Monday, June 30, 2008

Attitude is Everything

"All serious daring starts from within." --Eurora Welly

Remember the classic children's story, "The Little Engine That Could"? Although the tale is designed for budding minds, the message contained within is pertinent to all, young and old.

"I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!"

Writers often feel the strain and tug on their own internal engines. Struggling to make it over a difficult passage or pushing through a dark tunnel trusting a glimpse of illumination will soon brighten the way.

So what does that little steam engine remind us? Attitude is everything.

"If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere." ~Frank A. Clark

When we face adversity, we yearn for sympathy and hugs. *smile* Yet what we most need is perspective. To realize that an unlined face isn't a symbol of youth but of a life not yet lived. To recognize each moment is a tiny seed bursting into bloom.

"Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses." ~Alphonse Karr

Few careers afford the luxury of turning those lemons into limoncello. *smile* Every tragedy, setback, and obstacle is fertilizer for the imagination. Yup. The pile of manure spread over those seeds can yield some hefty blossoms. Consider Erma Bombeck. Her hilarious anecdotes wouldn't exist if she lived a quiet, uneventful life. Other artistic careers don't profit as we can from those nagging woes. Ah, but we have the luxury of crafting heroines who struggle against the odds or defeat the dark enemy. Not because we have firsthand experience slamming a spike into a vampire's chest either. *grin* For writers, each glorious moment of personal triumph or horrid hour of despair is a glimpse into a potential story.

"When it is dark enough, you can see the stars." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Dig deep, my friends, because All Daring Starts From Within. Dare to write the passage that eludes you (even if it takes a dozen tries). Dare to edit the scene you struggle with. Dare to send off the query even if your fingers tremble with fear as you punch those keys. If you think you can, You Will.

Know what you want to accomplish, each and every day. Know what you want to accomplish five years down the line. The going will get rough, as the saying goes. To quote John Lennon, "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."

"Nothing contributes so much to tranquilize the mind as a steady purpose - a point on which the soul may fix its intellectual eye." ~Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, Frankenstein, 1818

Here's a secret successful people cling to. If you hold your destination in mind, you will arrive even if you end up on a different road. There will be detours and unexpected stops. However, intuition is a potent tool. Keep that vision in your mind and your intuition will guide you no matter what twists and turns you face.

"Faith is a passionate intuition." ~William Wordsworth

Hmmmm… I think I can, I think I can, I Think I Can!!

Let's set some goals!

Last week my own twists and turns included complications with my wisdom teeth extraction. Nothing a few stitches wouldn't fix. However, my down time increased and I'm eager to get back to my goals. So…

15-25 fresh pages.
Rewrite query (as many times as necessary).
New essay to post.
Prepare for the extended holiday weekend.
Record one song (my hobby!).

How's about you?

Remember, We Are Writers!! Go-go-GO!

Smiles to everyone,
Chiron

12 comments:

Chicki Brown said...

Where do you get all these wonderful quotations from? I absolutely love the one about the roses.

Thanks for another uplifting message.

Chicki

Unknown said...

Once again, Chiron, thanks for the kick start. I've been dragging around for three days--my body won't do what my mind and heart really wants to. I have one of those things staring me in the face, something I need to work on, but I've lost a teeny bit of confidence--something I'm not usually short of--so I blame the lethargic mood on (a) the heat (b) the lack of rain (c) the heat and lack of rain. Now, I promise myself I will succeed in this-I think I can, I think I can....Celia Yeary

Rita Gerlach said...

Thanks for all the encouragement you give to writers. As usual, this was a great post.

Sandy said...

Oh, Chiron, sweetie, you are just what I needed. Thank you. I agree with Chicki, I like the rose one.

Hugs,
Sandy

Chiron said...

Hi Chicki!!

Searching out quotes is so much fun. Like plucking ripe cherries from a tree. Always inspiring and tasty! *grin*

The Rose quote really touched me too...

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Smiles,
Chiron

Chiron said...

Celia,

I hear you. Boy, heat really wears me down too. So let me remind you, you are a fabulous writer. You can accomplish so much. When you look in the mirror, pretend you're looking into the eyes of your Best Friend.

What would you say to her? Probably, Go For It, woman!! You can do it!!

I'm rooting for you all the way.

Smiles to you,
Chiron

Chiron said...

Rita,

Thank you so very much. Your blog posts always lift me up and inspire me too. You're such a prolific writer so let me say, with true astonishment and gratitude, THANKS.

Smiles,
Chiron

Chiron said...

Oh Sandy, I'm so happy it helped!

Thanks for being there, always...

Smiles,
Chiron

joni said...

Hi Chiron,
I'm new to visiting your blog and I like what I've read thus far.I'm one of those quote collector's too. In my writing group I always offer them as words of enlightenment. Sometimes I even belt out one or two of my own.

Keep on keeping on because your light is shining through!

Joni
www.jonismuse.blogspot.com

Rita St. Claire said...

Chiron,

Wonderful, motivating post this week. THANKS, as always!

Rita

Chiron said...

Joni,

Thanks so much for visiting!

The quotes are such fun, like offering nibbles of insight on a pretty platter. Tasty and filling! *smile*

Nice to meet you, Joni!

Smiles,
Chiron

Chiron said...

Rita,

It's always so lovely to reconnect! I'm glad you're back!

Smiles,
Chiron