I’ll be honest, and I've mentioned this before in a previous post, but 2022 has been a very difficult year for me. I’d even go so far as to say it was the worst year I’ve experienced in my life. YIKES!
Most of the difficulty was derived from my physical health and the loss of my vision in my left eye. That lead to a demise of my mental health due to the chronic pain and inflammation. All of which effected my writing career.
It was the perfect storm of imperfect conditions.
Last month, it became so bad that I was about to give up writing entirely. I’d attended an out-of-state book signing and felt absolutely defeated. It felt like I was invisible in a sea of up-and-coming authors who were adored by readers who clamored for their books.
I came home after that event and sobbed and thought, “well, maybe this is it.” Maybe my books just aren’t good anymore. Maybe readers aren’t interested in my stories.
Fast forward to the first weekend of November. I attended a romance author conference in Houston. The only reason I decided to go was because I'd already paid for (it was a huge investment) and I’d given my word to my author roommate that I’d be there. I went with a heavy heart and no desire to be there.
And guess what?
I. WAS. INSPIRED.
My spirits were lifted with the community of authors that were there together. We hugged. We laughed. We cried. We shared our mutual anxieties. We celebrated one another’s successes.
The biggest theme and takeaway I got from every presentation and every discussion was learning to be okay with where you’re at in your career. To find joy in what you’ve accomplished and achieved. And to remember that there is NO time limit on your success.
I’ve been publishing for over 8 years now. I’ve never been a #1 Amazon Best Seller or on the USA Today Best Sellers list. I’ve never made a million dollars like some of these other newer authors. I don’t have thousands of TikTok followers who promote my books.
I don’t, I don’t, I don’t.
But something clicked in my head during this conference with the notion that “I DO HAVE SUCCESS…” It just looks different than what I imagined it would.
I do write good books (and have several award winners).
I do have wonderful readers all over the world.
I do have a solid number of followers.
I do have amazing author friends who support me.
I do have the amazing privilege to write fulltime.
I do have the control over my business and publishing career.
The change of perspective from I DON’T to I DO was game changing for me.
Reframing how I look at success has flipped my attitude around and it’s all about being thankful and grateful for what I DO have the opportunity to do.
So, as we celebrate the month of Thanksgiving (in the U.S.), I encourage everyone to give this a try.
Focus on all the things that you DO HAVE, not the things YOU DON’T.
Be content with where you’re at now. Look back with appreciation at how far you’ve come. And plan ahead with a positive outlook on all the things you want to achieve in your future.
Be positive. Be intentional. Be thankful.
Wishing you all love and HEAs,
Xx, Sierra
Tell me what you're thankful for?
- My health
- My family
- My career
- Books! Always books