The Powers of Negativity

I am no stranger of thinking negatively…from thinking I am the most unattractive woman around to thinking that the stranger next to me is a serial killer. Although, really, that last one might be more of a paranoid side effect of reading too many Ted Bundy true stories, along with living in Tallahassee, Florida years ago which is home to his last brutal killing. (Yep. Criminal Justice dork here.)

The point of all of this is that the power of negativity is strong so you must walk away from the dark any way that you can. Appreciate positive moments for they can drive the negative thoughts away in a second.  

I love my life and I love my full time job of teaching, but sometimes other things in life can just knock the air right out of you when you least expect it.

Lately I have been feeling down about my writing. I haven’t written as much as I usually do and have just let negativity swim around in my mind and heart. Usually I can keep my guard up, but everyone has a weakness somewhere.

Then last week, out of the blue, my mother called me. She asked if she can read something to me. Well, if your momma wants to read to you, you just say ok.

She starts reading a children’s book that I had written 15 years ago when I lived in Tallahassee. She had kept a copy this whole time. I had since lost mine and had completely forgotten about the story I had once held so dear to my heart.  She finished the story and stated how much she loved it.

This was the first time anyone has read my work to me. It was also the first time that I have ever truly given myself any credit. I LOVED this story. Truly and completely in love…again.

This forgotten-about story came back to life and reminded me how much I love writing. It reminded me that even if one person likes my story; if one person gets joy from my writing then THAT is truly being successful to me.

Three days later, I received a fat envelope in the mail. My mother had mailed my manuscript to me with a handwritten note. That note stated that God has given me creative talent and I should use it. The last four words were: You can do it.

The note, her words, her loving my story meant everything to me. Sometimes just one person can change your entire outlook. Sometimes just one person can unknowingly make all the difference in the world.

So here I am… typing and editing a 15-year old story. Stay tuned..this story is definitely a keeper. ❤