| Happy Friday! |
| Love Actually, one of my top holiday movies, is a romantic comedy that follows the chaotic lives of eight couples in the month leading up to December 25. Alongside the humor, the film explores themes of love, loss, and belonging. This version of the song All I Want for Christmas, from the movie, is one of my favorites. |
| In this week’s webinar, I shared that I attended a recent Landmark Forum workshop, and the workshop leader asked participants: What do you really want? He suggested that what I really want isn’t a specific achievement or object—it’s to become whole. The insight coming from a stranger was jarring, but I agreed. Later that week, I went to the Met with a friend. In the gift shop, he asked me what I wanted, and, as usual, I hesitated. Then he pointed to a beautiful hat in the gift shop and said, “I think this is what you want.” When I tried it on, I realized he was right. It felt wonderful to be seen, and there is truth that sometimes others can recognize what we want better than we can ourselves. |
After I shared about the hat, we joked that “it’s very nice to get what you want when you don’t know what you want.” This led to the evening’s prompt. After the Hug, and we were all feeling calm and centered, I asked everyone to allow an image to come forth of something they really want for Christmas and place that in the center. After the writing was completed, to say I was blown away by the stories was an understatement.
What the Writing Revealed
Susan imagined a peaceful hike with her daughter at Bell Rock. In her story, they hold hands, notice colorful lizards, laugh together, and feel warmed by the sun and scented sage. A playful lizard even hops onto her boot, leaving her with a sense of wonder and a question about the message behind the moment.
Debra used her words to create a poem set in a willow grove, where rustling leaves and flowing thoughts bring insight, self-healing, and connection. She imagined her ideas traveling to others like a gift—offering comfort and beauty, symbolized by passing a fragrant flower to someone who needs it.
Beth centered her story on her desire for a spinning wheel. She spoke of longing for simpler times and the soothing rhythm of spinning fiber by hand. Watching a recent demonstration of spinning connected her to generations of women before her, and the spinning wheel was a metaphor for continuity, an unbroken circle through time.
Donna shared her wish for her older dog, Pow Wow, to recover from a painful illness. She described Pow Wow’s medical struggles, long history of injury, and her warrior spirit. Donna expressed hope and love, wanting nothing more than healing and strength for her loyal companion.
Sheli reflected on a book club idea that “love doesn’t have to have a future” and connected it to meeting a difficult employee with “being present” instead of history or bias. She envisioned herself as a butterfly, moving freely from flower to flower, choosing to live in the moment and connect openly with people rather than staying trapped in a protective cocoon.
Sandeep described his “small desire” through a rich metaphor. He spoke about building a safe inner “castle” and then continuing steady work on his “palace”—strengthening his foundation so he could confidently follow his North Star without distraction. His story reflected patience and intentional progress.
A Shared Wish
After the group shared, Sandeep explained that the palace in his writing was a metaphor for creating time and space for a consistent writing schedule. We all paused for a moment, then wholeheartedly agreed that we all shared this wish.
Getting What We Want in 2026
Together, we’ll work on making this wish a reality. The first webinar of 2026 will focus on writers getting what they want: a consistent writing schedule. We’ll work together, drawing on each other’s experiences and using The Marilyn Initiative System to tap into our creative stores for solutions and ideas. Join us on Tuesday, January 13 at 7:00 pm EST.
Here’s to your personal success,
Professor Marilyn Horowitz
A Great Gift Idea
It’s not too late to order an eBook for Christmas. Treat yourself to a political thriller, a sexy romance, or books for writers!
From Me to You
Give your writing a boost! I’m offering a free 15-minute writing consultation to support writers at any stage of their project. Whether you’re dreaming up an idea, stuck in the middle, or polishing the final draft, I can help with direction, clarity, and inspiration. Email me to book your session!
Creating a Consistent Writing Schedule for 2026
As writers, to become “whole” means giving ourselves the time and space to practice our art. When we’re not writing, something inside us feels unfinished. The first webinar of 2026 will be held on January 13. Join us as we explore how to make room for writing and build a schedule that truly works for you!
Click here to register.
Most people have a preferred way their unconscious gets their attention. Some people get images. Some people get repetitive thoughts. Some people get gut sensations, or a dream, or the sudden urge to clean the house.
I get… songs.
Not playlists, not memories — earworms. Fully produced tracks that appear in my mind like my own private radio station.
Usually they fit the mood.
Usually they speak in metaphor. (Read the full article here on Substack.)
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