Sunday, June 24, 2018

Finding Motivation Again

 
It's funny the way life works. Just when you are catching your stride and making great progress on a project, life intervenes and throws you off track. Sometimes it's family or friend related, other times it's issues at the day job, but it all has the same effect of shutting down your creativity in favor of worry and stress.

So what do we do but put our project away and work on the real life problems. Meanwhile, our creativity fizzles and our project becomes a silly dream.

When things quiet down, as things always do in life, we look back on our project and can't seem to muster up the energy to continue. We see what we've accomplished so far on it, but where to begin again?

No one is there to motivate you, as you were there to motivate others. No, this must be done on your own. The inner strength you carry to fight for others must now be turned inward to fight for your creativity and project. It's time to regain some perspective and conquer our own doubts.

The reason this project idea came to you, is that you possess the ability to create something extraordinary. Though there are millions of romance books out there, I know that no one will ever write quite the same as I do. The characters are my perspective and so even when the theme is familiar, the writing is uniquely mine. Too often in life we question why we're the right person to do a project when there are so many others who might be better.

I'll tell you that you are unique. Your talents, abilities, mindset, and creativity are all the building blocks of a special person who is meant for success. Yes, you will be successful.

Shut down the negativity in your mind. It has no place in your life.

You'd bear down and fight for another, well it's time to put that strength of fortitude to work for yourself. Only you can complete your project. Recently, there was a story of a female astronaut that was told she'd never get to space. She was turned down time and again. Well, decades later she holds the record for the longest time in space. She didn't give up and fought on despite the naysayers who told her she wouldn't make it.

So what if your project is turned down. Offer it to someone else. Revise and resubmit. If you believe you are meant to be a writer, inventor, manager, or anything else then you must journey on.

At times that journey will feel very lonely, and it will seem as if there is no one to help you. Just remember, you're worth the time and work. Reach out or read inspirational quotes that can keep you going. One of the reason I enjoy Twitter is that I follow writers, but I also follow people who tweet out inspirational lines.

So what are we waiting for?

Are you ready?

Yes, so am I when it comes to the project I've been working on. Let's take the steps together, shall we, because I've been where you are.

You must ignore the negative thoughts in your head including those people that tell you something can't be done. Of course, it hasn't been done yet, you hadn't arrived. But you're here now and you can accomplish great things.

You have arrived, and as fate has given you the talent, it's time for you to succeed where others have failed.

I believe in you. Believe in yourself.

Success is waiting for you.

Take your destiny in hand and start/finish that project. Now, I have some writing to do. How about you?

Mary

 

Saturday, May 12, 2018

Every #Writer needs some adventure: Good Friends and Golf

I never expected to have such an amazing time at an employer sponsored golf tournament, but with right friends/co-workers 'fun' becomes the word of the day.

So, let me say first off that I've never golfed in my life. In preparation, I've been watching golf on tv in an effort to get a clue, thinking I might as well learn from the best. Funny enough, those 'best' turned out to be the friends on the greens with me that day.
 

So out to the golf course we go and the adventure begins. I did borrow a friend's clubs for this adventure as I didn't want to buy clubs for something that might be a one-time gig.

Anyway, I've gotta say, I hardly expected to hit the ball very much, but then when you get such positive feedback and insight there's no accomplishment out of your grasp. The more holes we played, the little better I got at hitting the ball.

Of course, my first ever shot I hit straight into the water. Note to other; bring lots of balls when you go as they like to run away. Funny part is that even my horrible shots I garnered encouragement on.

At one point on the course I even had friends who were golfing behind us, cheer me on. Lol. The thing about golf is that you have to have fun. The right friends to play with make it all the more possible to enjoy a game that can really make you feel down right klutzy at times.

By the 18th hole, I actually was the only one on who stayed on the grass. I'm proud of that. Oh, and I showed how to hit the ball out of the sand trap, which I did beautifully with a well learned butt wiggle. Thank you, pro-golfer Phil Mickelson.

Anyway, the laughter we shared, the camaraderie, and memories are something I'll cherish all my life. I couldn't have asked for better golf partners or friends to share the game with. Would I golf again? I have to say yes. I never considered I'd be the type to like golf but yes, its lots of fun and I want to go again.

Thank you to my friends, co-workers, and golf buddies for a great outing. You'll never know how special it was to me, because even a writer like myself can't fully explain the feelings of joy that stayed with me throughout the day. 

So what are some tips I can give you if you've never golfed but want to try?

1)      Get three good friends that know golf but don't take it too seriously.

A)    This keeps the atmosphere relaxed and doesn't put pressure on you.

2)      Clubs:

A)    Rent clubs or borrow a friend's

a)      Don't worry if you don't know what club to use. That's what your friends' expertise is for.

3)      Snacks/Water:

A)    Bring light snacks like beef jerky and plenty of water bottles. It's easy to dehydrate and not notice.

4)      Try the driving range first.

A)    A driving range is a great place to practice swinging and hitting the ball. It isn't as easy is it seems on tv. J

5)      Remember to have fun.

A)    It's really a bonding activity when you're out there so don't be too hard on yourself if you don't get a good score.

Finally, learn the etiquette rules of the golf course so as not to offend any other players or management. These places are meticulously taken care of so don't leave trash, and be respectful of the wildlife.
I hope I've inspired someone to try golfing. I'll admit I'd go again, and I never saw myself as the type to like golf. But yes, I've had a taste and want more. Lol.
It's good for writers to experience new things. It broaden our perspectives and gives meaning to the word life. Any adventures you're going to try?
 

Mary