Aspire To Live Your Dream!
“Don’t let the sun go down on your dream unless you choose to be a star.” I received this motivational spill about 6 years ago after entering a fiction writing contest, with high hopes on winning the competition.
Needless to say, I did not win the coveted award. Okay, so I received the rejected piece via snail mail- yes, snail mail back in the day was the new black, anyway…
After waiting so long for the results of the competition, the rejected piece arrived with a consolation prize that puzzled me.
The editor had written that dream analogy, along with a big ole a smiley face, with “you are an excellent writer” written underneath the smiling face… Hmmm, of course, writers have a tendency to knock themselves over the head with all sorts of negatives flying full speed ahead and this was no different.
I wasn’t getting it! This editor tells me not to give up on my dreams and that I’m a great writer, but still, rejects my precious child!? At the time, I just didn’t get it and felt like a failure. I never tried reworking the piece and sending it out again. Because I’ve grown as the years pass, I’ve learned that rejection in any form or faction sucks. I’ve also learned in my own infinite wisdom- that it’s still ok.
It doesn’t matter what you set out to accomplish in life, it matters that you accomplish something! I’m an accomplished nurse, women’s advocate & mentor. I’ve accomplished being a good mom; lover and friend; sister and daughter…I’m an accomplished writer:) Wow, it feels good to hear myself write those words. I’m a writer because I live the dream.
Don’t give up on your aspirations or play yourself small when it comes to living from your place of truth. Trust yourself and dare to live your dream…
Clara Freeman is a freelance writer, author of the self-help ebook :
A Life Toward Authenticity- My Authentic Woman Story.
Visit her motivational website for women.
I hear you – there is nothing that can stop you now. I have jumped over many hurdles and continued without looking back – most were health related at the time, but I knew I could beat it – and learn to live as I had before. The inspiration and your voice speaks for many – you can be you – you just can’t say maybe. Always, Nancy
Thanks Nancy- I so needed to hear that:) because I am as many writers, my own worst critic. Someone told me recently (wise one) to continue to do the work and worry less about the outcome- l
I really needed to read this! Thank you so much for writing it. I judge myself so harshly, and it takes A LOT of good critics to make me feel good again. I agree. I love Marilyn Monroe’s quote: “Just because you fail once doesn’t mean you’re gonna fail at everything. Keep trying and believe in yourself!” Even if your writings get rejected, and may not be great in someone else’s eyes, as long as you think they’re the best you can do, that’s all that matters.
Thanks flowerbed,
It helps to know I’m not the only “writer” trying to get it right:) I’m all for improvement & do take on numerous guides to assist in getting in my getting there. But, as one very astute writing coach asked “do we ever?.”
Sorry, that would be flowerbee1234!