Pen to Page
A black, gray, white, patterned imaged photo with the words “Let it flow.”
Editor’s note: This post will evolve as I do.
Welcome back, artsy minds and curious souls, to my Creative Creations series! Last week, I shared my 31-day art adventure in Sketch-tember (catch that post here: Sketch-Tember). It was a month of prompts, doodles, and daily practice that proved creativity shows up when we do. This week, I’m trading sketchbooks for sentences with a new challenge: 31 days of writing. Writing every day may sound simple, but it’s rarely easy. It asks for creativity, discipline, and a willingness to face the blank page head-on. This post is both a record of what I discovered and an invitation for you to consider what might shift if you gave yourself the same challenge.
So, before we jump into the details, go ahead and get comfortable. Curl up in your favorite chair, grab a cozy blanket, or maybe even make yourself a cup of tea. This isn’t just a list of prompt, it’s a journey through the messy, surprising, and sometimes vulnerable process of writing every day for a month. Below you’ll find each daily prompt alongside my response. The creative, unpolished words that came out when I showed up to the page.
Describe my morning in 3 sentences (make vivid).
As I lay under the warm and comfy covers while living the good life in my dreams, my pupperoni alarm clock starts barking. Here I was, mid-dream, living out far-away dreams when out-of-the-blue, my puppy starts yapping. At first, I didn’t want to believe it as all I wanted were some more z’s and to continue my dream, but the pup ultimately won in the end with the insistent ready to take on the world yaps.
2. A color in your day (write mini paragraph inspired by color)
As I was crafting up a day for my Instagram stories, I decided today was the day for Salmon Pink. So, it was salmon pink lines, salmon pink dots, and even a salmon pink sunset. Before I knew it, the whole world turned salmon pink. Even my sand-proof beach towel. In that moment as time was passing me by, I couldn’t help but ponder the beauty of salmon pink summer skies.
3. One small joy (share something small that made me smile)
Something that brought a smile to my face today was when I had some spare time and got to sit down and edit my blog page. While it may have been small, and yes, I may have been working, I was eager to improve my skills and hone my craft. Writing, editing, and blogging are some of my favorite hobbies. Sometimes I know immediately what topic I want to speak on and other times I experience writer’s block. But getting the change to update or improve of an aspect of my website, I find exciting.
4. Describe your space in 50 words (my desk, window space, or the view)
My room is my happy place, my comfort spot. It has my warm, comfy blankets and pillows. My desk where I storm up ideas of creativity and inspiration. My musical corner and a place where I can stretch. It’s also one of the places I feel safest. Somewhere I can truly let my guard down and be myself. It’s a place I can rock out to music like no one’s watching, try new stretching poses, and paint blob after blob. A great space for all things me.
5. Object story (pick an object near me and write a secret story)
Meet Van. Ironically, Van is my fan. We’re not talking about the obsessed era. I mean my actual fan. You know the ones that keeps me cool all of the time? Anyway, Van has a life of his own. When he’s not working, he takes the time to relax, to keep watch, but mostly stares off into space observing the world as we know it. He notices how quick time passes, how daylight suddenly turns into night, and how things once so important become minuscule in a short time. While Van is out here living his best life, he’s enjoying every moment that comes his way. So, if nothing else, live life like Van.
6. Before and after (write 2 sentences of how day started vs. ended)
The day started with me feeling overwhelmed because of the amount of ideas that came to mind. Fortunately, by the end of the night, I felt more relieved as I had time to write out and plan the ideas, thus allowing me to let of the stress and be content.
7. Micro-lesson of one thing I realized or remembered. Today in 2-3 lines.
Today I came to the realization that we’re not meant to shrink. Not you, not me, and not even a random stranger you bumped into. Rather, we’re meant to take up space, to speak in full volume, and to live life to the greatest as Dede Hawkins said it best.
8. Mini life lesson (share a thought to I’d put on the blog, under 80 words)
The micro lesson for today is that communication is everything. It allows us to connect with other people, to share our thoughts and ideas, and to express ourselves. So, if there ever comes a time when you’re not sure, ask. It could make all the difference.
9. Question to your audience (write short post ending with a reflective question)
Oftentimes, over the course of my life, I’ve questioned myself. Constantly analyzing situations, reflecting on conversations, and intellectualizing my experiences. Sometimes, maybe even too much. Either way, I consider myself to be someone who is self-aware. Yet, at the same time, I’m often oblivious to what’s happening around me. I used to think it was naivety. But I know that’s not it. It is, however, something I can’t quite explain. So, I leave you with a question: would you call it being blissfully unaware or something else entirely?
10. Behind the writing (share short snippet of why I started writing, no pressure)
Back to where it all began, and how my writing journey came to be. It all started in Elementary school when I was required to create a story and then illustrate a book (just as the all students were). One year, in particular, I wrote a mystery and somehow, someway, it was selected for some sort of achievement. Since that day, I haven’t stopped writing.
11. What I used to believe vs. now (reflective post)
I learned an important lesson. One may even say, the most important lesson. The lesson, you ask? I learned that I can express my feelings, share my experiences, and speak up. Doing so doesn’t make me weak, “too sensitive,” emotional, or wrong, it simply makes me human. For much of my life, I felt silenced or excluded. When I did share, my experiences were sometimes dismissed, ignored, or even twisted in ways that left me questioning my own reality. But when we validate both our own experiences and those of others, it doesn’t diminish anyone’s truth. In fact, it expands understanding. Acknowledgement isn’t a competition, it’s collaboration. It helps people feel seen and heard, and in doing so, it creates safety. Safety to be real, to be vulnerable, and to move forward together. In the past, I believed it was my responsibility to keep others happy. Sometimes that looked like people-pleasing, other times it was simply pushing past my own limits so I could show up for those I cared about. Even when I was drained and desperately needed rest, I’d push through because I valued connections so deeply. I didn’t want to let anyone down. Yet in the process, I was letting myself down.
12. One quote that resonates (tie it into a personal insight)
My favorite quote of all time happened kind of spontaneously. Years ago, my mother and I took a trip downtown to the Wondr Museum. If you’re unfamiliar, it is one of the more modern, trendy museums that has a lot of photogenic or interactive set-ups for pictures or cute videos. Anyway, there was this hand reaching up out of the ground or something that I took a picture of. Later on, when I posted it to Instagram, I needed a fun quote that really expressed the moment, and so, the one I found is from E. E. Cummings. It says, “Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wander, and spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human spirit.” Ever since, I love going back to that photo and reading that quote because it really sums up not only my experience that day, but my child-like wonder and optimism.
13. Mini how-to (give 3 quick tips or thoughts related to a blog theme)
For today’s how-to, I will share how to get into art. The first and most important step, which just happens to be the hardest is to get started. It doesn’t matter if you have no experience or years or experience. You’re still an artist. If doesn’t matter if the only art materials you have is paper and pen, metal, stickers. What really makes a difference is your passion, your creativity, your desire to express yourself. This brings us to step number 2. Don’t compare yourself and don’t overthink. Instead let it flow. You can start as easy or as difficult if you want. You are in control. You can begin again or change your mind and make something different. Art is rather simple but oftentimes, I think it’s easy to overcomplicate it. There are so many possibilities that it can be overwhelming, especially if it’s not something that either comes naturally or you haven’t done much before. And three, as with everything, it will take time to build up your craft. Achievement usually doesn’t happen on the first try nor should it be the goal. The goal should always be enjoyment. So, there you have it. Now it’s your time to shine. Give it your best brushstroke!
14. Silent photo post (take a picture and share 1-2 sentences about it, including a caption that evokes curiosity)
The Yogi?
Does living a peaceful, quiet life include one of only happiness? One that isn’t dull, frustrating, or upsetting? Or is it more fulfilling to overcome challenges or detours? While an easy life of happiness may sound appealing, I think it’s the resilience, the determination, and the sacrifices that are motivating. That keeps life interesting and challenging. It’s the effort and relief of overcoming obstacles that makes life meaningful.
15. Lesson from the past (3-5 sentences of a story from my life)
A key takeaway from the past is that nothing lasts forever. Happiness doesn’t last, money doesn’t last, materials don’t last, and nor do relationships. So, when the time comes, whether it’s a breakup, you lost your favorite item, you’re choosing to be more intentional and frugal, or you’re sad and upset, don’t forget, that this period of your life won’t last forever. It may take a bit of time for things to stabilize or feel “normal” again, but you will get there. Sometimes, all it takes it persistence, patience, and the hope that something greater is right around the corner.
16. Sneak peak (share a thought or snippet from a blog post or writing piece)
Hmm, this is a hard one. But did you know, that my favorite country to pronounce in the world is Tuvalu. That’s all I’ve got…
17. Unexpected inspiration (something random that sparked an idea)
I would say in the last couple years, there was a certain belief or assumption others had about me in regards to my blog. The most common idea was that I blogged so others would know about me and my life. However, that is far from my own truth. I started sharing personal experiences because I wanted to show others, just like you, that the experiences we go through particularly, the ones with more negative connotation, are more common than we think. That while embarrassing or whatever the case may be, these are the situations that teach us important lessons. And instead of being ashamed to admit our mistakes or wrongdoings, we should normalize that it’s a part of life. We should share our lessons with others, so they don’t have to experience the same heartbreak, powerlessness, or helplessness, that we once had too.
18. Ask for perspective (short reflection and end with the question, what do you think?)
The Great Escapes have been occurring lately. What I mean is that my pup has become far too smart for her age. To give context, she has her own apartment (where she naps or goes when she’s not running around the place) which has locks in the front. But as of late, she’s learned how to jiggle the locks in order to get the doors to open. I’m almost she’s practicing to become a magician (*sarcasm*). Either way, it is still an impressive feat. It’s as though she has been planning an escape route this entire time. So much so, I might need to convince the producers and writers of the movie “Baby Genuises” to make a remake featuring dachshund’s. What do you think?
19. Tiny transformation (one change in mindset, habit, or routine that stuck)
A piece of advice that I received years ago was the importance of laughing. I forget now the health benefits but supposedly even if you are sad and you started laughing, your brain wouldn’t know the difference and release the happy chemicals. If nothing else, laugh. It may be weird at first, but it can be good for you.
20. Blog link teaser (turn a lesson or reflection from your blog into 2-3 sentences with “wrote more about this here”)
To be art or to do art, that is the question. While I may be the art, at times, I create the art now. Find out more about the best five-second doodle I’ve ever sketched here.
21. Mini gratitude post (thank someone that shaped my journey)
Throughout my life, there has been a lot of people I’ve crossed paths with, and most of them, including strangers, have changed my life for the better whether it was a positive interaction, inspiration, or an idea. However, these is one person in particular that means the most to me. And she is my mother. Growing up, my mom often sacrificed her own needs, dreams, and wishes, in order for me to have the best life possible. And while we may bump heads every once in a while, or have differing of opinions, she is still my mother. Not only is she is the strongest person I know (mentally, physically, and emotionally), one of my favorite people to spend time with, and the first person I call in any situation. Because of all that (and much more), thank you for showing up when it mattered most, for only ever being one call away, and for never giving up on me. I love you!
22. Top 3 favorite (books, songs, movies, quotes, etc)
First, is Experience by Ludovico Einaudi. Second, Glory & Wonder by Mosaic MSC. And third, Hearts on Fire by ILLENIUM, Dabin & Lights.
23. Myth busting (one misconception you’ve had or noticed)
The biggest misconception that comes to mind is something that I’ve both experienced and noticed, and that is labeling people or putting people in boxes. We are all multi-dimensional, paradoxical beings. Our feelings, experiences, and beliefs are fluid and ever-evolving. Just because someone expresses themselves one way, dresses another, or does something, does not mean they are a part of one group over the other. It doesn’t mean just because they are perceived to be more one way than the other, that they are. We all are influenced by the environments we were raised in, the people around us, and our own experiences.
24. Relatable confession (a small quick habit or mistake)
During a scary part in my life, I thought it was a good idea to send out a simple text to people in my contacts. To be clear, there is nothing wrong with that. Except what I thought was an innocent, clear cut message turned out to be quite the opposite. In the span of a few hours, I found myself in the middle of a feud. As it turned out, the message I sent sounded more accusatory than how I read/perceived it to be. Once I recognized my mistake, I burst into tears (laughing so hard from embarrassment). That’s when I made note of how blissfully unaware I can be at times.
25. Mini challenge to readers (one day or one question challenge)
Today is the day of all days, making it no better day than today to ask this. I challenge you to take a risk to either say yes and agree to what is asked of you for one whole day (**things that will help push you out of your comfort zone, mainly) or say no to everything and continue to choose comfort over growth.
If only you knew about all the experiences I don’t share, the ones that made me question my whole identity, that cut so deep, I felt lost. Or the situations that reminded me of who I didn’t want to be in life. Then, maybe just maybe you might understand the choices I made with the options I had. If only you knew…
27. Reader spotlight (share a comment, message or conversation that inspired me)
One of the reasons I decided to start this blog was because of how someone once made me feel. This individual was an old friend. Someone who encouraged me to pursue my passions and share my experiences in the world. They are the reason I am who I am today and why there is a new post every Monday. So, if there’s anything you can be in this world, be someone’s biggest supporter. Be their ally. Their confidant. Be the reason, others believe in the good of the world.
28. Link back to old post (repurpose a key line or link with a new reflection)
Under construction (check back later for an update)
29. Then vs. Now (Share personal growth in 3-5 sentences)
For a solid period of my life, I was often concerned about making the wrong choice. Not because anything really bad had ever happened, but I was concerned about my future. What could go wrong instead of what could go right. This action alone caused me to overthink and it would stress me out that then I couldn’t even decide. Fortunately, I’ve since grown out of that phrase and my life couldn’t be any because of it.
30. Share inspiration
In my life, there have been many people who inspired me in one way or another from my friends to my family, and even people I’ve met on the street. Aside from people inspiring me, I also find inspiration on the street, in movies, from books, and in nature. And to me, that is one of the most beautiful things in life of how easy it is to be inspired. Inspiration is all around us.
31. 31-day reflection
Over these 31 days, the lessons were just as important as the words themselves. Here are a few that stood out to me:
▪️ Inspiration follows action - Most days, I didn’t start with a big idea, but once I put pen to page, the words eventually showed up.
▪️ Prompts are powerful - Having a starting point kept me from getting stuck in the “what should I write” spiral.
▪️ Consistency beats perfection - Not every entry was polished. But it was the act of showing up daily that mattered more than the quality of each response.
▪️ The blank page isn’t an enemy - It’s an invitation. What feels intimidating at first opens the doorway to something surprising.
▪️ Community creates momentum - Sharing my journey keeps me accountable and reminds me that creativity is best when it’s shared.
And that brings my 31-day writing challenge to a close. Looking back, it wasn’t about producing perfect pieces every day. It was about showing up, exploring ideas, and letting the words take me places I wouldn’t have gone otherwise. Some responses surprised me, some stretched me, and some were simply about the act of keeping the pen moving. That’s the beauty of challenges like this. They remind us that creativity thrivers in practice, not perfection. This was just the second installment of the Creative Creations series, and I hope it encourages you to take on your own version of a challenge for an entire month whether it’s writing, drawing, or any hobby that nudges you outside your comfort zone. Because sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is simply start, and see where the practice leads.
As a signature of my blog, I’d like to end this post with a suggestion to “Pass on kindness.” There’s no time like the present to Inspire Those Who Inspire You. Acts of kindness, no matter how big or small, can have a direct, positive impact on someone else. Go out there today and change someone’s life for the better!
***These are my personal opinions and may not be those of my employer.***
