Today is IWSG Wednesday, where we release our cares and fears to the writing world, knowing that we have the support of a like group of persons. Do make a special effort to visit folks you haven't visited before. The IWSG list is here and don't forget to check out what's going on over at the IWSG website and Facebook page. Now on to my post...
It’s been a busy time for me since the
start of this year. I haven’t had time to feel too insecure about anything to do
with my writing, other than the fact that the non-fiction in my life has
wrestled fiction to the ground and dealt what feels like a knock-out blow, but
I know the time will come when I can write more of what I love best. Today, I’m
just going to be grateful for life and the work that’s been coming my way. I’ll
also share some words that have inspired me since I came across them. Allow
them to sink into your thoughts and your hearts. They’re that profound.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
For those who are religious, today is
the start of Lent—that 40-day period of abstinence, preparation and reflection,
which culminates with our Easter celebration. May you have a peaceful day and season.
Catch you later in the day!
That is a great quote.
ReplyDeleteSometimes you have to roll with what you have. I'm sure your fiction will rise again!
Thanks, Alex. Things will settle down soon, I'm sure.
DeleteHi J.L. That is an amazing quote; it's inspiring to say the least. I'm sure the non-fiction in your life you mentioned only temporarily set back the fiction. Your fiction will be dusting itself off again, with attitude, in no time! :) You are a wonderful author. I own, and have read Christine's Odyssey and it is brilliant as far as I'm concerned. Take care. Lily
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping in on me, Lily. Life does take us through different seasons and we have to live and try to enjoy the seasons we're in. Glad you enjoyed Christine. Thanks for your kind words.
DeleteI'm sending you good vibes Joy. Keep the faith!
ReplyDeleteLent does start today. I'm giving up chocolate, I believe -- maybe something else too. Hmmm...
Mina, you scared me there for a moment. Give up chocolate? The horror.
DeleteThanks, Mina. I don't know what I'm giving up yet, if you can believe it.
DeleteImagine if we cast off those fears what would happen.
ReplyDeleteI sometimes wonder if the fiction will come again after focusing on the non-fiction.
We'd probably achieve more than we can ever imagine if we could get past our fears.
DeleteFiction is such a big part of who I am as a writer that I know I'll get back to it, no matter how much later eventually gets here.
Thanks for coming by, Diane.
I keep thinking that I need to read that book. I have seen her talk on various shows and she is amazing. I love that quote. Yep... one more push to read it!
ReplyDeleteRobin,
DeleteI should also get a copy of it too. I imagine it's one of those book that takes you ages to read and one you keep going back to for more inspiration.
That quote gave me chills. Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteJulie, it is indeed powerful and spoke to me because at the time I came across it, I was busy stifling who I am to make other people comfortable. I don't think any of us is here to be anything other than what God had in mind when He created us.
DeleteThanks for sharing. In need of it today.
ReplyDeleteHey, Holly. Hope it warms up some.
Delete:( It just started snowing...again!
DeleteJoy, that quote is POWERFUL!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
It's funny that you mentioned the fiction/non-fiction struggle.
I started out writing non-fiction and still feel totally comfortable with it. Then I discovered flash fiction... and you know the rest...
HAPPY WORLD READ ALOUD DAY!
Hey, Michelle, didn't know about World Read Aloud Day.
DeleteI think I can work around non-fiction as long as I don't have to write it all the time.
OOH!!! That's like my favoritest quote of all time! Seriously. It's on my mirror and I recite it at least once a week. Those are inspired words for sure.
ReplyDeleteThat it is, Crystal. Every so often, I seek it out, read it and absorb the message all over again.
DeleteReally great quote! So important to use the potential God has gifted us with. Amen, sister!
ReplyDeleteTina @ Life is Good
A to Z Team @ Blogging From A to Z April Challenge 2014
Co-hosting the IWSG
I absolutely loved that quote! Thank you for sharing it with us! :)
ReplyDeleteGotta love it when you're too busy to feel insecure :)
ReplyDeleteSo true. I have noticed that in myself recently and before I would have thought it was just fear of failure.
ReplyDeleteLove the powerful quote Joy! Yeah, who's got time to be insecure, huh?
ReplyDeleteThanks for that quote, Joy. I need to meditate on it today.
ReplyDeleteThat is one of my favorite quotes, a good one to start lent.
ReplyDeletedoreenmcgettigan.com
Tina, yes, many of us have gifts that we don't use until we're forced to,
ReplyDeleteIt's one of my favourites, Chrys.
Yes, Lynda, Being busy keeps the doubts at bay.
Sheena, we do that all the time.. Hold back so others won't thing we're busy trying to be up front. We shouldn't be afraid of using our God-given gifts and talents.
That's a pretty special one, Denise.
I need to meditate on it myself, Damyanti. It's a great way to start the day.
I couldn't agree with you more, Doreen.
Wonderful quote, Joy. And so poignant. I've often felt bad because my life is good. LOL. Silly, I know, but it just seems as if there are so many others less fortunate.
ReplyDeleteI love that quote. I hate it when I feel insecure, but I suppose a little bit of it pushes us to strive for better or improve ourselves. So long as it's just a little bit! ;)
ReplyDeleteA perfect quote for today. Thanks for it.
ReplyDeletePowerful words. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from Shout with Emaginette