Grocery Writing & Mindfulness Challenge
Turn your Grocery List Into a Fun Writing Practice!
Many writers that come to my workshops or I’ve met over the years are writers that aren’t writing. I believe we are all writers at heart, even if the only time we put pen to paper is when we’re scribbling a grocery list out on the back of an envelope.
We all have a story to tell, even if it’s only to ourselves in our journal for release, healing or self-discovery. We are all yogi’s at heart, even if we’re not making it to our mat regularly.
Shame is the number one muse killer!
There’s been many times in my life I’ve been a writer that wasn’t writing, and now when there’s days that I skip my writing practice or don’t work on my book, my self-narrative is negative and guilt-ridden. What I’ve learned is shame is not a motivator, it is the number one muse killer! Shame has never inspired me! And I doubt it works for you too. Or if it has, it might not be the healthiest relationship.
I have a challenge for you (ok, maybe a sneaky way to get you writing or to bring some mindfulness to your shopping chores)
This can be approached in several ways; You can pick one prompt and write about it, or you could choose to challenge yourself and write all seven prompts everyday this week. You can write a list, an essay, a short-story (fiction or non-fiction story), or who knows this may inspire a new book! Mix it up and most importantly have fun!
Write a grocery list from someone else’s point of view:
Your dog or cat
Your elderly neighbor
Your significant other
Your child, or inner child
Your Ex
Your grandmother
If someone were to find your grocery list what kind of person would they presume you to be?
Pick Me! Write about why you picked that specific apple, that can of soup…
What’s your favorite family recipe? Write a detailed list of all the things you’d need to buy for this recipe.
Write about that guilty pleasure item on (or not on) your list.
Write about a non-food item you can’t purchase at store, but is a key ingredient in your cooking.
Write a story about your favorite grocery clerk.
Bring Some Mindfulness to your Shopping Chore
Try these tips to bring some gratitude into your shopping:
Don’t rush! Take time detailing your shopping list.
Send a little prayer of appreciation to the people involved in the items you’re purchasing:
The farmer who grew your produce
The truck driver who transported your shampoo
The grocer who stocked the shelves
The checker who scanned your items
The worker who collected the shopping carts
When you get home put your items away with intention, showing gratitude for the abundance in your life.
While cooking think about that non-food item you add to your recipes.
Spend some time journaling about this experience. Did you have some insight toward the people that supported your shopping trip? Did the food taste differently when you took time to savor it?
