The pink-tinged clouds of dawn are one of my favorite sources of inspiration. When traveling especially, I'm often up before the sun seeking a vantage point for pictures and reflection. A new day holds new possibilities. Starting it with fresh air and the reminder that the sun rises despite the struggles in my life helps ground me.
For many, a new year means a larger landmark for rebirth and change. Though I don't jump on the resolution train, I understand the need to start with a blank canvas. I caught myself thinking "This year doesn't have to work hard to be better than the last two." I'm certain that idea is shared, especially among those in less than desirable work or living situations. For me, my creative path has always been uncertain.
Uncertainty is both beautiful and disconcerting. I'm one who adores planning ahead for every possible situation—not out of fear but love of preparation. Anticipating and heading off undesirable scenarios is part of my control-freak nature. One example is my preference for bringing a paperback novel on a plane instead of a tablet. No battery life required, and I know it's at least four hours of entertainment. My backpack is also stuffed full of healthy snacks so I'm not stuck eating airport food.
But what happens when I can't plan ahead? Worse, what if I didn't see something coming?
Needless to say, the past two years have shown all of us that the future is shifting. Who isn't hopeful for a better 2022? But "better" varies from person to person. Since I have truly been blessed to lack financial struggles, I have a different hope this year.
My hope for 2022 is that I will find joy in even undesirable situations.
I could call it a New Year's Resolution, but it's more of a "moving forward" mindset. From a career/creative standpoint, this means even if I don't have any luck querying my latest novel to agents this year, I'll keep smiling and waiting for a new opportunity. I'll write another novel and see if it fares better. Or, I'll stay open to trying something else. From a spiritual standpoint, this is me trying to want God's plan more than my own. He can write a far better life "novel" than I will.
For creatives, especially those in the freelance arena, uncertainty is the norm. The market for all types of media is competitive to a ridiculous degree. In that respect, nothing has changed.
As far as encouragement goes, I do want to talk specifically to my fellow unpublished authors. Yes, the road to recognition is longer for some than others.
Yes, it's unfair that hard work doesn't guarantee results.
And yes, giving up would be easier than putting in the effort.
The fact remains: no one else can tell our stories the same way we can. Someone else may be able to tell a similar story through more skillful writing, but it wouldn't be "the same." I hold onto this truth when I'm feeling down. Just like everyone else, I have days where I feel I've just written the next bestseller and days where I can't form a worthy sentence. In a world that discredits unpublished writers, reaching for a higher goal than publication helps me.
In these dark times, I want to help people laugh and take them out of their situation, even if for a few minutes. If humor can uplift me, I'll pass it along. That's a goal worth striving for.
If I can't be published, I'll help lift those around me.
If I can't transfer my thoughts to paper, I'll take a walk and smile at strangers.
I still want to get published, but I'll let it happen if/when it happens. If it doesn't work out, that wasn't the path to my best life. For now, I'll share my knowledge and encouraging words with author friends also trying to query. It's a road peppered with spikes and potholes, but we can laugh while changing the flats.
Keep on smilin'!
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