TALENT IS CHEAP;
DEDICATION IS EXPENSIVE.
IT WILL COST YOU YOUR LIFE.
(Irving Stone)
I've lost track of the number of people who told me I couldn't be a writer. Or that I couldn't make a living at it. Or that it would make a nice hobby. Some people, whose doubt came from worry, were well meaning. Others, not so much.
I've made a choice to put my writing first. My husband supports me - in a number of ways - in that decision. Some people don't understand it. Others don't like it. But I often think these are the same people who don't know what it feels like to truly dedicate yourself to something, to have something you're passionate about, something so important to you that it simmers inside of you constantly.
And even though I don't make a living from writing, I wouldn't have a life, my life, without it.
This week, let's re-dedicate ourselves to our writing or to whatever it is we're passionate about. Focus! Stay on task. Let's live our dreams and our passions.
(I'm taking a bit of a blogging break this week. I'll pop in and out visiting all of you and checking in here, but this will most likely be my only post this week. Have a good one!)
(I'm taking a bit of a blogging break this week. I'll pop in and out visiting all of you and checking in here, but this will most likely be my only post this week. Have a good one!)
I've encountered the same kinds of people in my own life—those who get it and those who don't. I love what you said in your third paragraph. My life also wouldn't be the same without my passions: writing and art. The passion is the most important thing. We have to do what we love, regardless of others. On a side note, I'm happy to report that for the first time ever, my husband told me that he's glad I have my writing and my art. It felt amazing to hear him say that. :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your blogging break. Have a good week!
I love talking to people who are excited about something - it doesn't matter if I'm all that interested in the subject as long as they are, and their passion is obvious and joyful.
DeleteI hope your husband knows how much his recognition means to you - make sure you tell him! - and hopefully he'll continue to respect and support and encourage you. :)
People have told you you couldn't be a writer?! That's just incredible. I hope you don't give such voices any attention. Or, better still, write a story about them...
ReplyDeleteI was told writing would make a nice hobby. :)
DeleteI think that having something that you're that passionate about and that you believe in that strongly is an amazing thing!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it? And it can be anything - gardening, photography, volunteering, animals, knitting, etc. When people are passionate about something, their whole being glows when they talk about it.
DeleteGreat point about having a life vs. making a living. I want to be able to say I make a living as a writer one of these days, but even without that there's no question my life wouldn't be what it is without writing.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your week!
Yeah, I wanted/want to say I make a living from my writing, too, and maybe one day I will, but even if I never do, I'll know I spent my life pursuing my passion.
DeleteSometimes I think people discourage writers out of envy, envy of you having a job you love.
ReplyDeleteI wonder that, too, sometimes….
DeleteKeep biting your thumb at the naysayers!
ReplyDeleteI don't make a living on my writing either, but I'm like you - it's such a big part of my life. Can't imagine not doing it.
:)
DeleteI don't know who I'd be without my writing. That's why it hurts when people ignore it - it's like ignoring a big part of who I am.
If you have your husband's support of your dream, then it doesn't matter what others think!!!
ReplyDeleteHe's my biggest fan! :)
DeleteWell put, Madeline. Shows how perseverance works. Hope you enjoy your blog break.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Donna!
DeleteEnjoy your break! Hope it is both peaceful and inspiring. :) I agree with you that we need to stay focused on our passions and work towards our dreams. Happy writing!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jess! :)
DeleteI've never had anyone tell me I couldn't be a writer. Probably because I haven't told a lot of people. But it makes me wonder if people like that are jealous because they're not living their dreams and passions.
ReplyDeleteI wonder that, too, and when I think like that, I'm more sad for them than angry and hurt. Sometimes anyway.
DeleteAmen to that! No matter what people say. I'm working on that, steeling myself again reviews and going forward no matter what. Whew!
ReplyDeleteYou can do it, Crystal! :)
DeleteYes, live your dream and be who you truly want to be, who you are meant to be and the person that makes you happy from the inside out. Enjoy your blogging break too.
ReplyDeleteMJ, A to Z Challenge Co-Host
Writing Tips
Effectively Human
Lots of Crochet Stitches
Love this - "…be who you truly want to be, who you are meant to be and the person that makes you happy from the inside out." :)
DeleteLet's build our castles in the air, and then work to build the foundations under them - even if the rest of the world can't even see the castle. That's a little bit of a strange rendering of a quote I know . . . but I hope you know what I mean. Dream big. Create. Live life fully! If others can't understand that, they don't know what it means to live which is really sad.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes on a creative, full, and wonderful week!!!
Now I want to go build a castle! Maybe a sand castle. Or one made of Legos. Or one made of chocolate and cheese. Or dreams. :)
DeleteI took a break from writing after college, and it took meeting my wife to get me back into it. I'm so glad she did. I can't imagine my life without it -- or her.
ReplyDeleteThat's really nice, Milo. :)
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