Perseverance

Or, The "Should I Continue?" Crisis Comes to Us All. (Info from a writers' conference, plus my thoughts) 

Whatever our vocation, there always comes a time when we think about quitting.  But, if you're an artist--whether you create with words, paint, clay, whatever--these times may be more frequent than for those in other professions.  Any frustration can trigger this question, but it almost always rears its ugly head when you just don't seem to be having any success, especially any monetary success.  So, let's explore perseverance a little. 

One thing that you need in order to persevere is life experience. Mine your life for material; trace the hand of God thru your life; journal about the things that make you "crazy" (whether it's crazy happy, sad, or angry); find your purpose in terms of your art. Live your life; take risks so that you have something to create "from". Be authentic and vulnerable, and outward-focused: in particular, if you're writing, whether it's fiction or non-fiction, write to help someone else; you're giving a voice to someone so that he/she doesn't feel alone; serve your reader/audience... 

We're persevering together, my friends.  May God bless you, your loved ones and your work today.

Darkness

I don't know about you, but the toughest mornings for me are those of late September through October, before we change the clocks again.  Monday through Friday, I get up at 5 a.m., but the sun rises later and later.  I'm busy during that time, maybe even with writing, and yet, those two plus hours of darkness wear on me.  Of course, when the light does come, at long last, it's so beautiful!  I often stop in my tracks to gaze at the sky, the glowing rim of horizon, the yellow, orange and fuchsia streaking the clouds, which greet the sun.

Perhaps that's part of the purpose of darkness in our lives, too--to help us appreciate the light.  I pray, dear reader, that you will experience a ray of light today and that the light will be filled with God's love.

Angels

Today is traditionally the day to honor guardian angels.  Maybe you don't believe in them, but I do.  I had an experience almost two decades ago that made me believe.  I didn't see anything, but I sure felt something.  I didn't hear anything with my ears, but I sure did within my mind.  It was powerful, but much too personal to share in a blog.

Regardless, I want to thank my guardian angel for that day, every day before, every day since, and every day that will be.  Angel, you are awesome!  And now, a challenge for you, dear friend/reader...one that I will share with you, as always...During this week, find a way to be an angel for someone else.  No need to try doing something big or complicated.  Your smile might lift someone's heart.  The way that you listen with an open mind and an open heart may touch someone.  Let's try it, together.

May your angels bless and keep you today and every day.