Writers' Corner: Joy of discovery

As the new year approaches, we all decide whether to make a new year’s resolution. My resolution is always the same: learn as many new things, concepts, hobbies, words, games, and about people’s lives as possible, just as I do every year. It keeps life interesting and the mind young. I have no set agenda regarding how this comes about. Often, I find myself reading book club books I would not have selected for myself, but fortunately provide me with new insight into writing methods, descriptive terms, events of history or fascinating personalities. Listening to audio books introduces the voices of preferred narrators and performances resembling old time radio productions. I have missed those so much.

Word games such as Wordle, Wordly and Scrabble, not only increase my vocabulary, but help me analyze word structures. Years of experience have taught me there is a time and place for unique words. Sometimes it is an advantage in professional settings and other times it can come off as pretentious, without intending to.

Unlimited access to streaming is a valuable tool to discover documentaries about wildlife, rescue efforts for water, air and land-based creatures, and a multitude of veterinarian experiences. One of my favorite findings is “See Me Home Senior Rescue” in Sturgis, MI. A couple have opened their home to senior dogs, both with and without special needs. Their owners have passed away, are too ill to care for them or they can’t afford the special care required. These dogs would be euthanized before living out their retirement in a loving and safe home.

I find myself watching tour documentaries of Ireland, Africa, Scotland and others. Some of the more obscure interests I have developed are cow hoof trimming, everything about Scottish Highland cows and draft horse rescues. Something else that appeals to me are various forms of artistic and functional carpentry. I love watching Tiny Homes videos. Glassblowing is fascinating as well.

Extreme sports such as cliff diving, deep sea free diving (no external oxygen tank), snowboarding and skiing requiring helicopter access onto high mountains, surfing mega waves and marathon swimming in open water take my breath away. A recent movie on Netflix about Diana Nyad’s marathon swim from Cuba to the Florida Keys, is just the tip of the iceberg in her accomplishments. I have been inspired by her since 1978, when I read her first book.

Formulating these lists is not creative writing as such, but opens the doors to a multitude of ideas for writing and learning.

The new year brings with it endless opportunities to keep life compelling. Not the least of which is speaking and listening to those fascinating people around you. Look away from the screen and engage in conversation.

Writer’s tip: Keep exposing yourself to the unexpected and strange elements of your life for inspiration.

Bio: Catherine Brady doesn’t say goodbye to exciting new ideas from years gone by but keeps them in a treasure chest that has infinite room for the new year’s experiences to mingle. Let me know how you make the new year a treasured experience at cgbartist@yahoo.com.

— The Sturgis Writers’ Mill exists to create a community of writers who constructively encourage, support, and challenge each other as they discover their unique voices. Any opinion expressed is solely that of the author.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Writers' Corner: Joy of discovery