2014 is here and it started off with the flu. First I had it, then my children. Thankfully, my husband has alien DNA and is immune. As you can imagine, all my wondrous plans for implementing new goals went by the wayside. To say I’ve been discouraged would be a vast understatement.
Yet despite all the obstacles in my path, the flu was one of many, the universe was sending me a message. I didn’t hear it at first, but it all came clear today. FCRW chapter mate, Alesia Holiday shared a link to Sherrilyn Kenyon’s inspiring speech from the 2011 RWA® National Conference. Do yourself a favor and read it. It really spoke to me.
Previous to this, I saw the movie, Lone Survivor and read the book the movie is based on by Marcus Luttrell, the one Navy SEAL who survived Operation Redwing. The movie is awe inspiring, but the book broke my heart. I was literally crying for the loss of such wonderful men, but mostly for the bond they shared and their never say die spirit. They are always in the fight. I thank God for men like Marcus and his brothers and they will never be forgotten by me.
I added this together, and while writers and warriors have very different jobs, our attitude needs to be the same. You can’t give up, you can’t quit, no matter how hard it gets, no matter how insurmountable the odds. And you need a support system. Like the brotherhood of the SEAL teams, writers need other writers to succeed. Every time you support another writer, you’re supporting yourself.
I’ll end with one of my favorite quotes: “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” – Winston Churchill
Really enjoyed this blog. Every word of it so, so true. Good job, Jan! And I hope you consider me part of your writer’s support system because you are definitely one of mine! 🙂
Definitely part of the system, Diane. Thanks.
Very true, Jan, and very well put. We all need to remember this, especially when times are tough. And when everything is going well, don’t forget to return that support to someone else who needs it.
Good point, Laura. Thank you.
I like what you had to say. First off, you’ve always been very supportive of me, and I really appreciate it. Through my good times and bad times, you’re always there to cheer me on. There’s been times when I wanted to give up writing, but like you said in the blog, we can’t do it, we must write and we much cheer one another on.
I’m waiting for your sale. I want to toast you and be there for you.
Dee
I value our chats, Dee, and appreciate you very much. It’s our time to toast!
Well said, Jan. Writing may be a solitary undertaking, but without a support team, it’s hard. And lonely. I’m so thankful for the fabulous writer-friends I’ve made along the way, including you and all the VCRW ladies! I am blessed!
Thanks, Connie. I am thankful for you, and all my writer friends, too.
That settles it. You need to start auctioning off your hubby’s DNA. Half my friends and family have had the flu, and this is with flu shots.
Deb, I’ve known Jerry for 32 years. In all that time, he’s been sick three times. No kidding!