Lara Tupper: Swift Ink Stories

Old Photo for New Year

Junior Prom 1990, Boothbay, Maine. I had to keep this picture. (That dress!) But I do have a tremendous urge in January to clear space, to let go of possessions, particularly mementos. I know it's healthy to make room for the new, to commit to a writing space free of distractions. This is easier said than done.

Kripalu teacher Izzy Lenihan (and my cousin Becky, second from left), recently helped me create a decluttering plan. (Fewer books = more space to write my own.) To read more about this process, please find my article ("Clearing the Clutter for the New Year") here.

If you can relate, you may be interested in the Kripalu program I'll present with Izzy in January. (See below.) We'll set new intentions together with invigorating practices for creativity. Meanwhile, try this: 

January writing exercise: Take a moment to consider one area of clutter around you. Where is it? What does it look like? Describe it in detail. (Colors, shapes, smells.) Then close your eyes…