Wednesday, May 20, 2009

How Do You Want to Remember This Time?

On Monday, we looked ahead five years and imagined what life would be like. Today, we're going to do the opposite.

Fast forward five years and think back on your life as it is right now. How do you remember it?

If you recall, I mentioned my five year from now must-have list. My books will be published on a regular basis. I'll write full time during the day and spend evenings and weekends with my family, and I will be optimistic. When I look back, I'll remember this time in my life as...hmm...

Well, I could go one of two ways. Let's look at my thought process in two scenarios.
#1

The pre-publishing phase was a nightmare--an absolute nightmare! I remember feeling frazzled 90% of every waking hour. The days passed in a blur of writing, submitting, doubting, blogging, critiquing, revising, revising, and more revising. I would never want to go through that again! If I had a penny for every time I doubted my ability, I'd be the richest girl on the planet. In fact, I wonder now how I ever stuck with it? How did I keep sitting at my laptop day after day? I poured my heart into every book and received rejection after rejection. It's amazing I didn't need therapy after all that...

#2

The pre-publishing phase was an exciting time--I felt so alive! I remember feeling hopeful 90% of every waking hour. The days passed in a medley of improving my craft. Sure, I had my doubts, but I knew if I just studied, wrote, and worked hard, I'd eventually sell books. God pushed me through the hardest times. He always sent a breath of hope when I had a set-back. And the friends I made! I'm the richest girl on the planet! I'd better talk to the new writer in
our group; she could use some encouragement...

Don't worry. Don't fret. Don't be anxious. This time will pass. How do you want to remember it?

Join me on Friday. I'm taking a poll! Woo-hoo!

And...

Write Already! It's Wednesday!

18 comments:

  1. I am both #1 and #2. Sometimes on the same day, even :)

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  2. I definitely like to think I'm in scenario number two!! But I know I can easily slip into scenario number one all too often. The writing journey is not an easy one, but I'd like to enjoy each step of the journey! Right now I'm a little overwhelmed with the thought of how I will get everything done!

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  3. Good morning!

    Tess: Obviously, I am both also! I would like to be #2 ALL the time.

    Jody: You'll get it all done the way you've done everything else. One step at a time. Don't worry! Enjoy this time!

    Thanks for stopping by!

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  4. I hope I can apply the second option to every area of my life. Hopeful and yet content. Hmm...I have some work to do!

    Thanks for a great blog today. I'm adding you to my must read blogs of the day. :)

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  5. Hi Jill, your timing is impeccable! I want to be #2 all the time too, but it's a battle. So much of this ride is about our attitude though, isn't it?

    I'm still lovin' your posts and am grateful for you!
    ~ Wendy

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  6. Erica: Thank you so much. I work at attitude all the time. It's easy to slip into negativity. I found your blog from an interview. Congrats on your publishing success!

    Wendy: Right back at you! Isn't it wonderful we've been able to connect? The power of the Internet!

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  7. Yay for scenario number 2! I really enjoy writing and the process is exciting. The only thing I could use more of is patience. The more patience I have, the more I slow down and take a chance to enjoy the journey.

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  8. Great post! I want to remember this time as amazing growth both spiritually, emotionally and professionally. I'll remember the blood sweat and tears too. ;)

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  9. Jill, This is a very interesting exercise. Thank you for taking the time to put it up and discuss it.

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  10. Cindy: I'm laughing because I told my girlfriend yesterday that I'm almost out of patience for the month. Maybe in June I'll get a fresh allotment? Ha!

    T.Anne: When I look back where I was a year ago, I shake my head in wonder. I've grown so much this year. I bet you have too. Can you imagine how much we'll have grown in five years? Amazing!

    Davin: Thanks for the encouragement. I too often live unaware and don't take the time to enjoy what I have right now. Thinking ahead (and back) helps me keep perspective.

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  11. Great call for a return to perspective. Depending on the day, I can be a one or a two. Thanks for reminding me that the joy should be in the journey, not just the destination. :D

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  12. I could slip into number 1 easily, but I'm hoping for number 2. I really am trying to "Let go and Let God" whenever I get a little anxious or stressed...at least that is the plan:)

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  13. Danyelle: I like results, but yes, it is the journey. Writing is one of the areas in my life where I truly enjoy the journey.

    Kara: Oh, I like that--Let go or Let God--nice!

    Thanks for stopping by!

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  14. Jill, thank you! I love the last part you have there. That goes along with my theory of enjoying the journey. :)

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  15. Great post. I want to be number 2 but sometimes I am closer to 1. I am working on 2 a little more every day.

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  16. I always tend to look at my past with rose-colored lenses. I know I will look at it as a time of incredible excitement! Which is why I'm sometimes nervous I will end up with ten kids, because I will look back on the long, sleepless nights as a wonderful opportunity to bond with my infant... instead of the hair-pulling exhaustion it really was. :)

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  17. Lady Glamis: It's a wonderful journey, isn't it? Sure, we have the hair-pulling days, but the days of ecstasy are there too. So glad you're taking another stab at your novel.

    Amy: Welcome! It's very sad, but this afternoon I was a big #2. This time of year can really get to me!

    Katie: I'd bet you'd look pretty good with 10 kids! They'd be lucky to have you as a mom--that's for sure!

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  18. i'm going to go with #2 hopefully. the glass is half-full scenario sounds better. :)

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