Write On Purpose Podcast

I’m not sure where I first heard the phrase Grieve globally. Thrive locally. I think it might have been during one of Jamie Wheal’s Home Grown Human gatherings—a passing remark, almost casual. But it stuck with me. You know how that happens sometimes. A phrase lands, and your body recognizes it before your mind does.A day or two later, I followed the thread and discovered it was the theme of a sermon delivered on August 3, 2025, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Molly Housh Gordon. I watched the talk and found myself quietly undone—in the good way. The kind of undone that doesn’t collapse you, but softens you. The kind that reminds you what matters.I have a feeling this phrase may become something of a mantra for me as we move into 2026—not as an answer, but as a living inquiry.How might I grieve globally while thriving locally?How might I invite others to do the same?What might this look like, feel like, require of me?And maybe most importantly: how might the Four Great Truths support me in this practice?Why not explore these questions with me and others in this community by clicking the Join chat button below?Holding the Whole Without Losing OurselvesWe are living in a time that asks a lot of our nervous systems.Global grief is no longer theoretical. It arrives daily—through images, stories, statistics, and headlines that seem designed to overwhelm our capacity to feel and respond. Climate disruption. War. Authoritarianism. Ecological loss. Human suffering on a scale that no one nervous system was ever meant to metabolize alone.Many of us feel this grief in our bodies before we have words for it. Tight jaws. Shallow breath. A low-grade hum of anxiety. A temptation to either doomscroll endlessly or shut down completely.And yet… to not grieve at all would be to lose something essential. Grief is not a weakness. It is evidence of love. It is the cost of caring in a world that is breaking in very real ways.But grief without grounding can freeze us. It can turn into despair, paralysis, or a sense that nothing we do matters.That’s where the second half of the phrase comes in.Thriving Locally Is Not Looking AwayIn my own pondering, I’ve realized how important it is for me to balance my commitment to making a difference globally—with my commitment to staying alive, present, and human locally.For me, the “global” shows up through writing and sharing One Cause here on Substack—naming the deeper patterns beneath the crises we’re facing and pointing toward a regenerative way of being rooted in the Four Great Truths.But the “local” is where that vision gets tested, embodied, and renewed.It looks like spending time in nature, especially with Logan and Piper. It looks like puttering around the Loving Homestead as we prepare for spring. It looks like sharing meals, calling friends for tea, getting more involved in community, and remembering that life is not meant to be lived only in response to catastrophe.I’m also discovering that thriving locally is, in its own quiet way, a form of resistance.The forces that profit from extraction, fear, and division would much prefer us to stay overwhelmed, numbed, and glued to the drama—so exhausted that we give up on each other and on life itself. Choosing to thrive locally—tending relationships, land, joy, and meaning—is a refusal to let despair have the final word.Thanks for reading & or listening to today’s Gaia’s Call. This post is public so feel free to share it.When the Grief Still Comes (Because It Does)None of this means I’m done with grief. Far from it.There are still days when the weight of the world feels like too much. Days when the scale of suffering overwhelms me. Days when thriving locally feels insufficient in the face of global pain.The difference now is not that I avoid those moments—but that I trust myself more when they arrive.When grief shows up, I let myself feel it fully. I don’t rush to fix it or transcend it. And I also know that I have a channel of hope I can step into when I’m ready.Sometimes that looks like calling a friend. Sometimes it’s playing pickleball and letting my body remember joy. Sometimes it’s visiting my grandchildren and letting their presence recalibrate my nervous system. Sometimes it’s a quiet walk in nature, offering gratitude for what Mother Earth continues to provide—even now.Grieving globally and thriving locally are not opposites. They are partners.The Four Great Truths as a Daily CompassSeen through the lens of One Cause, this practice starts to make even more sense.Interconnectedness reminds me that my grief for the world and my care for what’s nearby are not separate. They arise from the same love.Sufficiency loosens the grip of the idea that I must do everything or save everyone. There is enough meaning, enough goodness, enough possibility to be found in tending what’s right in front of me.Reciprocity invites me to give and receive—to offer care while also allowing myself to be nourished by friendship, beauty, movement, and rest.And Stewardship reframes responsibility not as control, but as care across time. I may not be able to fix the world—but I can help tend the piece of it I’ve been entrusted with.A Different Way to Meet 2026As I look ahead, I can feel something shifting.What I’m releasing is the old, familiar addiction to saving the world by myself. I no longer need to carry that weight alone. I can join the millions of others who are quietly, steadily participating in the Great Turning—even as we move through what many are calling the Great Simplification.What I’m choosing instead is a more thoughtful, steady pace. More time with Ann. More time with family and friends. More appreciation for life as it is, even as I work toward what it could become.And this mantra—Grieve globally. Thrive locally.—gives me a simple way to pause throughout the day and check in.How am I doing with my grieving right now?How am I doing with my thriving?Those two questions alone feel like a gift. Care to comment? Just click the button below.An InvitationI don’t offer this as a prescription. Only as a practice I’m learning to live into—imperfectly, gently, and with growing trust.If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world…If you’re torn between caring deeply and staying sane…If you’re longing for a way to remain open-hearted without being crushed…Perhaps this inquiry is worth exploring alongside me.Grieve globally—because love demands honesty.Thrive locally—because life insists on being lived.And let’s see what becomes possible when we hold both.We are living through some interesting times, right? If you agree, why not join me in exploring how to grieve globally while also thriving locally. We’re all stronger today. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wbradfordswift.substack.com/subscribe

Hello, aspiring authors and inspired creatives! Today, we're diving into a transformative topic that can supercharge your creative journey: the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. Understanding this distinction can make all the difference in your path to success and fulfillment.Fixed Mindset vs. Growth MindsetLet's start by breaking down what these mindsets are all about.Fixed Mindset: This is the belief that your abilities and intelligence are static traits. If you have a fixed mindset, you might think you're either born with a talent for writing or you're not. Challenges can seem daunting, and failures might feel like a reflection of your inherent limitations.Growth Mindset: On the other hand, a growth mindset is the belief that your abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence. With a growth mindset, you see challenges as opportunities to grow and view failures as stepping stones to success.Embrace the ChallengeIn the world of writing, challenges are inevitable. Whether it's a plot that refuses to untangle, characters that won't cooperate, or the dreaded writer's block, hurdles are part of the creative process. But here's the secret: embracing these challenges can lead to tremendous growth.Coaching Question: How do you currently respond to challenges in your writing? What might change if you viewed these challenges as opportunities for growth?Persistence Pays OffPersistence is key in the creative process. Writers with a growth mindset understand that effort is not only necessary but also beneficial. They keep pushing through setbacks, knowing that each obstacle overcome is a step towards mastery.Coaching Question: Think about a time when you persisted through a tough writing challenge. What did you learn from that experience?Value Your EffortOne of the most empowering aspects of a growth mindset is valuing effort. Effort is seen as the path to mastery, not a sign of inadequacy. This perspective shift can be incredibly liberating for creatives who often struggle with self-doubt.Coaching Question: How do you currently view the effort you put into your writing? How might your creative process change if you started seeing effort as a valuable part of your journey?Constructive criticism is gold for a writer. It’s an opportunity to refine your craft and improve. Those with a growth mindset welcome feedback and use it to fuel their growth.Coaching Question: How do you handle constructive criticism? What steps can you take to incorporate feedback more effectively into your writing process?Find Inspiration in OthersIn a fixed mindset, the success of others can feel threatening. But with a growth mindset, the success of fellow writers becomes a source of inspiration and learning.Coaching Question: Who inspires you in the writing world? How can you use their success to motivate and guide your own creative journey?Write On Purpose Process and PerspectiveHere at Write On Purpose, we believe that your writing journey is not just about the destination, but about the growth and learning along the way. Our Write On Purpose Process is designed to help you embrace a growth mindset, encouraging you to see each step of your creative journey as a valuable part of your personal and professional development.By aligning your creative goals with a purpose-inspired approach, you can unlock new levels of creativity and fulfillment. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to reignite your passion for writing, adopting a growth mindset can transform your creative process.Call to ActionReady to dive deeper? Join me here as a free or paid member of this online community where we’ll continue to explore these coaching distinctions that I’ve learned and strived to apply for the past 35 years in my own writing and with my clients. As a Write On Purpose Coach, I’m here to inspire you to express your true self through your writing. Won’t you join me today?Remember, your creative potential is limitless. Embrace the growth mindset, and watch your writing soar to new heights.Happy writing!Brad (Your Write On Purpose Coach)P.S. Ready to take new ground in writing on purpose as you tap into your passion in a playful way? Let’s talk. Go to www.wbradfordswift.com/coach to request your no-obligation Creative Clarity Session with me today. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wbradfordswift.substack.com/subscribe

PrologueWithin the quiet places of the world, truths lie waiting. The Guardian hears what others do not.~ From the Sacred Code of Eco-GuardiansThe night air was thick with silence, broken only by the whisper of wind through the towering pines. A full moon hung low in the sky, casting pale silver light across the dense woods. Somewhere in the distance, a lone owl called, but the figure moving through the shadows did not pause.The man walked with purpose, though the weight of the journey seemed etched into the lines of his face. His footsteps, though quiet, left imprints in the soft earth, trailing him like echoes of an untold story. And beside him, padding silently through the underbrush, was a wolf—its gray fur blending into the forest like a ghost. The wolf’s amber eyes glowed in the moonlight, steady and wise, as if it understood more than mere instinct could explain. It guided the man deeper into the woods, toward a place only the two of them knew.Finally, they came to a stop.Before them, hidden between two massive oaks, was a cave entrance. It was unremarkable to the untrained eye, half-concealed by creeping vines and the heavy brush of the forest. But the man knew better. He hesitated for a moment, glancing at the wolf. The animal stared back, urging him forward with its silent presence—the only comfort the man had known for days.Taking a deep breath, the man stepped toward the cave.From within, a low voice echoed. “It has been a long time.”The man froze, recognizing the familiar tone—a voice as old and steady as the trees around them. The wolf trotted ahead into the cave, vanishing into the shadows. The man followed, stepping through the threshold and into the dim interior.An elder stood near the mouth of the cave, his figure outlined by the faint glow of moonlight. He was tall and lean, with silver hair that flowed down his back like a cascade of moonlight. His eyes, dark and watchful, seemed to take in the man before him without judgment. The elder’s eyes flicked briefly to the man’s chest, where something glinted beneath his shirt—a half-hidden secret, like the man himself.“You were right,” the man said softly, his voice rough from days of travel. “I should have listened to you… I never should have trusted him.”The elder nodded, though he said nothing for a moment. His gaze flicked toward the wolf, which had taken its place at his side. “You have come far, my son.”The man sighed, running a hand through his disheveled hair. “I have… and I fear I may need to stay for a while.”For the first time, the elder’s expression softened, though it remained shrouded in mystery. “You are always welcome here. My home is your home, as it has always been.”The man gave a slight nod, his shoulders relaxing for the first time since entering the forest. The elder stepped aside, allowing him to pass further into the cave. The warmth inside was a sharp contrast to the cold night air, and the scent of herbs and earth filled the space. It felt familiar, like a memory from long ago—though the man knew it had been years since he last sought refuge here.“I thought I could change things,” the man muttered as he sat down on a low stone bench near the fire. His eyes reflected the flickering flames. “I thought I could fix it.”The elder moved quietly, placing a hand on the man’s shoulder, firm but gentle. “There are some forces in this world you cannot control, no matter how much you wish it.”The man bowed his head, silent for a moment. “I should have known better. You warned me, but I…” His voice trailed off, and he shook his head, unable to finish the thought.The wolf lay down near the fire, watching the exchange with calm, ancient eyes. The elder glanced at the animal, then back to the man. “You have made your choices. Now you must find a way forward.”The man looked up, his eyes meeting the elder’s. “And what if there is no way forward?”“There is always a way,” the elder said, his voice steady. “But sometimes, it is not the path we expect.”The man nodded slowly, the weight of his decisions heavy on his shoulders. He had trusted the wrong person. He had believed in something—someone—who had only sought to manipulate the world for their own ends. And now, he was paying the price. But here, in the shelter of the cave, with the wolf and the elder by his side, he felt a small flicker of hope, faint though it was.“I’ll stay,” he said quietly. “At least until I figure out my next step.”The elder stepped back, his eyes flickering with something like understanding. “You will know when the time is right.”With that, he moved deeper into the cave, leaving the man alone by the fire. The wolf shifted slightly but did not leave its post, its gaze unwavering.The man leaned back, staring into the flames, letting the warmth seep into his bones. He was safe, for now. But he knew this was only the beginning. The road ahead was uncertain, and the shadow of his past mistakes loomed large. But in this moment, at least, he had found refuge.For the first time in days, he allowed himself to close his eyes.Twilight PursuitAct swiftly and decisively; in the shadows, nature’s defenders must be vigilant.~ From the Sacred Code of Eco-GuardiansThe twilight air was heavy with the scent of damp earth and pine as Tess raced through the Eldertree Woods, her reddish-blonde hair streaming behind her like a banner of flames. Each breath she took was laced with the forest’s essence—the sweet decay of fallen leaves, the sappiness of conifers, and something else—something ancient.“Hiccup! Hiccup!” Tess’s voice was a desperate scream, her emerald green eyes scanning the shadows between the trees. She was slight for her seventeen years, but there was a ferocity in her movements that belied her delicate features.Somewhere an owl hooted, its call echoing through the trees, as if carrying her plea into the heart of the forest. The towering trees swayed above her, their branches brushing together with sounds like soft whispers, as if the woods themselves were communicating in a language long forgotten.Hiccup, her ever-loyal companion, had disappeared… again. His golden coat and boundless energy had been constants in her life for years. The thought of losing him was unbearable. And yet, he always seemed to run off at the worst times—this time, just as she was preparing to return to her pre-vet studies at PharmGen University. Surely, he wasn’t afraid she’d leave him behind. She would never do that.The forest tonight felt... alive. Not just with the usual stirrings of wildlife, but with something more, something unseen. Ghostly wisps of fog swirled between the trees, and the air tingled on her skin. Tess’s heart pounded, not just from her frantic run, but from a strange energy enveloping her.Suddenly, a blinding light enveloped her. An unseen force lifted her and threw her backward, causing her to yelp. She reached out, her fingers grazing the rough bark of an ancient oak. The world spun as darkness briefly claimed her vision.When she regained consciousness, the first thing she saw was a pair of warm, brown eyes and the feel of a wet nose against her cheek. Hiccup gazed down at her with a look of curiosity on his face, his familiar golden coat glistening, his body a comforting presence next to hers.Relief washed over Tess, and she hugged him tightly, burying her face in his soft fur. He was a magnificent creature with a light brownish-golden coat, floppy ears that felt like velvet, and a broad head with powerful jaws. His kind, amber eyes always seemed to look right into her soul.“Hiccup! Oh, thank goodness!” she cried, her voice muffled in his fur.But then it happened. A voice, deep and rich, resonated not through the air but inside her. You have found me, and now it is time to find our true selves and to fulfill our purpose.Tess’s breath caught. She looked around wildly, her heart hammering. “Is someone there? Is this a joke?” No one answered. Hiccup’s amber eyes locked with hers, and they shimmered with an ancient wisdom. She shook her head and muttered to herself, “This must be my stressed mind. I’ve been studying too hard.”Was that you? she whispered, her logical, scientific mind grappling with what had just happened. “I don’t understand. This...this can’t be happening.”I need a new name, the voice spoke again, this time with a hint of urgency behind it. I ran away to the woods because ‘Hiccup’ is a silly name and no longer reflects who I am.Tess blinked, overwhelmed. This... this can’t be real. Dogs can’t talk.But the connection between them grew stronger. Tess could feel not just the presence of her beloved dog, but something more—an ancient bond that stretched far deeper than she had ever known. Tears welled up in her eyes, not from fear, but from something more profound that she didn’t yet understand. “So, you’ve been running away because you don’t like your name?”The dog nodded.Tess decided to play along to see where this went. After all, she was a scientist—well, a scientist-in-training—and scientists often conducted experiments. And some of them went mad in the process, she thought with a wry smile. “But I named you that because you often hiccuped after eating.”That was when I was a puppy, came the reply. It is no longer who I am.Tess nodded slowly, her heart beginning to race. “Okay, let me think. What would be a more befitting name for you, my canine friend?”The dog sat down next to her and waited patiently, his amber eyes never leaving hers.Suddenly, she had it. She recalled a story her father had once told her about the ancient Greek hero Ulysses and his faithful dog, Argos. When Ulysses returned home after twenty years of wandering, nobody recognized him—except his loyal dog.Tess whispered, “How about Argos?”She felt an overwhelming sense of approval, love, and gratitude emanate from her dog. His tail wagged vigorously. He sat up straighter, his posture proud.Yes, from this day onward, I am Argos, your loyal guardian and companion.The surrounding fog lifted as if

Hello, dear readers and fellow stewards of this beautiful planet,(So sorry to be sending this out late. I thought it went out to everyone on Friday but now I realize it did not.) It’s been a while since I shared from my eco-fiction heart in this space, and I’ve missed connecting with you about one of my greatest passions: Using storytelling to inspire young people (and those young at heart) to become caring, courageous protectors of the Earth. Over the past months, my focus here on Substack has leaned toward my work as a Write On Purpose coach—helping fellow writers bring their visions to life. But today, I want to reintroduce myself as an author of eco-fiction and share the journey I’ve been quietly on for the past year.I’ve been working on my 34th book: Eco-Guardians: The Awakening, the first in a trilogy for young adults and biophiles—lovers of the Earth. This story is deeply personal, blending my love for animals, nature, and storytelling into an adventure that I hope will inspire readers to see themselves as guardians of this fragile planet we call home.A New Adventure AwaitsImagine a world on the brink, where nature’s survival rests in the hands of young people willing to listen to its call. This is the world of Eco-Guardians, where Tess Barkley, a courageous girl with a mysterious bond to her dog Argos, discovers her destiny as a protector of the Earth.Together, Tess and Argos face incredible challenges—dangerous foes, a looming environmental catastrophe, and the terrifying Harvester, a machine designed to drain the Earth’s natural energy. Yet through it all, Tess learns that guardianship is not about power but about heart, courage, and the unbreakable connection between humans, animals, and the land.This story is for anyone who believes in the sacredness of nature, the strength of young voices, and the undeniable power of hope.A Call to Beta Readers: Will You Join the Eco-Guardians Team?As Tess discovers in the book, true guardianship thrives on collaboration—and that’s where you come in! I’m looking for 3-6 beta readers to join me in bringing Eco-Guardians: The Awakening to life. As a beta reader, you’ll be part of an exclusive team getting an early look at the book (about 36,000 words) and offering feedback to help refine this story.Your role as a beta reader will not only make the story stronger but also help shape its impact. Alongside the book will be the Eco-Guardians Field Manual, a companion guide packed with thought-provoking questions, eco-projects, and tools for teachers, parents, and readers to deepen their connection to the book’s themes.If this mission speaks to you—or if you know a young reader who would be a perfect fit—please fill out the form here:Why Eco-Guardians? Why Now?Our planet is calling, and young people are answering with courage and creativity. Eco-Guardians: The Awakening both a book and a continuation of a movement, one that starts and grows at the grassroots level. We can’t wait for our political leaders to awaken to the need for change. We must take action ourselves. Through this story and my other eco-fiction, I hope to empower readers to see themselves as part of a growing community of guardians ready to take small but meaningful steps to protect what we all hold dear— Gaia, Pachamama, Mother Earth.I believe storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have for transformation. In Eco-Guardians: The Awakening, you’ll find adventure, connection, and a rallying cry for us all to embrace our roles as stewards of this Earth.Will you join Tess, Argos, and me in this mission? Together, we can inspire a new generation of eco-activists and caretakers of the land.With hope and gratitude,Brad (aka W. Bradford Swift)P.S. Your feedback and insights as a beta reader will help ensure Eco-Guardians: The Awakening reaches its full potential. Let’s create something magical and impactful together!Do you know other eco-conscious families? Share this post with them!Join the Eco-Guardians Movement!By subscribing to Unleashed - W. Bradford Swift, you’re not just supporting my work as an eco-fiction author—you’re becoming part of a growing community dedicated to inspiring young people to care for the Earth and all its creatures. Whether you choose a free or paid subscription, together we can make a difference—one story, one reader, one action at a time. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wbradfordswift.substack.com/subscribe

In times of intense change, like what many of us are experiencing after the recent U.S. election (and some of us aftermath of Helene), it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. Many of us may feel a mix of emotions—frustration, hope, anger, or a surge of new ideas. These moments, where so much we care about is at stake, naturally bring stress. Yet, if we shift how we view this stress, we can harness it as a powerful tool, using it to fuel our creativity and impact.Kelly McGonigal, author of The Upside of Stress, reveals that how we think about stress transforms our experience of it. Instead of viewing stress as an enemy to avoid, we can see it as a signal that something truly matters. Stress is a signal to us that we’re dealing with something that really matters.In McGonigal’s words, stress is “what arises when something you care about is at stake.” For us, as writers, stress can be an ally, a pulse that reminds us of the urgency and meaning behind our work.My main concern and fears, as I expressed in a recent article and podcast, "Have the American voters just sealed the fate of our species on Earth?" were that the election of Donald Trump means a huge step back in our efforts to reverse climate change. I started out viewing the stress I was experiencing in a negative way, especially when I consider my age and my past history with cancer. I added to my fear that the additional stress would have a negative impact on my mental, emotional, and physical health. But as I ponder McGonigal’s approach, I realized I could redirect that energy in a much more purposeful and positive direction. It also reminded me of my deep commitment to Earth as well as to my family.Shift from Threat to Challenge: A Writer’s Response to StressOne of the biggest discoveries McGonigal shares is the concept of the “challenge response.” Traditionally, we’ve been taught that stress triggers the “fight or flight” response, where we either resist or retreat. But there’s another option: the challenge response. When we approach stress as a challenge rather than a threat, we transform nervous energy into fuel for action.For writers, this means looking at the post-election landscape as an opportunity to create, express, and engage. Instead of letting frustration or disappointment drain us, we can transform these feelings into a focus on what we want to build, share, and inspire. Just as an athlete thrives under pressure by viewing it as a challenge, we can choose to let the stress of this moment sharpen our vision and drive us forward.For me, this shift happened when I began to explore how I could turn my concerns for Earth’s future into productive action, rather than let my fear for the climate paralyze me. In recent days, I’ve recommitted myself to the purpose behind my writing—empowering others, especially young people, to become stewards of the planet. Viewing stress as a challenge reminded me of the power of using my voice and experience to inspire others. It also reminded me of a powerful online course, the Game Changer Intensive, I took shortly after returning from time in the Amazon rainforest in 2022. Both the journey and the course is offered by the Pachamama Alliance. I’ll be sharing more about both the organization and the course in coming weeks.Know Someone Who Could Use a Boost? Share the Upside of StressSay “I’m Excited!” – Reframe Stress as Fuel for CreativityImagine you’re about to speak at a rally or launch a powerful piece of writing into the world. Your heart races, and a wave of nerves washes over you. Instead of calming yourself down, McGonigal suggests embracing this energy by saying, “I’m excited!” This simple shift reframes stress as anticipation, transforming anxiety into motivation. (You may have noticed I shared how excited I was to be facilitating the Write On Purpose Masterclass next week. This mental shift really does work.)As writers, we can use this approach whenever we feel the weight of our message. Instead of worrying about getting it “just right” or even worse “perfect,” we can channel that energy into excitement for the impact our words may have. When we focus on the difference we want to make, stress becomes a wave we can ride rather than a barrier holding us back.Recently, I found myself trying this technique whenever I felt that old familiar stress about my creative work. Just last week, rather than letting fear pull me down, I reminded myself, “I’m excited.” My mission and commitment to Earth, my family, and future generations infused me with renewed energy and purpose.Cultivate a Mindset of Meaning: Connect Your Stress to Your ValuesMcGonigal’s work also emphasizes the link between stress and meaning. Stress is highest when we are deeply invested, when we care about something larger than ourselves. If we can connect our stress to our values, it transforms from an obstacle into a compass pointing us toward what matters most.Focusing on what we care about, transforms stress from an obstacle to a compass pointing us back to our commitments.For example, many of us feel stressed about the state of democracy, justice, or environmental stability. Instead of trying to numb or ignore this stress, we can allow it to connect us to our values. For writers, this might mean journaling about why you feel called to write on certain topics, why truth, justice, or stewardship matters deeply to you. When we do this, stress becomes a reminder of our mission rather than a roadblock.Reflecting on my own values, I asked myself why I write what I do. For me, eco-fiction more than just a genre; it’s one way I share my commitment to the future of the planet. The stress I feel about the future now fuels my creative purpose—it’s a reminder that my work is connected to something meaningful and vital.Think Beyond Yourself: Bigger-Than-Self GoalsScience shows that stress becomes more manageable when it’s tied to goals that serve others or contribute to a greater purpose. As writers, our words can be more than personal expression—they can be contributions to a larger movement. What kind of change do you want to be part of? What kind of legacy do you want your writing to leave behind?My vision as an author of eco-fiction is to inspire young people to become joyful, lifelong readers, and caring and responsible stewards of Earth and all its inhabitants.In his work on personal growth, philosopher and coach Brian Johnson of Heroics talks about the importance of “Bigger-Than-Self Goals.” When we frame our work in this light, even daunting challenges gain purpose. Instead of writing merely to vent or express frustration, we write to uplift, inform, or inspire others to act. This shift in purpose can turn stress into a powerful motivator, reminding us that our work serves a greater cause.Your Everest Awaits: Embrace the JourneyIn moments of frustration or doubt, remember McGonigal’s metaphor of Everest. Facing stress is like scaling a mountain. If a climber felt stressed and turned back every time they encountered a rough patch, they’d never reach the summit. As writers, our journey will come with obstacles, moments of doubt, and dark nights. But each “cold, dark night” is also a step forward, a testament to our commitment to the journey.The post-election landscape may feel like a steep climb, filled with uncertainty and high stakes. But by embracing the stress of this moment, we can become stronger, more resilient, and more determined. Our work as writers can be a tool for navigating this climb—not just for ourselves, but for all those who read our words.Final Thoughts: Turning Stress into Purpose and ActionIn a world as interconnected and challenged as ours, stress is inevitable. But McGonigal’s research offers a liberating perspective: stress doesn’t have to be our enemy. Instead, it can be our ally, a source of energy and meaning that fuels our creative expression and commitment to change.As writers, we have a unique opportunity to transform our personal stress into words that resonate, stories that heal, and ideas that inspire. Let’s use the intensity of this moment as a catalyst to write the stories, articles, and books that only we can create. Let’s make stress work for us, turning it into purpose-inspired action and fearless creation.At this moment, more than ever, I am reminded that our country, our planet, and future generations need voices willing to rise above stress and turn it into positive momentum. Writers, your pen is your tool, and this is your time. Let’s climb our personal Everests together, embracing the challenge and writing the future we believe in. And here are a few ‘reflection prompts’ and suggested ‘action steps’ to move you forward.Reflection Prompts* What current stressor feels most relevant in your life, and how does it connect to your values? Consider journaling on this to better understand how your stress may align with your purpose.* What change would you like to see in the world, and how can your writing contribute to it? Envision your writing as part of a larger movement that addresses this need.* What bigger-than-self goal can you focus on to reframe your daily stress? Reflect on how each writing session, idea, or project can serve something greater than yourself.* What “cold, dark nights” are you willing to endure for your writing goals? Identify the sacrifices or moments of perseverance that reflect your commitment.Action Steps* Adopt a “Challenge Response” Mindset: Next time stress surfaces, ask yourself how this moment could be reframed as a challenge, using that energy to fuel your work.* Practice the “I’m Excited” Technique: Anytime stress hits, especially before a creative task, remind yourself, “I’m excited,” and notice how it shifts your experience.* Engage in Purpose-Inspired Writing Exercises (like those above): Dedicate a writing session to exploring your values, connecting each stressor to a meaningful goal.* Set a Bigger-Than-Self Goal for Your Work: Define a goal that feels vital to you, then post it