Finding Yourself
It's important to remember the following: It's easy, perhaps too easy, to let our egos grow in the writing business. When readers, agents, or publishers praise our work, or when we receive a great review or sell a million books, it's natural to feel elated. However, I've learned that these feelings are fleeting. They can be just as quickly replaced by heartache when someone dislikes our work or gives us a scathing review.
Over the years, I've come to cherish the simple, everyday moments that bring me joy: the feeling of a new day at sunrise, the tranquility of a sunset, the satisfaction of writing a phrase that makes me smile, or the inspiration I receive from someone's insightful comment that has nothing to do with me. These moments, memories of my children, and the unconditional love of my dogs genuinely make me feel whole.
I've started to question whether the ego-centric feelings of infallibility and the need for external glorification have a negative impact on our creativity. Instead of seeking validation and promoting ourselves, shouldn't we focus on glorifying the experience of life itself? Rather than being caught up in ourselves, shouldn't we be present in the experiences that make us writers? Let's take a moment to reflect on this and consider how it might be affecting our own creative processes.
Today, I make a conscious choice to be filled with life rather than emptied by the pursuit of external validation. I find fulfillment in the small joys of everyday life, like watching a sunset, sharing a glass of wine with my spouse, or listening to the sound of a mockingbird. These simple moments, strung together, create a solid and fulfilling life that no one can take away from us.
So, as success continues to come your way, remember to focus on filling yourself with life rather than seeking empty validation. By embracing the flow of life and getting out of your own way, success will naturally follow. I hope this thought brings you encouragement and a sense of hope for your own journey. You have the power to choose what truly fills your life, things that no one else can take away, and valuable things you can use freely in your work.
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