Recently, on the One Line, One Love podblog Gail and I had a lively conversation with writer, marathon runner, and healthy eater Julie Hughes. 

When we were talking about foods every writer should have in their cabinets, Julie explained how when she is writing, she often bakes Superhero Muffins packed with only natural ingregients like coconut, banana, and shredded sweet potatoes.

I tried to persuade her to eat a Kit-Kat bar.

She just laughed and said, “I don’t think so.”

Afterwards, I retreated to my writing chair with my computer and a bag of Peanut M&M’s and thought about how when I was a kid, and was hungry, I would whine, “Dad, I’m hungry.”

He would look down, smile, and reply, “Hi hungry, I’m dad.”

When we declare–whether publicly or privately–we’re hungry, it’s hard to focus on anything else but food. Fear works the same way.

If you declare “I’m afraid,” it’s impossible to think of anything else but your fear.

But how do you satisfy your fear?

And what is the cost of avoiding fear?

And how do you make the pangs of fear go away?

The legend of actor Henry Fonda is this: even at 75 years old, after appearing in over 100 films, television shows, and stage productions Henry Fonda went to the bathroom and vomited every time before he went on stage. When he was finished puking, he would stand up, clean his face, take a drink of water and go on stage.

Henry Fonda satisfied his fear by doing the thing he was afraid to do–going on stage. Like hunger, fear will only grow stronger, more consuming the longer we ignore it.

So far in Fear(less) February, I have learned that the only thing that will satisfy your fear is doing the thing you’re afraid to do. Exercise, start your book, put down the bottle, have that conversation, take that class, go on that vacation.

Do the thing you’re afraid to do and over time you will grow full.

Be well,

Jay

New Podblog: One Line, One Love with Author and Marathoner Julie Hughes–Episode #6: Courage, Healing, and Superhero Muffins

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If you haven’t heard yet… my friend Gail Boenning and I recently launched a podblog called, One Line, One Love.

OLOL is a unique listening and reading experience that will inspire everyday writers, who dream of writing, to pick up their pens and write one line at a time.

This podblog format (a hybrid of a podcast and blog) is for everyday writers who–like me–often need a creative boost, a scrap of encouragement, and practical advice to unleash the writer within. Each episode consists of five wide-ranging, writer-focused questions and a weekly writing prompt.

Please check it out! And please share with any writer friends or anyone in your life who has ever considered picking up the pen.

Amazon Order Link!

Ordinary Hero is now available in hardback and available, upon request, in local bookstores or libraries, even if your local bookstore or library is in Peru.

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Warm greetings to everyone who found me on the University of Pennsylvania’s Ataxia Clinic’s website! Thanks for stopping by. I have ataxia and though I’m not a doctor, I hope my words comfort, encourage, empower, and serve as good company on your journey.

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February Book Promos for You:

Are looking for inspiration? Are you searching for a better version of yourself?

This month I joined literary forces with some best-selling authors in an awesome book promotions. Click the link below:

Valentine’s Month is for Books

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Jay Armstrong is a speaker and an award-winning author. Despite being diagnosed with a rare neurological disease, that impairs his movement, balance, eyesight, and speech–Jay presses on. The leader of the Philadelphia Ataxia Support Group, he hopes to help you find joy, peace, and meaning in life.