“What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?”
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
What a gift! David, one of my writing group buddies — and a primo critiquer — just sent me a wonderful note about karinwritesdangerously. He’s actually decided to go back and read lots of my earlier posts — which really makes me feel great. He’s even suggested that I think about pull them together in a book, an idea my creative and super-supportive sister Stephanie floated a while ago.
I’ve also received some kind comments and writerly tips from a group of regular readers: Steve, Ciaran, June, and Mike among others. I always get a thrill when I see these comments flagged in my in box. It just makes me feel so happy that some of the ideas I’ve shared are proving helpful — and so grateful that people take the time to let me know they’re enjoying my posts. I may not have a million readers, but the readers I do have make me feel like a million!
As we all know, writing can lonely — and we all need support. We never know when a kind word of encouragement will fall on fertile soil and help someone. That’s why it’s so important to exchange ideas and offer genuine praise and helpful feedback other people whenever we can. Doing this is also a way of keeping ourselves excited and hopeful about the work we’re doing.
And that brings me to the most important person we need to encourage — ourselves. So often, we are hard on ourselves when we’re struggling and just can’t seem to get things right — much harder, in fact, than we ever would be with a friend. Let’s remember that while our writing is a labor of love, it’s also challenging. When I’m facing a demanding day on the page, I often close my eyes for a moment and say, “My words flow like honey in harmony with my needs and desires,” a few times. Somehow, it helps me focus and gives me heart. Why not try it today — or come up with an upbeat mantra of your own?
Karin:
I agree with David. The posts here should find a home between covers, your name on the spine.
I read your posts every day, and find them very inspiring.
I, too, am often hardest on myself. When I make a mistake on an article, I sometime create a boogeyman, thinking that an editor is at his or her desk, bemoaning my existence, or questioning why they hired or work with me in the first place.
What I’ve learned to do, and must continue to do, is realize that errors occur, things happen, and you get up, dust yourself off, and hit the trail again.
I always think of this as well. Not everyone can do this. Many may talk about doing it and never do; many try to do it and give up. But, then there are those who do it, day after day, never giving up.
I’m happy and proud to be part of the latter folks.
Steve
Hi Steve,
Thanks so much for your kind words and your constant encouragement — seeing your notes always gives me a boost!
Yes, I think being hard on ourselves is an occupational hazard. And yet, what you say is so true. Many people talking about writing for a living, but only the really committed can make it happen. I read something just recently that I’ll have to use for a post. An artist named Chuck Close said: “Inspiration is for amateurs. The rest of us just show up and get to work.”
You should be proud of living by your pen — it’s not easy.
Write on! Karin