10. Read Debbie Ridpath Ohi’s blog posts on famous authors’ experiences with rejections. http://www.inkygirl.com/category/debbie/rejections/
9. Celebrate others’ success stories. This is not a beauty pageant. More than one person can win. Cheer on others, and daydream you are next.
8. Step away from the computer. Try a Zumba class. Go on a walk. Get some fresh air instead of overloading on everyone’s virtual updates.
7. Be thankful. Sometimes even grown ups get a case of the gimmies. Make a list of goals you’ve accomplished. Be proud of yourself.
6. Help someone else. Volunteer at a school, a soup kitchen, or animal shelter. It’s easy to lose perspective on needs versus wants.
5. In the words of Dory from Finding Nemo, “Just keep swimming…” Keep writing. Keep revising. Keep submitting.
4. Find some fun. Paint your toenails a funky color. Meet a friend for a night of bad karaoke.
3. Set goals. Big goals. Little goals. Give yourself deadlines and find people to hold you accountable.
2. Think of setbacks as part of your story. Every main character has to overcome obstacles. Turn the page. Keep going. It’s the only way to get to your happy ending.
What do you think the #1 thing to do instead of having a pity party is? Tell us in the comment section. And if you can’t inspire us, at least make us giggle!
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I find diet coke, oreos and a bubble bath can cure what ails ya ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the mention, Laura! :-)
ReplyDeleteI love your #2 suggestion. If there were no setbacks for our characters there'd be no story. Same for us.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I find reading a book I love always gets me inspired to work on my own story again. - Janelle B
THis is a great list, L! I especially love #9, #7 and #6.
ReplyDeleteWhat is #1? I thik it's a combination of all the one you listed...be grateful. To quote a veggietales song, "a thankful heart is a happy heart!"
So thank YOU for bringing this into perspective for all of us!
hugs,
Donna
Being bummed is an occupational hazard for a writer.
ReplyDeleteI usually go to the movies, big popcorn, something chocolate and lose myself in the movie. chick-flicks or laugh out loud movies are the best. That or do something fun and non writing related with my family. And then of course, there's always Style Savvy.
#2 is really the way to go for me. It's so true. Well said!
At the risk of sounding mushy, I'd say get a hug from a loved one. Nothing too intense & they don't even need to know why but I find it's a good reminder that we probably have everything we need already... it's right there.
ReplyDeleteIf no one is available, chocolate and a dvd.
danaFR
How about "Fake it 'til you can make it." Congratulate with all the enthusiasm you can muster while pushing that green-eyed monster right out of the picture. Eventually your congratulations will be sincere.
ReplyDeleteLinda A.
Think "I allow myself to be published, too. My time is near."
ReplyDeleteImagine your joy when it does come. Be thankful for where you are now.
These are awesome ideas. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your list. Definitely get silly, do something out of the ordinary or totally not the norm for that day or time when you do get bummed. Celebrate, be happy for everyone who gets published because we all know it's a difficult road to trek. Obviously we are still trekking it (some more than others) but when we give of ourselfs sincerely, it will come back when it's our turn.
ReplyDeleteThank the beings above and beyond for allowing you to wake up and breathe and be able to work on whatever goals you had set.
Take a deep breathe, slowly exhale and give yourself the Little Engine Who Could talk - I know I can, I know I can, I know I can - and keep pushing up that hill until you are at the top -
I agree that hugs just because sometimes work wonders and being with friends and family helps - So here's to everyone's successes and those who haven't quite gotten there, remember you are not alone and you will get there. I know you can, I know you can, I know you can - go get 'em - keep your chin up, keep smiling and hang in there - it will be your turn soon - E :)
Elysabeth Eldering
Author of the Junior Geography Detective Squad, 50-state, mystery, trivia series
Where will the adventure take you next?
http://jgdsseries.blogspot.com
http://junior-geography-detective-squad.weebly.com
Number 1: Pick or buy yourself a lovely bunch of flowers, enjoy a glass of not cheap wine and a bit of dark chocolate while watching a funny movie with your best friend.
ReplyDeleteLove the rest of your list!
5,6,8, & 9 work for me lots of time! As well as being thankful that I have the time, tool, and talent to write. Thanks for this list. Great blog!
ReplyDeleteNice list :) for #1- is "Count your blessings" too trite? I get frustrated, I get envious and i get tired, stressed and depressed, but I can always remind myself that there are far worse problems in the world. And, frankly, I am lucky to be able to write at this point in my life :)
ReplyDeleteAnother choice: join a twitterchat or a writing group b/c there really is strength in numbers :)