Something to Remember: Patience as Virtue
When I finally understood that things generally take longer than I liked, I was able to see the opportunity that having the patience to go slow provided. It allows me to focus on quality over quantity. And that’s important for me as an author, because I take pride in the works I put out into the public domain. I ‘obsess’ over each word. I take the time to absorb the feedback and suggestions from my editor and beta readers, and work methodically to incorporate the necessary changes. Here’s something to remember…
Do not rush. Have the wisdom to know when to practice patience. And remember, as Jean de la Fontaine told us: “Patience and time do more than strength and courage.”
You Always Have a Choice
I pulled back from social media last April because I was feeling overwhelmed and, consequently, burnt out. When I started to ramp up my social media engagement, it didn’t take long for progress on my writing projects to wane. Although I was coming back from a running injury, I quickly found any reason not to run. And when I felt short on time, it was easier to fill my lunch bag with potato chips and banana bread than healthy snacks.
To move forward and actually make progress on the things I told myself mattered most, I had to make a choice: do less. Here’s the thing: we always have a choice as to how we spend our time.
Keep Showing Up
I’ve written and published five novels and a novella. None of them have made a bestseller’s list. And I have no idea if any of my future novels will, either. I run three to four times a week, and I have a goal of running a sub 3:30:00 marathon. Despite my training, I don’t know when that will happen. But I keep showing up.
Because when you keep showing up, you increase the odds of success. You stay in the game when others decide to quit. And you don’t give up. Yes, keep showing up and do the work. That’s how dreams come alive.
And here’s something to remember today: you are loved, you are worthy, and you matter. And you don’t need anyone’s permission to be—wholly and unapologetically—who you are.
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