laughter. God loves them and so do I, very much.
The dictionary describes the word inspire as follows:
"To fill with an animating, quickening, or exalting influence; to produce or arouse; to fill or affect with a specified feeling, thought, etc."
The previous examples I explained of what inspire me represent this definition to its fullest. Without inspiration in my life it would make it close to impossible for me to live. The weight of my difficulties in life are lightened through the objects, people and ideas listed above. I thank God for giving me these sources of inspiration and I pray they continue to fill me with an animating, quickening and exalting influence. I can only wish for my readers that their inspirations conjure the same feelings of belief, awe and motivation mine reach inside of me.
When you work only for yourself, or for your own personal gain, your mind will seldom rise above the limitations of an undeveloped personal life. But when you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break your bonds: your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be. -Patanjali, 2nd century B.C.
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