Oh, the Places You’ll Go
By: Peggy Willms
(5 min read)
I started to write a blog, and I ended up spewing out a 2,000-word story for an upcoming book I am writing with my Co-Author, Markus Wettstein, M.D. You never know where stories will go if you honor the moments and let the energy flow. Look at me all rapping this morning.
Speaking of stories. In the summer (2022) Markus Wettstein, MD (my co-author) and I launched book one in our multi-author All Things Wellness three-book series. It is called The Four-Fold Formula for All Things Wellness ~ True stories of the heart, spirit, mind, and body. We have over 30 Contributing Authors who share their personal stories. It has been a glorious yet emotional journey watching our passion project come to fruition and sharing in the growth of dozens of storytellers. Win the Wellness W.A.R (We Are Responsible) is book two of the All Things Wellness series and will launch in the Spring of 2023. It will also share true stories of the heart, spirit, mind, and body by over 30 authors.
This morning I sat down by the pool with my coffee and decided to enjoy the sunrise humidity and write this blog. I planned to take you on a journey through the stack of papers I just found while packing for the move to our new house. Documents that are twenty-one years old. But I found myself flowing into a lengthy story for book two. Markus and I also contribute to the compilation book, writing three stories each. My “intended blog” for this morning will become one of them.
After a few hours, I returned to my original intention – to write my Sunday blog. Today’s title, “Oh, The Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss, explains that winding river road I took from my initial blog to the end result. It is funny. I just said winding river road because our new home is on Winding River Road. Whoa.
I actually listed “Oh, The Places You‘ll Go” as a suggested read in our first book. At the end of each book, we ask our authors to give us a list of their favorites. We create a nice list for our readers to refer to. This book title means a lot to me. I have written my whole life. And, of course, given my age, Dr. Seuss was a massive presence in my life. My aunt belonged to every subscription club dealio back in the day, you could imagine. Whether you wanted cassette tapes of Shaun Cassidy and Bread or magazines and books from Ed McMahon. She had it, and she had a stockpile of Dr. Seuss’s books.
I have always loved animation. I have always loved twisted poetry and weird words. I have always loved Dr. Seuss. The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins is one of the rare ones I loved. And, of course, so many went on to become movies such as Cat in the Hat, The Lorax, Horton Who, and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.
It isn’t too surprising that I have his last written book, Oh The Places You’ll Go. It teaches about individuality, confidence, acknowledging hiccups on the road of life, and grabbing hold of every opportunity that comes your way.
It was also my 70-year-old English Professor’s favorite book. When I was 35, I decided to go to college. Ms. Beverly and I were kindred souls, though; such a special connection. I submitted a story about my youngest son and me for one of my assignments. She decided we could twist the experience and have him explain his view of the experience, and I would share mine. He was a hit. He was seven years old.
As a thank you, she gave him the book, Oh The Places You’ll Go. He still has it, and it is signed. His first son, my first grandson, was born last year. I decided to buy him his own copy. I wrote an overview of the experience his dad and I had over twenty years ago, and I signed it. I kept the book, and I will until he is an adult and can understand the meaning of a two-generation story.
I planned on writing this blog about publishing a children’s book. I had found a piece of paper while packing to move, which had the name Green Ink, Inc. on it, which, long story short, was a “manifested” name I made up back in 2001. I used green everything…ink, journal, notebook covers, and post-its – you name it. Ms. Beverly always used green pens and chanted, “It reminds me of the color of money. Making money and being financially independent is not terrible as long as you do good things with it.” In our conversations, she would tell me to manifest creating my own publishing company and being able to write and edit every day.
Today as I sit, sipping coffee, listening to the water flow, and intending to write about the letterhead I just found. My intention wasn’t going to be deep. Just a simple blog about the letterhead history. I ended up with an “Oh, The Places You’ll Go” experience and drafted a full story for my next book. Writing the blog was an intended journey; the story unintended. It just flowed, and “Oh, the places I went!”
We force so many things in life. In the literal sense, we force things. “Don’t shove the ice drawer. Some cubes have fallen behind it,” we yell at our teenagers. We try to force people to love, buy from, and work with us. We force smiles when we are miserable, and if you are Amber Heard, you try to force tears when there aren’t any. Don’t even get me started on her…don’t do it! I warn you.
So, why do we force things? Is it because we think we need to hurry? Do we believe we are right? Do we want to control timelines? Does trying to slam the sock drawer harder and harder for the eighth time mean it eventually won’t be as complete? Couldn’t we slow down and refold a few? Why do we shove our feet into that shoe and get all pissed off in the process? Buy bigger shoes. Oh my God! “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit.” STOP. Don’t get me started on that trial either…don’t do it! I warn you.
And like this morning, I couldn’t force writing a blog when my right brain wanted to take me in a different direction. If I had …writer’s block would have shown up. PS: you do not get writer’s block if you remove the forced effort.
I am about finished as I watch Mr. Heat Miser rise up and peek through the tall palm fronds. The sun makes me happy. I have a choice to make – right here – right now! Am I going to force myself to start working right away? Am I forcing myself to eat when I am not quite hungry? Do I have to get dressed by 6:30 a.m.? Nope!
Oh, where are the places I might go today?
Peggy Willms
All Things Wellness, LLC
peggy@allthingswellness.com
The information provided is the opinion of the author. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. diagnosis, or treatment. The author and the business, All Things Wellness, LLC, and its owner Peggy Willms, are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information in this article or on this website. We assume no responsibility for tangible and intangible damages such physical harm caused by using a product, loss of profits or loss of data, and defamatory comments. This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases.
