“My mind tells me to give up, but my heart won’t let me,”–anonymousMany writers can identify with that quote above. Especially writers who’ve been rejected a lot, and writers who procrastinate to the point where they wonder why they’re even dreaming anymore.
Recently, I’ve had a few people make me feel like my writing dreams are impossible. And for a minute I started to think, maybe they’re right. Maybe this is something that will never happen for me. And then I tell myself to ignore them, stay positive and keep dreaming.
Sure, it’s really difficult to chase a dream and to keep on feeling like no matter what you do or how hard you work, you’re never going to get there. All writers understand this feeling (and actually, all dreamers understand this feeling, too!).
But you have to push through it. You have to keep on trying and, especially, keep on believing.
You have the power to make all your writing dreams come true. You just have to be willing to stand up to those who put you down and to look negativity in the face and say, “I’m doing it whether you like it or not.”
Because there will always be someone around who wants to knock you down. There will always be an editor who hates your work. There will always be a publisher who rejects you.
But if you believe in yourself, and keep on writing and keep on dreaming, eventually, you will get there. It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when.
So whenever you feel like you’re losing your nerve, remember this: Critics didn’t put you here, so they can’t take you down.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I like your sentiment. All I can say: if one does not try, one does not know. If anything is going to prevent you from your dreams — the last thing you want it to be is giving up.
Well said, Bamboo Forest! Sometimes all a write needs is a little bit of encouragement.
I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment.
I love your blog. Thanks for this great post. I’ve been feeling a little discouraged lately on the writing front so this post in particular, was comforting.
you’re welcome, chicchick! i know exactly how you feel. it’s often hard to keep on going when things get rough, especially if there are people are you trying to push you down, but just keep at it. it’s worth it!
I’ve always looked at it this way;
It’s far easier NOT to do something than it is to do it.
But if we don’t do it, if we don’t apply that little bit of effort, our ideas will sink without trace into the mire of time.
They will be lost forever.
I was inspired by the phrase ‘Don’t go to the grave with the music still inside you.’
Get your ideas (and your work) out into the open!
Now!
(What are you waiting for?)