Love life, engage in it, give it all you’ve got. Love it with a passion, because life truly does give back, many times over, what you put into it.
~Maya Angelou
This is not another post suggesting ways for you to succeed. The internet and bookshelves are filled with advice from experts. No, This is about finding and embracing your passion. We have but this one sacred human life, what do you want to do with it?
Ask yourself, what makes me smile? What excites me? What would I do if I knew I could not fail?
Would you …
Climb Mt Everest?
Sail the seven seas?
Go back to college and finish that degree?
Teach?
Open a restaurant?
Travel the world with only a backpack?
Write a book?
Take acting or singing lessons?
Learn to play the cello?
Etc. What would you do?
When I sit at my desk, I am greeted by this question. It is a beautiful engraved paperweight, a gift from a dear friend who knows my strengths better than I do.
My answer has long been: I’d write.
I have always wanted to be a writer. As a kid, I would sit for hours scribbling stories in my notebook. About 15 years ago, after one of our many long, inspiring conversations, a dear friend suggested I start a blog. And, with a lot of her help, I did just that. I write to share my journey in hopes of inspiring and supporting others.
As I gazed at this question this morning, I wondered about the word failure. “What does it mean?” I mused. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, failure means not succeeding, and succeeding means accomplishing something. If I intend to write, and I do so, I am succeeding. Failure is, therefore, not an option.
Taking it Up a Notch.
I currently write a blog and for a couple of other online platforms. A few years ago, the same friend who urged me to create a blog gently persuaded me to write a book. At first, I didn’t think I was qualified. I did some research, and the odds of becoming an accomplished author were lean, to say the least. The thought was terrifying yet intriguing. With her love and support, I agreed and started writing my first book.
My precious ego kept whispering, warning me of disaster: “Who am I to write a book on spiritual awakening?” My heart tenderly replied, “Who am I not?” Failure would be turning away from what my heart was urging me to do.
“Tits up!” my friend said, “Step to the edge, follow your heart.” So, here I go, diving deep into the unknown, writing my book. My ego screamed, cringing from the fear of rejection and humiliation. But my heart provides the needed courage. And I persist—tiny baby steps.
But What if They Hate My Book?
Another meaning of failure is the inability to accept something or some situation. Interesting. According to Buddhist teachings, nonacceptance is resistance to what is present, which leads to suffering.
I’d be a liar to say I don’t care what my readers think of my writing. I care very deeply because I write for my readers. Mindfulness reminds me to stay unattached and accept others and what’s happening around me, especially my readers’ response to my writing.
In his book, The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz teaches that by taking another person’s opinion personally, we agree with their words, ultimately influencing our beliefs and attitudes about ourselves.
Stephen Covey once said, “I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.” If the readers hate my book for whatever reason, I get to decide how I feel about that. Only I can judge myself as a failure or a success.
My writings pour forth from my soul, representing my love and compassion for myself and others. Being detached from others’ opinions enables me to hone my craft and produce clear and relatable writing.
Failure is Not An Option.
My heart is full after completing a post and being ready to go live. I am excited to share my words with you, dear reader, and I am naturally anxious. When unveiling their work for the first or one-thousandth time, all artists take a deep breath and silently ask themselves, “What if it fails?”
Looking down at my desk, I spotted the question, “What would you do if you knew you could not fail?” I gently whispered to no one in particular, “Failure is not an option.”
We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect.
~Anaïs Nin
So, tell me, dear friends, what makes you smile? What excites you?what are you passionate about? Would you have the courage to follow and embrace that passion if you knew you could not fail?
Please note: This title quote has been attributed to Robert H. Schuller
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Creating Emotional Freedom: A guide to discovering peace in everyday life struggles