I've never really subscribed to the concept of HOPE. When I was young, perhaps! But I think it was something I grew out of reasonably quickly. Neither do I subscribe to the concept of hopelessness. In every situation, we have a choice of how we react. We are never hopeless.
I did some personal development courses in my early twenties. Somebody in one of those courses defined hope as a 'turd with a cherry on top.' That image, funny enough, has stuck in the back of my mind ever since.
Hope is just a vague fancy if there is no action behind it.
When I was in my twenties, I wanted to be a writer. Yet I only wrote occasionally. I did not write with any discipline and I did not write with any intent. I was busy living a life and dreaming of one day being a writer.
About ten years ago, I re-visited my dreams of being a writer with serious intent. I committed to my dream. And I took concrete action to achieve those dreams. I started to write. I took writing lessons and workshops. I joined a writers' group.
I no longer thing about being a writer or even hope to be writer. I AM A WRITER BECAUSE I WRITE.
I can chant my writer's mantra: 'I will be a published author...I will be a published author.' But I'm not just sitting back and hoping for it. I am writing. I am editing. I am doing the hard yards. And at the same time, I'm remembering that it's not just about the destination...it's all about the journey
One day I will hold my published book in my hand. But it's not something I'm hoping for. I've done the creative visualisation. I've done the actualisation by having a Lulu.com copy of one of my manuscripts printed for myself. No, it's not something I'm hoping for. It's something I'm striving for.
One last thing about HOPE - we can all hope that one day they will find a cure for breast cancer. But we can also do something about it.
I am.
I'm blogging in this blogoff along with 20 other great bloggers listed in my blogroll. We're blogging to help Courtney raise money and to raise awareness. If you would like to do something to help the cause, then follow the links. This is the second post in Blogoff version 2. To support Courtney in her fundraising for the Three Day Walk for Breast Cancer, visit her website at Five Second Dance Party or click on this link:
BREAKING NEWS: 
10 comments:
I contemplated the difference between hoping and working hard too. I'm convinced that success is a combination of the two. I think the key is finding the right balance. I'm inspired by your determination, I hope that you achieve every goal you have set for yourself.
Just going ahead and embarking on a huge creative endeavor like writing a book or making a film or starting a band etc might seem like such a major decision to people who never have done anything like that. To people like us, I don't even think it's a decision so much as a no-brainer. It would be impossible for us not to create.
The idea of hope as a "working wish" didn't necessarily occur to me when I was writing my entry, but I like that concept a lot; it has a lot of room to explore sometime in terms of what it means to others and how it affects how people approach life. Good stuff.
Striving for, not hoping. I like that. It is so true. I said the same thing on Carly's blog, we can hope all we want but it means nothing if we aren't willing to do the work to get to the finish line.
I'm a foolish hoper when it comes to my writing dreams these days. I'm so easily discouraged that I just tuck it all away. I haven't written a new word in over a year.
You, however, my girl, are amazing! Look at you go with your writing and editing. I'm impressed. Keep it up and get that submission in.
I can already tell your dream will come true. And we do work to make our hopes a reality. Keep up the great work!
Submitting is the hardest part of writing. It's hard at first, and then it gets harder after you first (hundred) rejection slips. I feel your pain, but I'm also proud of you for pressing on. I like your take on the concept of hope... very practical. :-)
There's no harm in dreaming as long as you do something for the dream come true.
I you think you're a good writer, go ahead ! I'm sure you can be published and even though it might take time or a few attemps, it sounds like a reachable goal.
Good luck ! :)
Absolutely. Bravo.
found your blog via blog explosion, rooting for you! great site and best of luck writing!
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