I took a break from my current WIP to take a spur-of-the-moment "vacation" two weeks ago. During that time, I devoured a couple books. Now that I'm home with my own work, all I seem to do is compare it to the brilliance of the books I read while I was away. Comparison and inadequacy are my biggest challenges. I do give myself grace with patience, to an extent, but trusting that I'll ever attain my dreams is something I really struggle with.

I have had mentors tell me time and time again, that if it was written on my heart, it's availble to me. But when I get in my own way--and I do that far too often--holding onto that trust has had me in tears more than I care to remember.

The video. The part that makes everyone gasp. I did the same. Then I got all teary-eyed and decided those words will go on my wall in some way. Thank you for sharing this amazing article. I think we all need to hear these things once in a while.

Thanks, Robin! And yes, that leap of faith is scary and simple and wonderful.

Your wonderful advice brings to mind a simple yet powerful quote about trust—the best way to know if you can trust someone, even yourself, is to just trust.

Simple can be soooo difficult. Right?!

You are most welcome, Christina. 🙂 This is why I reiterate, "We can do hard things." Because all three are sooooo difficult to nurture and maintain.

I am so impressed with you that Patience is your superpower!!!

A great critique group is worth its weight in gold, Vicki. I'm so glad you have one!

And I'll share a story with you... Writers in the Storm was started by my critique group. Four of us at the time. One has passed away, and another stopped writing, but we all were delighted to start this blog together, back in 2010. 🙂

It's wonderful that you are tuned in enough to hear the universe say, "Now." Many aren't. They give up too soon. They miss that whisper in their creative ear..."Tomorrow. Next month. NOW."

Blurgh to patience. IT'S SO HARD. But, so very necessary when you're a writer.

But I do hope you enjoy your journey, because you are sooooo talented, so your journey should be able to bring you some fun and rewarding moments.

Thanks, Chris! We should definitely make t-shirts. 🙂

Good to see you here. I'm always happy to perk up your Monday!

Debbie, it IS hard to fling our work out into the universe and hope it resonates with readers.

I heard Neil Gaiman talk about this in his college commencement address. He said, "Even if you don't get the money, you still have the work."

You will still have the stories that you created out of thin air, whether you make money from them or not. The money definitely feels more validating...but you still have the work. You have to trust that you learned valuable and necessary lessons for the next book. Because maybe THAT one is the commercially successful book.

You're welcome! I loved it too. 🙂