And the Winner Is… YOU
Do you see yourself as a winner? Do you feel energized and engaged in your daily adventure? What gets you out of bed each morning? Does it bring you joy? How do you become the Star in the movie of your life?
Do I have all the answers to these questions? No. However, like my GPS, I am going to share with you some ways to “recalculate” and bring new direction and joy into your life.
Here’s what triggered my need for self-examination.
I’m not a crier. At least not in public. Yet recently I wept. Yes, openly for all to see, the kind of crying that ruins makeup and produces red splotches on my face. Most unattractive, but what could I do? There was no holding back.
Last Thursday at the Romance Writers of America Luncheon, author Cathy Maxwell’s keynote speech made me sniffle, then tears dribble from the corners of my eyes. She shared the story of her writing journey, including her first conference where she brought bread and peanut butter to keep food expenses low.
That folks is true dedication to learning craft and pursuing competence. Cathy invoked the battle cry, “Don’t give up!”
I wondered how she knew about the growing voice of my self-doubt. I cried because she passionately challenged me to believe in myself. Even now, it brings tears to my eyes seeing her at the podium raising her fist in solidarity. Thank you, Cathy, for your inspiring words.
On Friday, Kristan Higgins took the stage as the featured speaker during the Awards Luncheon. She started out very funny. But then she spoke of the power of words. Kristan read letters from her readers, dark stories of painful lives–abuse, death, despair–made brighter by reading her books. I know the pain of some of those readers…and that is a story for a different post.
I contemplated what I would write about this week, especially in the wake of hearing the journeys of such accomplished writers. How would I squelch my self-doubt? Could I push the darkness away and join Cathy’s Maxwell’s charge? How could I learn more about writing so that I might, someday, touch people’s lives as Kristan Higgins has?
Embracing my fears and flaws, I am recalculating my path, seeking joy and self-acceptance.
You don’t have to be a writer to embrace triumph in your life.
Here’s what I believe is important ~
Passion. Yes, I am a romance writer, but I’m not referring to ardent affection, instead I mean the intense driving feelings that urge us onward in life. I am passionate about writing. Nothing brings me greater joy that to bring a story to life on paper. Passion can inspire great courage and provide us with a vision of what we can be.
Focus. Directed attention to accomplish goals. This follows the Law of Attraction- what we bring focus to, we can manifest in our life.
Learning. Develop the knowledge needed to reach your goals. Continue to grow as a person.
Perseverance. Continued efforts that merge your passion, focus and learning. Never give up.
Integrity. Be honest with yourself and others. Be yourself. Live your principles. Walk your path with perseverance.
I believe in these keys to success for all aspects of my life. There’s nothing wrong with reevaluating where you are in the moment.
I can hear my internal GPS squawking, “Recalculating. Recalculating.”
What about you? Are you living with passion, focus, learning, perseverance and integrity? You can, you know. And the winner of your efforts will be You!
Smiles,
Linda Joyce
http://www.linda-joyce.com
