Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Ignorance really can be bliss

I don't know many writers (or anyone really) that say they like waiting. Whether it's waiting to finish a story, waiting to hear back on queries, waiting to hear back on submissions - the list goes on and on and on and on when it comes to what we wait for. BUT. Waiting can be good. Ok, I know, I know this sounds a little crazy. Hear me out.

Tonight when I was outside enjoying the incredible full moon I got to thinking about things. Of course since I'm currently waiting on something major my mind went there. Instead of telling myself to quit dwelling on it or to think of safer things that didn't involve doubting my writing and other destructive pointless thoughts, I went with it.

And it stopped. Instead I started to realize that this in between phase, a place where I can enjoy the fact that I've come far enough to warrant agents attention but without suffering the heartache of rejection. See? Not so bad! It's actually a pretty sweet place to be. The problem is we usually don't realize the bliss of such places and phases until we pass through them. Like being a teenager or waiting for a big promotion. The wait for what's to come can be absolutely consuming. And the closer you get the more intense the waiting becomes.

So here's my little piece of advice next time you get totally absorbed in waiting. Stop and take a deep breathe and remind yourself to enjoy what's happening right now. Bask in the glory of what you have accomplished, whether it be finishing a chapter or accepting an offer from an agent, enjoy it for what it is at that moment. It doesn't always make the whole unknown part any easier but it sure makes you grateful for the fact that you're in a place you weren't yesterday and may not be tomorrow.

Me, I'm honestly loving the thought that today, right this second, I'm a girl with two agents reading my full and that's two more than I had a week ago. Tomorrow I could be a girl with no agents reading my fulls. Hmm, see what I mean? Today is looking pretty damn good!

10 comments:

JennM said...

The glass is always half full :-)

Bianca said...

Great post!
I wish I were that optimistic.

I have this little book where I put inspirational stuff in for myself, just to look through it every onc ein a while. This post will definitely go in it, if you don't mind?

Unknown said...

Way to stay positive! :)

Elana Johnson said...

I totally agree. I'm the first to admit I get caught up in the waiting game. I was telling my friend the other day that I want to hear SOMEthing, ANYthing! Then I realized that that's not true. I definitely don't want to get an email that says the full just isn't right for them. I only want to get news if it's GOOD.

So that changed how I was feeling about things. I guess the waiting isn't so bad. Until another day or week or month goes by, and then maybe it would be better just to end the torture altogether, even if it is a rejection. *wink*

XiXi said...

Haha, you're always so optimistic! I like it! I'mma adopt your way of thinking now.

Michelle D. Argyle said...

Enjoying the journey is SO important!!! I'm happy to see your optimism. It's very uplifting!

Rebecca L Sutton said...

Bianca - I love that you keep a book of inspiration and I'd be honored if you'd put my little random rant in there! ; )

kah said...

Great post! way to enjoy the moment. Such a crazy roller coaster ride isn't it?

suz said...

Hi! Lady Glamis suggested a stop-by, and I'm glad I did. Enjoying the moment, and remembering the glass is always 1/2 "full", is a great way to realize how lucky you are.
smiles,

Sarah said...

Great post. Love your optimism.