Aim higher
Been feeling a bit under the weather for a week now. It was nothing that slowed me down too much, just a sore throat then a cloggy head and ears. Anyway, we all know that being sick means you likely need rest. Last night I was tired right at 10 so I went to bed. I woke up at 5:50 a.m. feeling refreshed so I got up. I think it was so easy to get up because my windows were cracked, I could feel and smell the fresh air, it was bright and sunny, and I could hear the birds chirping but nothing else. I love this time of morning however I rarely see it. There’s one other thing I did differently, I did not turn on the TV. I think because I live alone, I like to feel that someone else is here, so I turn on the TV when I wake up for sound. Admittingly, it’s a distraction and I instantly lose focus for the day. I think I felt so good and refreshed this morning because it’s a 3-day weekend.
Seeing the sunshine, feeling the fresh air, and listening to the birds made me want to be outside so I went for a 2-mile walk on the lakefront. After my walk I decided to go to Starbucks and treat myself to a Grande Caramel Macchiato with almond milk and finish reading THE SUBTLE ART OF NOT GIVING A FUCK. Horrible book, I don’t recommend it. He’s basically pushing a mundane life of mediocrity, which I 100% oppose. Don’t dream, just work a shitty job for 30 years, live in the same place and be content with that. I don’t think so. Might work for some, but not for me. I’d much rather aim higher.
You know talking to a few people in the publishing world and reading that book made me forget why my goals are so lofty. One reason is the book by Christian D. Larson, YOUR FORCES AND HOW TO USE THEM, which I read in 2012. Reading that book taught me to aim higher, which is why THE GIRL WITH THE ORANGE HAIR repeats my goal of being a #1 New York Times bestselling author. I was told by an editor not to mention that goal so many times in the book because it makes me sound cocky. I disagree with that. I’m not at all cocky but instead relentlessly determined and I only mention it 3 times. Another reason I aim so high can be found in a Les Brown quote.
As I’m writing this it’s almost 9 a.m. and it’s still quiet and the TV is still off, which is a feat for me. I’m sitting in front of the window still listening to the birds and feeling the fresh air. My goal for the day is to put a big dent in the completion of my book proposal. I’m giving myself till June 30th to finish this thing. I just went back and read an encouraging text message from Amy, who is an extremely kind, uber intelligent, and hardworking colleague. She really simplified working on the dreaded book proposal and it’s the push I needed. For those of you who read my blog then text me encouraging words you really keep me going and I appreciate you so much.
I hope everyone has a fantastic Memorial Day weekend! Have fun and be safe!
