Friday, January 27, 2006

Truth

Sometimes, the truth can really hurt.

To know that you have poured so much love & effort into someone, and all for naught ...

To have loved and lost is one thing - love without acknowledgement is another.

That truth hurts, however, I will not cease to give or give up on others. My capacity for love far outweighs the negative. I still believe in people. And I still believe love can make a difference.

"I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you ..."

Sunday, January 22, 2006

In the zone

Nothing like being in the zone when you're going after a goal. Vision is clear, focus is sharp, and you live and breath your pursuit. What was once a challenge becomes comfortable and easy.

Which is why distractions are so frustrating. You want to stay focused and not be bothered. Some distractions are necessary and must be dealt with, but some are just the forces of evil trying to get in your way.

That is where discipline and the ability to know the difference comes into play. And so many people lack discipline - they simply become distracted and never return to the pursuit of their dream. Once out of the zone, they rarely return. Small things distract them from the future.

Discipline is choosing what you want for your future over what you want now.

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

Completion

It is the beginning of the year, and I had hoped by this time to be completed with my fourth novel.

I just hit the half-way mark!

The first two were finished so fast. But I should have known when it took me a full year for the third one that my appearances and crazy schedule would intrude on my writing time. Plus having another person in this house, and two psychotic new kittens, has altered my available time as well.

So I'll just have to readjust my time frame. If it's done by June 1st, that still gives my editor time for review and me time for rewrites. It'll be okay!

Time to refocus and set a new deadline!

There are no such things as unrealistic goals, only unrealistic time frames.
- from "The Power of Focus"

Friday, January 13, 2006

"In Love"

In dealing with a teenager who may be falling "in love", I've had to recall what the "in love" feeling feels like abd what it means. And try to convey the honest truth that real love is not an emotion or feeling.

So I resorted to Gary Chapman's "The Five Love Languages" for the definition of true love:

"That kind of love requires effort and dicipline. It is the choice to expend energy in an effort to benefit the other person, knowing that if his or her life is enriched by your effort, you too will find a sense of satisfaction - the satisfaction of having genuinely loved another. It does not require the euphoria of the "in love" experience, In fact, true love cannot begin until the "in love" experience has run its course.

"In love" lasts about two years. It's what remains when it is gone that really counts as love.

Saturday, January 07, 2006

Big Moments

Life is full of big, life-changing moments.

This weekend, as I prepare Book III of my series to go into production, I think about where I was a year ago, preparing Book II, or over two years ago, preparing the first book. Every time, it has become more familiar and easy, and yet each moment is different!

And I think about how my life is going to change yet again with this third book. I have learned so much from the first two, have so many new ideas and chances I will take, my path will be so different from the other books. Book III will teach me all new tricks, too. I'll realize how much I still don't know about the industry! And as always, I will wish I had time to do all I truly wanted - I always feel I am not doing enough!

Book III will rock my world - and I am so looking forward to it!!!

The only constant in the world is change.

Monday, January 02, 2006

A New Year

Welcome to 2006!

This is a time when people make resolutions.

But resolutions are like rules - they're made to be broken.

I prefer goal setting - goals are dreams with deadlines.

Big difference.

I've set my goals - hope everyone else has, too!

Success begins through Definiteness of Purpose!
- Napoleon Hill "Master Key To Riches"