I have a essay in Writes of Passage that is entitled “Best Advice Ever: Don’t Forget To Be Happy”. It is from a piece of advice that Hank Phillippi Ryan gave me when I first got my book contract, and wasn’t sure how I was going to make it all work–writing a book while running a non-profit while teaching a class while being a sister/aunt/friend/human being.
She told me she had faith in me that I’d figure it out. Then she told me to stop for a moment, and acknowledge the moment. Don’t automatically move the goal post down the field. Stop for a minute, and remember to be happy.
This week, I thought about that quote again. After a few back and forths on revisions over the past three months, my editor let me know my book was going to copyediting. One step closer to publication. (Next fall, trust me, you’ll hear lots more about it!)
Instead of being happy (which I am), my first impulse was to worry about Book #2. Right away. And then I thought about a conversation I had with a friend recently about finding joy, and how hard that truly is. Especially when we don’t take the time to look for it, or to stop and remember to be happy.
Lesson learned (for today). And my first resolution for 2015. Remember to be happy. And find the joy. Even when you buy it at Target, (see above), and it lights up.
Yes, it looks great in my apartment.
Happy Holidays, dear readers. Hope you can find some joy during this season.
Beautiful and important words of advice. Thank you for passing it along, Julie. xo
Thank you, Reine. Sending holiday hugs out west.
Lovely words, Julie. And who knew you could find joy at Target! ;^)
AND it lights up.
When I first started writing, more than a decade ago, it felt better than sex, drugs and rock and roll combined. I felt giddy and breathless each time I sat down at the keyboard.
That’s still pretty much true. There’s a lot of business stuff and promotional stuff, not to mention editing and re-editing, that comes with publishing, but that moment when you sit and open a new chapter and the characters start talking to you–that’s the easy part, and that’s where the joy lies.
Enjoy it!
I know that feeling, Sheila!
Thank you Sheila. As always, you are an amazing example of making this all work.
An excellent thing to remember as we rush through our lives and the next big thing. Thank you, Julie!
Thank you, my friend!
Very true in all aspects of life. Thanks for the reminder.
And congrats on your own milestone. Looking forward to reading the finished product.
Thank you, Mark! I am looking forward to your reading it too!
So true, and such a great reminder as we move through this holiday season that can feel like running around with an endless tasklist.
Congratulations on this momentous milestone. And like Hank said, enjoy it.
Thanks Barb!
Thanks so much for sharing your joy with all of us. Being a part of your journey has certainly brought joy to my life!
Thank you Jessie! Back atcha!
Reblogged this on F4l ~ FLECK and commented:
Live in the moment and find the joy ~ open your eyes and your heart and you will find it.
Thanks Kim!
Glorious post. I just added another resolution to my very short (age does that too you) list. Wonderful, wonderful advice.
Thank you!!
The simplest lessons so hard to employ. Thanks for the reminder. We need them every day.
Great reminder. Thanks for sharing.