Slight Hiatus

It is nearly half way through 2013 and I have not been actively seeking publication per se. Being a graduate school student has taken a lot of my time and energy. There were quite a few writing assignments for class and I can say that I have been reading and scribing frequently. 

Within my interests lie a wonderful memoir, Lit, by Mary Karr. Her writing style amazes me. I would like to write sentences that are half as original and compelling as hers. It could be considered research for my future writing endeavors!

There are two months before my summer classes begin, so I vow to work on one of the few writing projects I have started over a year ago. You, dear blog reader, are my witness :)

Perfection: Overrrated?

Have you found yourself spinning your wheels lately?  I sure have.  There are times when I get in my own way and even though I realize this is happening, I just can't help myself.  I wrote an article (approx 800 words) and took a such long time to revise it and made myself crazy trying to make it perfect because it is something that I feel so strongly about that I wanted perfection. (It's posted on my other blog:  Becoming an Author.)

There are a few other writing projects that I have been working on and procrastination has reared its all to familiar  head.  The projects are not bad, but I just cannot seem to bring myself to send them to potential publishers yet.  The time just did not feel right after the holidays and now I have no excuse except for fear of rejection.  If I wait until I think the projects are perfect, I never send them out into the world. 

So how do we avoid these self defeating actions?  My advice is to stop worrying about making sure that you achieve perfection and concentrate on getting your message out to the world in whatever form of self expression you are taking part in.  Paint that picture, write that story, sing that song, recite those poems and do it with pride because you are entertaining other and making the world a better place. 

Chelsea Handler on the Rosie Show

I have to comment on the Rosie show interview with Chelsea Handler.  Both of these women are amazing and the show was so good.  I admire Chelsea for speaking her mind in her life and career.  She said something to the effect of that if she worried about what others thought, she would be a totally different person.  These words really hit home with me because I constantly stress out over what other people think about me and things I do.  I wish that I could speak my mind at times because I think that people who do speak their minds are less stressed and happier.  Rosie and Chelsea talked about things that were not included in the few books of Chelsea's that I have read.  It was an emotional interview as she discussed her brother's passing and the passing of her mother too.  She shared with the audience and Rosie that she had an abortion when she was younger.  I was amazed that she was comfortable admitting it and possibly loosing fans, but then when I heard her statement about not worrying what other people thought of her because she would rather be "real" and let people either accept her or not, I started to understand....maybe it's time for me to start to be more "real". 

Speak up

You can change the world, start with your own.  I am a firm believer in that concept that you get what you give.  If something is bothering you, sometimes there are ways to view the situation differently and accept it better.  If you have to travel for business and you don't want to, maybe you can incorporate a day of sightseeing into your agenda.

If you see those in need and cannot donate to help, maybe you can organize a fund raiser without having to donate items or cash yourself.  Sometimes all it takes is someone coming forth and starting the initiative.  There are so many ways that people can help others by donating time as well.

What would you like to change in your life?   Are you unemployed and loosing hope at even finding a job.  Turn a hobby into a money maker.  Make a list of things you like to do or skills that you have that are valuable and start your own business.

Find that Balance you Need

You are a work in progress.  We all are essentially a work in progress.  Are you happy?  What could you do to make yourself happier?.  Are you relaxing enough?  Find your balance this holiday season.  Take time to enjoy family and don't feel guilty if you take a break from your daily grind to pamper yourself.  This is a great time of the year to stay in a read a book for fun if you are a reader.  (I assume you are if you are reading this blog.)

Do not feel that you have to be accomplishing something every minute of the day.  The daily responsibilities will still be there escape for a few hours and do something you enjoy that is just for you, and guilt free.  You will most likely be more productive if you take breaks.  My escape is writing, yours may be a trip to the spa, mall, bookstore, library, tool store, etc. Find that balance in your life. 

It's a strange world! I will not jump...

Yes, at times it seems like the world is set up in a way that is not helpful to me,  I like to think that I am an adaptable person ,but I have been thinking back to Kindergarten, even Pre-School days.  There were circles of kids being told to jump in gym class.  Apparently I did not want to jump that particular day, so my mother received a call home describing her insubordinate daughter's lack of performance. Really? Was I the only kid who did not want to jump?  Why did the others jump on cue and betray me.  What are we teaching our children?  Don't be your own person....yeah, I think that was the message.

Not Sorry Yet

Do you seem to care less what others think as you age?  I know that this is true for me and some of my friends  It is truly admirable to be comfortable being yourself.  You are who you are, try to embrace life and motivate others.  Do not worry about offending others with your opinions.  It is ok to feel the way you feel.  Do not dwell on mistakes of the past, learn from them and move on.  Make a plan and stick to it.  If you want to accomplish something, get out of your own way and start the process of accomplishing that project.  For example, if you spend time thinking about all of the reasons why you would fail at something, you can spend equal time  thinking about why you would succeed. 

Let me tell you about myself for a moment.  I have Endometriosis and for many years have had to call into work frequently, miss classes and miss family events due to my illness.  I was able to obtain my Associates Degree, and am a few assignments away from completing my Bachelors Degree.  At one time a handful of years ago, I was fearful that I would not be able to hold a job due to the horrible symptoms of the disease.  Instead of giving up and staying out of the workforce, I applied for a job that I really wanted and it all worked out.  I was able to explain my illness to my co-workers and boss and have access to the restroom and be out sick when my symptoms were too serous to attend work.

During this time I attended classes and although I have had many operations over the past few years, I also have valuable education to be proud of.  My grade point average certainly would have been higher if I was not sick most of the time. But it is not a perfect world. 

If I can achieve part of my goal, you can too. Do not let life's trials and tribulations stop you from greatness.