The SKY'S Your Only Limit

DREAM ~ believing in something imagined, probable or totally fantasy.

THINK ~ taking that dream and turning it into something tangible, where the heart and mind can touch it.

INSPIRE ~ stirring the emotions of another where they relate and see themselves or a loved one--inner/outer motivations.

CREATE ~ a dream that has moved from a thought to inspiring action which in turn makes a difference for someone else.

These four elements are among many in my Writer's Creed. They are posted in plain sight meant to motivate and encourage me--especially during those times when the ugly doubt monster is lurking around every corner.  


Self-doubt is the road to despair, loneliness, and dark shadows infecting our hearts, souls, and minds. It clogs our ability to dream, think, inspire, and create. It's a disease like no other. But we have power over it...if we choose to.


Accept everything about yourself - I mean everything. You are you and that is the beginning and the end -- no apologies, no regrets. - Henry Kissinger


Reach for every star you see and even those hidden from you. Hard work, due diligence, and perseverance are the elements of success. 


Own them.


What I came up with after writing those four small words, defining them, and then finding that deliciously clever quote from Henry Kissinger, is that WE are our worst enemies. Our lack of trust in our own work, in our own gut is a road every writer travels but should not. 


Is it natural? 


Absolutely.


Heck, when you work in an industry as subjective as ours, it's easy to get caught up in the fray of who's liking your work and who's not. Personally, I find myself asking, "Did that reader not like my work because the style or subject matter is not what they are fond of, or is that I totally and completely stink?"


Been there? Of course you have. Like I said. It's natural, but also controllable.


We must find merit in ourselves if we expect others to jump on our bandwagon and believe, too. 


For writing, The longer you write and mingle among peers similar to you, the more secure you will become. 


Let that flow. 


Own it. 


There is a calm, a sanctuary, in believing in yourself--a peace like no other--and it will shrink the monster of doubt. It comes from that first dream you had when you said, "Yeah, that's a great idea. I want to write that."


In the end, we need to find sanctuary in our abilities and in our weakness. They are what make us who we are to challenge our limitless sky.


Where do you see your sky taking you? And can you add any other words to my ladder of writing?