Is everybody ready for Five Minute Friday?

It’s where our group of writers gather  to write unscripted for five minutes on a specific word prompt. Our prompt is diligently supplied by Kate Motaung. After we post, we link up on Facebook at fiveminutefriday.com {in the Join the Community section} to share our pearls of wisdom or our pig’s ears and just mix and mingle.

I’ve been sharing snippets taken from Five Minute Friday: A Collection of Stories Written in Five Minutes Flat compiled by Susan Shipe. They are an up close and personal testament to the value of the exercise. This week, I’ll share some perspective from Kimberly. I hope she inspires you to check us out … and maybe join in?

“FMF gave me permission to release my need for perfection, for over-thinking, and for worrying about how the readers will receive my work. It allowed me to revel in the smaller details of my ordinary days and receive them as a gift. Thanks to you, Kate, and Lisa-Jo [the originator of Five Minute Friday], I have embraced moments I would have otherwise have forgotten. It’s been a joy to participate.”

Yes. It’s a great creative outlet. Not everything is perfect … but neither are we. It’s always eye-opening. You should check out the site and see for yourself … or better yet, try it yourself.

The prompt this week is RESPECT and the timer is set, so let’s GO…

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Anyone singing or dancing in the late 60s remember that song belted out by Aretha Franklin. Although not the first to sing the song — Otis Redding released the original version in 1965 with a more soulful intention — Franklin’s version two years later, with just a few subtle lyric and style changes, became an anthem as women were starting to flex their muscle. It was a declaration from a strong, confident woman. It was embraced by just about everyone, not because it was an “anthem” but because it was a universal truth. We all want respect — just give me some respect.

Unfortunately these days, R-E-S-P-E-C-T has been often tossed onto the pile labeled “outdated”. We don’t see enough of it … and that is just too bad.

The song and lyrics weren’t new for the country at the time. Women, minorities, you and me were clamoring for the same thing — a little bit of … STOP

… R-E-S-P-E-C-T — nothing more, nothing less. And so it goes today.

It’s a little seven letter word that sets the stage for a life well lived. You want respect; give some respect.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Happiness is a journey … not a destination. — Ben Sweetland