by Valerie Ipson
"Whenever he thought about it, he felt terrible. And so, at long last, he came to a fateful decision. He decided not to think about it." --John-Roger & Peter McWilliams
I love a great quote. I read this one today and it really struck me. It made me think of all the wasted time spent dwelling on negative things or that which we have no control over. This year let's decide not to do that, but to put our energy into accomplishing our goals in writing and in life. In fact, that reminds me of another quote I read, by Bernard Berenson, "I wish I could stand on a busy corner, hat in hand, and beg people to give me their wasted hours." Let's resolve to put wasted hours to good use in 2009!
I've noticed a shift in my mindset this past year (thanks to all the positive energy that flows when my ANWA chapter meets)...instead of thinking, "Who am I that I think I can write a novel?"--now I look around the rows and rows of books in the library and bookstore and think, "They did it, why not me?"
I love the ANWA organization and feel it is one of the greatest assets next to the computer's delete button that I have as a writer. I'm grateful to Marsha and her inspired creation that has grown to include every last wonderful one of you. I feel another quote coming on...this by Dave Thomas, "Instead of waiting for someone to take you under their wing, go out there and find a good wing to climb under."
ANWA is that "good wing." Here's hoping that 2009 finds me and you numbered among the growing list of ANWA success stories!
Valerie you hit the nail on the head. I too am extremely grateful for ANWA and the wonderful advice and care that I get from my fellow sisters. Love those quotes. As writers, we often love what people do with words. I echo your hope...may 2009 be my success story year.
ReplyDeleteI love those quotes, too, Valerie, and the one you started with is terrific. May it be said of us all that we not only decided to stop thinking about all those negative things,but actually did.
ReplyDeleteGreat post and great quotes. May we all be positive and find great success this year.
ReplyDeleteGreat Quotes! Wishing all the ANWA bloggers and all of ANWA a very Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing like a good quote, and won't it be great when WE are the ones who are being quoted? Come to think of it, maybe we already are. I find myself quoting y'all very often.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great post, and have a great new year.
Sometimes I wish I still had a lap to climb onto...I think a wing to nestle under is a great alternative. Thanks for the reminder that ANWA is that wing.
ReplyDeleteGreat quotes, Valerie! It is a wonderful feeling knowing that we have someone like Marsha to look to for mentoring and friendship. She is a great lady...as are all of our sisters in ANWA!!
ReplyDelete