I like to think I’m a positive person.

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I wake up and give thanks every morning before I start my day.

I live intentionally, setting goals for each season that cover the different priorities in my life—family, volunteerism, fitness, financial, professional, and creative.

I redirect my negative self-talk when I notice it, a technique I learned when facilitating support groups for battered women in the early 90’s since often abused women repeat the insults to themselves long after their turbulent relationship has ended.

Once in a while, I even watch the Oprah Super-soul Sunday on OWN.

But let something that really means a lot to me happen, and I’m a hot mess.

For instance, I spend a lot of my post-work time writing. Writing this blog. Writing my novel. Re-writing my novel with my writing coach, Brooke Warner.Weeping over my unpublished memoir. And sending out the occasional query for my children’s picture book.

When I’m not writing, I feel guilty for doing too little on social media. I should be reviewing authors on Goodreads. Posting my blog on Linked In. Getting a Twitter account and tweeting.

Don’t get me wrong; I love writing, but in the last six months, it’s been a noose around my neck.

Then I checked my email yesterday and found this:

Hi Lizbeth!

I hope you’re well and enjoying the summer!

I just wanted to drop you a line to say that we LOVED your piece and would love to include it in our book!

We’re just finalising the running order then will get stuck into production, so are hoping to publish late summer.

All we need from you now is a bio. Each writer will have a bio at the start of their piece. I’ve popped an example down below. Feel free to promote anything you like, a website, blog, charity etc.

We’re so excited that our book is finally taking shape and getting ready to publish!

Thanks again, (for your submission and patience!) and have a lovely evening.

Best wishes.

Gemma

So finally, I’m having just a wee bit of success! And do you know what I thought?

What’s wrong with these people? Didn’t they read my story?

So much for positive. When it comes to writing, I’m reduced to being the new kid in junior high all over again. It’s not pretty, and it certainly isn’t inspiring or positive.

Then I read a post by blogger Jeff Goins called Stop Waiting to be Picked. In it, he writes:

You must pick yourself

The real trick is to not wait, but to pick yourself. To “turn pro” in your head (as Pressfield says). To believe you can do what you’re asking others to believe about you.

That’s how you become “legit” in the eyes of others. Not by waiting for acknowledgment, but by acting as if you already have it.

The crazy part: When you do this, you get the permission you’ve been waiting for. Not by asking for it, but by proving yourself. The paradox is you get what you’re desiring when you stop desiring it.

In other words, the less concerned you are with appealing to an audience’s sensitivities, the more appealing an audience will find you.

I love this guy! And the concept rings true.

I’ve decided to take it and run with it. I need to create my own success, and to push through my anxiety.

So if I request that you Like my Facebook Fan page, or add you to my Google Circles, please be patient, and know that it’s me. Picking me.

I’ll let you know more about the travel anthology when I get the information.

Have a great week!

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