| The Insecure Writers Support Group |
Please visit the co-hosts for today’s posting of the IWSG: Tyrean Martinson, Tara Tyler, Raimey Gallant, and Beverly Stowe McClure!
Optional Question: Have you ever surprised yourself with your writing? For example, by trying a new genre you didn’t think you’d be comfortable in?
My short answer: Yes. My long answer: Yes, and I’m now sure I don’t want to do that anymore. I have enough insecurity without doubting my own good judgement, going counter to it, and failing. Please!
Here’s a bit about insecurity that I liked reading.
According to Melanie Greenberg, Ph.D., practicing psychologist in Mill Valley, California up to 40% of our “happiness quotient” is based on our recent life events.
She writes that “since unhappiness also influences your self-esteem, failure and rejection can deliver a double whammy to your confidence.”
I think she’s talking to writers, don’t you? I mean her message is spot on. And here’s more from Dr. Greenberg.
“Persevering despite setbacks can lead to eventual successes—which raise your self-esteem. Before becoming president, Abraham Lincoln lost his job, was defeated for nomination to Congress, and failed at least twice in Senate bids.”
Doesn’t all of this sound as if you’ve heard it and HEARD IT? Yes. But maybe that’s okay. Maybe repetition is necessary to keep us on track. Ergo, this regular every first Wednesday post!
Another reminder: I’m ready to take a break, so if I can’t get around to everyone, my apologies, but I’m packing and fretting and being insecure about SECURITY and my FLOTATION DEVICE that I’ll supposedly find under my airplane seat. Then there’s my passport and my Global Entry number. . .Well, you can see that it’s not only writing that generates insecurity in me.
Did you see that The Insecure Writers’ Group has something special coming up for you? Another chance to be a published author is coming. You can submit your Crime/Thriller/Mystery story for publication. The theme is TICK TOCK. Look for DETAILS starting September 6.
Are you jumping into the next contest? What’s your happiness quotient these days? See you in November with my “slide show” from France and Texas. You can hardly wait, right?
I always found that this is related to perception as well. Personally, I'm invigorated by my failures and tend to feed off negative feedback whereas my wife is the exact opposite.
As for the contest? I'm definitely thinking about it. Different from my normal type, but I think I can knock it out.
I’m with you on checking that flotation device! Have a wonderful holiday and don’t let those insecurities get you down.
Enjoy your break and happy travels. I hope you have a wonderful time. Can't wait to see pictures. 🙂
~Jess
Hope you have a great trip! And love those quotes from Greenberg. There have been many times I felt like quitting, especially lately, so it's nice having a reminder to persevere…
Travel makes me insecure too, but when I get where I'm going I usually have fun. Can't wait to see your slide show.
Sometimes, I think it takes being knocked down to really get a fire going inside, that generates the will in us to get back up and make it work!
Have a fab trip. 🙂
Yeah, I also surprised myself by bending towards Paranormal stories. I've always been a contemporary person but then you never know!
Lincoln knew a thing or two about perseverance that must become like second nature for writers. Enjoy your trip. I've only just returned to blogging and the IWSG since a family tragedy. Don't worry about making it around to my blog. We can catch up when you get back. Have a great vacation.
Lately, seems happiness to me is a cooling breeze on a warm day. Or a good nights sleep. Wine is also soothing to the flagging spirits 🙂
I think I said it already, but safe travels and have a great time.
Enjoy your trip, Lee! Hilary's right. Negativity can eventually destroy someone's hope. That's why we need good people here at IWSG. Thanks for your post!
Happy travelling! Have a blast!
Looking forward to the pics on facebook…
Hi Lee - travel well … anything for a break - just enjoy 'gay Paris' and where else you're travelling to and then the wedding in Texas. Negativity can create indecision …and that's challenging … sometimes waiting for the negativity to blow over helps because things do happen and life changes … cheers Hilary
Looking forward to those vacation pics!
Have a safe and fun journey.
Have fun on your trip and be safe. See you when you return.
Safe travels! I will be looking forward to your pictures. We always need to hear good things…it boosts our confidence
Ah Texas my home, whisper to it I miss it. Wahoo on France. Hope you have a grand time. HUGS Juneta @ Writer's Gambit
There's a great poster of former presidents and the failures they had before becoming president. Perserverence is key.
Hold tight to the flotation device! 🙂 I love posts likes this, ones that remind us that fortitude and endurance does matter.
Have a great trip. I'm not a great flyer and don't like long flights. Sounds like your flight will be long. Good luck with that!
If there's a great example of that, Lincoln is definitely one. If he can go through all of that can becomes the president of the United States, then we can do anything. 🙂
Safe travels! And enjoy.
Have a fun trip! I'm still trying to figure out the happiness thing with all the life changes I've gone through.
Hope you have a fabulous time and all goes smoothly!!
Happiness often comes from inside and attitude, so I'm mostly pretty happy 🙂
Safe (and fun) travels.
Even as a non writer my insecurities are legion…
Have a wonderful trip, we'll all be watching for updates!
I'll look forward to your slideshow. Travel pictures are so nice. Have fun on your vacation!
Even more reason to do our monthly get together. 🙂
Enjoy your trip. Stay safe!
Lincoln definitely battled the odds his whole life. Just wow.
I'm looking forward to that slide show - I'll share one, too. 🙂 Happy Travels and Writing!
safe travels!
Hi,
Tell me about it. Persevering is the A and O of success. You won't find success. It finds you as you continue to do what your heart has set out to do.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia Everything Must Change
I hope you have a great trip! And I hope you never doubt yourself again. 🙂
Yeah, perseverance. Have to do it because stopping doesn't bear thinking about. I am looking forward to the slide show!
Not easy being a writer…but I wouldn't trade it! Have fun on your vacation. Where are you heading to in Texas? If you're in the San Antonio area, wave 🙂 We're heading out later this month for a week in New England.
Yeah repetition can be a good thing, it helps us learn but I sometimes wish the rejections weren't repeated quite so often! Never mind we must keep on going.
Enjoy your travels.
Have a great vacation! Can't wait to see the pictures. And yes, perseverance is key.
It's interesting that the most recent stuff in your life influences your happiness the most, but it totally makes sense, too. After all, it's what is in the forefront of your mind.
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Don't fret! Just enjoy your wonderful vacation and come back all renewed.
France and Texas? Now there's a combination! Yes, I will look forward to seeing the pictures. Enjoy your trip(s).
Have to keep on keeping on indeed. Hope you have a grand time traveling away from your bay.
Unhappiness and negativity create a downward spiral that's hard to escape. But the only way to escape is by persevering. It's when we stop and give up that we're doomed.
Lincoln must've had a great attitude to get through all that.
Safe travels! And hope you don't have to use that flotation device.