Some days it’s hard to be optimistic.
Some days you feel bone tired and bone dry of creativity.
Some days you wonder why you went back to school, or started this book, or this blog, or this business or project?
But….
Then you hear from someone who tells you that what you’re doing inspired them, or really helped them deal with their depression, or writer’s block, or fear, or financial problems and you press on.
We are always going to have up days and super-energized days where we accomplish massive things and then we’re going to have days where we feel like a lump of tortoise doo too!
It’s part of the human experience to feel the full range of our emotions from elation to despair. And, if we live fully and strive to achieve our goals – we will surely experience many ups and downs.
So, with that I just want to leave you with a few tidbits of advice:
It’s okay to be down in the dumps.
It’s okay to feel burnt out at times.
It’s okay to not stick to your regular posting schedule.
It’s okay to walk away from your great and worthy project in despair.
It’s okay to admit that you feel overwhelmed and stuck.
It’s okay to say, “I’ve had it!” Or, “I’m done with this!” and turn your back….for a while.
As long as you don’t give up!
You don’t think Michael Angelo wanted to give up on days when he was straining his back and neck and his arms were throbbing when he was painting the Sistine Chapel?
You don’t think that Thomas Edison wanted to give up after having failed more than 1000 times to invent a viable light bulb?
You don’t think that John Grisham wanted to give up after his first novel was rejected by every literary agent he sent it to?
I’m sure they all felt like giving up at times – but they didn’t and look at their results.
Can you imagine a world deprived of their achievements? Of your achievements?
That’s where the message of hope is to be found in – not quitting.
You don’t have to be the best.
And, you don’t have to be the fastest either.
You can overcome anything as long as you don’t quit!
I was also feeling down wondering if if my posts were even helping anyone at all and thinking I should just go get a job and give up on my dreams of being a self-supporting author. Then I came across these terrific blog posts this morning that really helped me realize that all was not lost just because I was feeling a bit lost.
Is Something Prickly in Your Way? Take Time to Clear Your Path.
There Are Rays of Hope Even In Our Darkest Hours
How To Be Really Good At Everything You Do
What The World Needs is More Dreamers Like You And Me
I read them and was most grateful for the power their words had in helping me to feel better.
These posts then reminded me of all the wonderful comments and emails I’ve received from readers saying that my words had made a difference to them.
They also helped me to realize that today’s frustration and fears would be remembered as small bumps in the road as long as I kept going.
There is hope – no matter what you’re trying to accomplish – as long as you don’t give up.
Have you ever felt stuck, or depressed, or close to throwing in the towel? What did you do to get over it? Did you persevere?
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Angela,
Some days it is definitely hard to be optimistic! I think I may be having one of those days! I got up this morning with a long list of things to do – and four hours later, I have accomplished nothing.
One thing I do know – to add to your list – it is okay not to be hard on yourself. So, I am taking a page out of your book and am giving myself permission to be a little deflated.
Thank you.
Hi Brenda,
I know it is hard to be upbeat and optimistic every day. Some days I feel my mood is dictated by the weather. I need sunshine and moderate temperatures to feel my best. It’s okay, to give in to those down times once in a while as long and they don’t turn into weeks and months of being down. I’m glad you gave yourself permission to feel deflated! Thank you for coming by and commenting.
Hi Angela, there is nothing as refreshing as an honest, well balanced look at life. Thank you for being so real, it rare and very appreciated.
Hi Jonathan,
It’s a pleasure welcome you to PbI. I’m glad you enjoyed this post. I was feeling pretty defeated when I began writing it but by the time I was finished I was already starting to feel my enthusiasm returning. I know we don’t know each other very well, but I will tell you that I don’t do “phony” well at all. Thanks so much for your lovely compliment and for coming by and commenting.
In the 12-step programs people are told not to give up “5 minutes before the miracle” — which is a way of saying that we can’t know how close we really are to what we most want, and that we can’t find out unless we persevere.
It’s surely challenging to keep going when you are feeling deep in despair, yet what else is there to do? You have come this far — and are still breathing 🙂 You might as well discover if your breakthrough is just around the bend. But to discover it. you have to give up some of the despair long enough to try — and to keep going despite it.
Hope is more than “the thing with feathers” — it’s the power you turn from when it feels easier to quit 🙂
Nancy
Nancy,
How beautifully you’ve said it too. I moan and groan a lot but I don’t plan to give up any time soon. I always think that maybe today is the day I’ll have my breakthrough, so I do keep on going.
Thanks so much for sharing you wonderful insights with us here.
Hi Angela,
Perseverance is a quality close to my heart. As an Aries, I lacked this quality in my youth. I would begin a project full of zest and enthusiasm, but before I had gotten partway through, I would lose heart and give up in the face of adversity. I cannot remember how many things I started but left unfinished when I was younger.
Yet perseverance is such a vital skill to living. We simply have to persevere to reach our goals because nothing that is worth it comes easy. Along our journey, we are bound to run into obstacles and challenges. We will most likely face setbacks and failure. Unless we can persevere through it all, we will never reach our goals.
I can’t recall if it is Confucius who said it, but it went something like this. It does not matter how slow you going as long as you do not stop moving forward.
Lastly, your blog has a special place in my heart because of all the unique articles you put up and the woo woo stuff you touch on. There is so much I can learn from you on the issue of intuition and spirituality. If you were to stop writing one day, I would keenly feel that loss to the world.
Thank you for sharing this lovely article! 🙂
Irving the Vizier
Hi Irving,
I’m so glad you found the article worthwhile. I have my Moon in Aries so I can relate to starting many projects very enthusiastically. Luckily I have Mars in Taurus so when I really want to do something I do persevere. I do start a lot of projects and lose enthusiasm but do to my Taurus Mars I do end up finishing them – albeit slowly.
Perseverance does pay off. I like the quote by Confucius too. The best thing to do is put your head down and push yourself until the job is done.
Thank you for your lovely complement. I’m really touched. It’s good to know I would be missed my friend!
Angela, you do make a diference to so many people – and you just gave me a huge boost!
It’s reassuring to know that I am not the only one who goes through these periods of self-doubt, introspection and boredom.
Thanks for linking to my post – I am glad that it helped you. This helps me to keep going too….
Keep up the great work you – the world needs you:-)
Hi Arvind,
Thank you. I agree that it is hard to stay so UP all the time when blogging. I think it is natural for us to have highs and lows. I’m just glad I have so many wonderful friends like you to help put me back on the higher road when I get down. Thank you for being there for me!
I love the posts you shared 🙂 I’m glad they and the emails helped remind you of brilliant your writing is and how needed it is.
The road of pursuing our dreams can be so full of detours and frustrations, and it’s the reminders from intuition and from others that can help push us forward when doubt and fatigue take over.
It’s a road worth traveling, it’s getting through the tuff spots that challenge ever fiber of our being – but ends up being incredibly rewarding. HOPE is necessary it gives us the fuel to continue on.
Hi Aileen,
I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I was feeling pretty down when I wrote it as you can tell. Sometimes when our progress is slower than we think it should take we get down. I have to learn to accept that I’m a tortoise! Thanks so much for wonderful words though – it does help me to know that I’m helping people feel better about themselves – even if it’s really me that needs to feel better the most!
Beautiful post and uplifting reminder that is anchored in non-judgment and the power of positive intention. Brava!
This is wonderfully reminiscent of powerful Abraham messages (thanks to Esther Hicks) that reminds us: ‘tomorrow is another day,’ ‘I’m doing the best I can and wouldn’t expect more of anyone else’ and ‘the only constant is change ~ this too shall pass.’
Thank you – look forward to seeing more!
Hi Lil,
I’m so glad you enjoyed this article and found it uplifting. Thanks so much for your lovely compliment too.
I look forward to your visits!
Thanks so much for commenting.
Thanks for the inspirational message. I know there are plenty of days I worry that I’m not going to be inspired to write on my blog. I wonder if what I am writing is even interesting or helpful to anyone. But like you said don’t give up and everything will work out fine.
Um…I’ve been reading too many blogs today- I’m repeating myself 🙂
Happy Easter to you too! Take a rest!
Yes, you are helping others!
This advice was just another way you’ve helped your readers!
Visiting from The Blogging Buddies. I see you filled out the form on
The Blogging Buddies Social Network…that is just to get into a dedicated group, which you already did before.
If you head back over, you can add your profile and blog, facebook & twitter links to the appropriate groups. You can also “like” our Facebook fan page from there.
The Blogging Buddies Social Network
Have a great Easter!
Carolee
Come On Home
Have a great Easter!
Carolee
Come On Home
HI Carolee,
Thanks!! I did go back to Blogging Buddies and entered my profile. I hope I did it right!
I almost didn’t need to read your great post Angela, just reading the title sent a charge of healing energy my way. Mind you, I did read the post, and I’m here to thank you for it and for your most healing and caring spirit. Surely perseverance is part of the bedrock of true character.
Hi Chris,
Thank you! I’m so glad you felt the healing. I needed a healing most of all today!
Perseverance is definitely the bedrock of true character! Thanks so much for visiting and coming by today.
I’ve enjoyed chatting with you!
Angela,
Yesterday was a “down” day for me. Trying to do too much in a short period of time and too many obligations. Life is supposed to be fun.
I like the idea of being able to “pick” someone up with a blog post and never giving up. It’s o.k. to take a break and re-charge the batteries when needed.
Thanks for the reminder…
Hi Justin,
It seems like it was a down day for a lot of people. I wonder if there was some astrological aspect affecting all of us?
Yes, I know the feeling of being bogged down with too many obligations and still trying to keep the pace up with everything else.
I’m glad you found the post helpful. And, yes life is supposed to be fun! Why do we seem to forget that so often?
Angela,
This space you are creating, it DOES make a difference. And it does, because I just feel that what you create here, it speaks from your heart. Coming from that place, you reach others (me) in that same place, in our hearts. And that IS inspiring.
Your words here today also remind me of keeping at it when I feel challenged and down…especially in those things which speak from my heart. And I thank you, very deeply, for that message today…
Hi Lance,
Thank you so much for visiting today and for you beautiful comment.
I can feel how genuine you are and that is really very moving to me.
Thank you for your words of encouragement too. I’m so appreciative.
It’s really heartening to know that perhaps I’ve been able to help and that my message is received in the spirit in which it is intended. Thank you for making me feel so much better! I hope you have a terrific weekend!
Angela,
I needed to read this today. So, many times in my own life have I been through some of those difficult situations where optimissim just seemed to be impossible to find. I have been so frustrated that I have become stagnant. I have been stressed to the point of internal combustion. I have even been so depressed that I didn’t see the purpose of doing anything. Then something amazing happened. I found out that everyone goes through difficulties in their lives.
We all go through seasons. Some seasons are prosperous while others are challenging but they all make us into who we are. So when the going gets tough I remember that this too like all my other issues will blow over and I will still be alive hopefully taking the appropriate steps towards my future. Outstanding post!
Frank,
It’s such a pleasure to have you visit here. Welcome!
You summed up my post so beautifully too.
Yes, we all have these down times in our lives. It’s the common element amongst all of us.
I love how you say: Some seasons are prosperous while others are challenging but they all make us into who we are.
Wonderful!! I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
Have a terrific weekend.
Angela,
I love your great examples of people who have not given up. Thomas Edison has so many great quotes about failure. Here’s one: “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” ~Thomas A. Edison
I also like that you give us permission to feel down in the dumps etc. as long as we don’t give up!! I think we all have low times and that is what makes us appreciate the good ones.
Thanks for another great post!
Hi Betsy,
I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
I was all set to write another post about intuition but I was feeling so downtrodden – this is what came out instead!
I think we do need to acknowledge that we can’t be superheroes every day – it’s impossible to expect that kind of performance.
All it does is set us up to be disappointed in ourselves.
Thanks so much for your enthusiastic response. I really appreciate your support Betsy.
Hi Angela ~ I think Perseverance is a great word! I really needed that boost to keep on keepin on. Thank you for the inspiration :~)
Hi Sue,
I know, isn’t it? Perseverance – yeah, it is a good word.
I’m so glad the post helped you to keep on keepin’ on.
That’s what we have to do. Put one foot in front of the other and remember Rome wasn’t built in a day either.
We’ll get there – wherever there is for each of us.
Thank you Angela! This is what I needed to read today….
My web presence has been quite sporatic as I ready myself to launch a new site. Then I wonder….if I am not writing consistently how am I going to draw people back read again? I start thinking I should post just to post…..which was and is never my intention for blogging. I needed the reminder that sometimes silence makes way for deeper understanding.
I will surely check out the other inspirational messages you recommend. Moving ahead when we are stuck is difficult, but so very worth it. I thank you for the reminder to never give up!!!
Love,
Jen
Hi Jen,
I’m so happy that you brought your “big sky” here for a visit! I’m glad my post helped you.
You’re starting a second blog? God bless you! I don’t know how I would do a second one.
What’s the name of it? I’m going to keep my eyes peeled for the launch so I can come over and say hello!
I absolutely agree! On days when I wonder what in the world I’m doing, and where I’ll eventually wind up, it seems that I often get an email or a comment that says something like … You really made a difference. ~ I was stuck and you helped me find my way. ~ I can relate to your story, and it feels good to know that I’m not the only one. ~
These comments are what it’s all about. They’re what keep me writing, doing, moving forward. … and as Tess said, at our own pace. When I tried to keep the pace of every day “Recovery Seeds” I burned out quickly, I couldn’t keep that momentum. When I write about recovery on my own terms, when I’m inspired to do so, it’s sooo good. 🙂
Thanks Angel(a) 🙂
Hi Jane,
I know sometimes I think I’m crazy for doing all this too! I think it’s much more common than we “happy positive” bloggers want to admit. I also love the comments. I feel so much support from everyone when I comment and when I receive the comments here. I never would have believed it before but blogging really is a community.
I do believe it’s going to pay off in the long run – I just hope it’s not far off in the future.
I’m so excited about your classes at New World Coffee! I love NWC. We have one around here too. I think it’s so much better than Starbucks.
I hope you have a terrific weekend Jane.
Hi Angela,
I love your examples of the great people who have gone before us and haven’t given up. I’ve not been sticking to my schedule lately. When I get stuck I try to hard. Yesterday I wrote a post and didn’t like it at all. Then I decided to go with gas prices and of course everyone can relate.
I think we only need to remember to go at our own pace, breathe and create with joy. I think for me it’s only possible when I take the “have-to’s” out of it. Happy Friday!
Hi Tess,
I liked the gas prices and saving gas post very much! I could totally relate.
Yes, going at our own pace is very important. Definitely, taking the “have-to’s” out makes all the difference.
Happy Friday to you too!
I so relate to what you are saying- was there something in the air today- I could beat myself or give myself a big hug for what i have done- amazing how one can change our percepton of what is
thanks for writing this great for reflection
namaste
Suzie
Hi Suzie,
Yes, maybe there was something going on astrologically where we all felt a bit beaten by our life circumstances?
Yes, please give yourself a hug from me!
Blessings to you and your family this Easter.
Great message. I find myself losing hope quite often but when that happens I just logically tell myself that losing hope doesn’t help me at all. Of course having hope is difficult especially when nothing good happens for a long time, but being discouraged has never helped anyone at all.
Hi Henway,
I’m glad you enjoyed the message of the post. I’m glad you’re able to overcome your discouragement too.
Thanks so much for visiting.
Hi Angela,
Yes, the key is not to quit. Most folks will. If you don’t quit, you can do anything! I’d never have any essays published if I’d given up. Life is an endurance test in the end.
G.
Hi Giulietta,
I’m glad to hear you had your essays published. That’s fabulous!
I agree – life is sometimes like an endurance test. LOL!
Angela, your encouragement couldn’t have come at a better time. I have been experiencing some ‘life turbulence’ and this morning was a particulaly tough one. It is so easy to lose focus. Thanks for helping me see clearly again. This is one of my favoite quotes:
“Remember, we all stumble, every one of us. That’s why its a comfort to go hand in hand.” -Emily Kimbrough
Thanks also for the great links. I will carry on..
Hi Lori,
I’m so glad you found this post helpful. I’m sorry to hear you’ve been going through some life turbulence.
Oh, I love that quote. Thank you for sharing it here. It’s nice to know we have each other to lean on when we stumble.
I’m glad you’re going to carry on! (I knew you would though!)
This was a post I needed.
Great synchronity here, because I’m feeling the exact things you describe. My writer’s block may be gone, but in came the feelings of loneliness, isolation and ‘not good enough to be of value’. I’ve wondered if it was worth it to keep going, even though I know I am a wonderful writer.
Yet, there is, isn’t it? I compare the state things are right now to an avalanche: It takes time to build up. I’m going to read the other posts you linked.
Hi Sol,
I’m so glad you found this post helped you. I think feeling down and stuck at times is pretty universal. Oh yeah, I get that too with the isolation and feeling not good enough. Why do we beat ourselves up so much? Yikes! Time to say: Big deal – so what! Enjoy yourself – have fun. Have a super weekend and don’t think about your blog!! That’s what I’m going to do.
But.. but.. my blog is my lifeblood! My being! My essence! Noooo…ooo.oo..o.
I gotta quit with these silly comments.
Yes, I’ve decied to take a quick break from blogging. It’s better that way. Don’t wanna dry out the wellspring of creativity too fast.
Hi Sol,
Uh oh – it sounds like your getting addicted to blogging. Quick – take the needle out of your arm by pulling the plug on the internet for a while!
Good, I’m glad you’re taking a break. I’m supposed to be working on my book right now!!
Go take an OOB trip – LOL! Have a great weekend.