What do you do when life kicks you square in the arse? Do you A) Let it knock you down? Do you cry, mope, whine and complain about it until you’re so miserable you don’t feel like getting out of bed? Or do you B) Pick yourself up, dust yourself off , swallow that lemon juice down and keep looking for life’s sugar?
Usually I’m type A) I’m embarassed to say. Not this time. Nope, this time I’ve chosen to hold my head high and use that foot in the ass to propel me forward, to see the benefits of another change in life’s direction instead of dwelling on what could have been.
Four things that keep me standing tall:
1) A beautiful country home full of people who love me. I could have spent the day being insulted, pushed around and pulled in five different directions, but the instant I cross the threshold of home, my arms are instantly full of my little girl, and there’s a smooch heading for my cheek from my hubby. What could be better than that?
2) Good friends, both old and new, “virtual friends” and in person ones, sisters, brothers and parents. Having ears to listen and mouths to offer encouragement is something I’ve never before sought outside of my front door given my private nature. You know who you are and I appreciate you even if I forget to say it often enough.
3) I’ve been blessed enough to be good at few things, even though it often takes a lot of work and practice to realize it. While archery was always a hobby, writing is my true passion and a joy that smooths out my rough edges.
4) For whatever reason, my stars seem to align just right now and then. Success, when I expect it to take years of work and dedication, often falls into my lap when I least expect it. I began writing seriously only last year after I took a few writing courses to get me started. Through a few short stories and a novella, I attracted the attention of an amazing group of ladies, then a publisher who took a chance on me as a total noob. Now here I am, gearing up for the release of my first novel. My heart swells to twice its normal size every time I think about how fortunate I’ve been.
Yeah, life does tend to suck once in a while, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the world. Since the latest door has been slammed in my face, I’ve decided to walk outside, inhale the fresh air and feel the sun on my face until the right door opens.
What keeps you smiling on life’s rainy days?
Jocelyn Adams 
I’m so sorry that a door slammed. But as they say … when one slams … another opens? Or is it the other way around? Or is it something altogether different? Dammit, i don’t know but the POINT is … life is too precious to wallow. You’ve had tremendous success this year and I see a LOT of that in the future. I just want to ride on your coattails. 🙂 🙂
Jo, I’m a BIG believer that everything in life happens for a reason and there must be something important going on or coming up that your life has shifted to accomodate. Whatever life tosses at you, you just have to hang on tight and flow along on the ride of it, and believe that everything will come out the other end okay. You’re right to focus on the good stuff. When I had everything going on around the time of my book launch, some moments I forgot to be happy about it, but then Mr B would be there to hold me (and friends would be there to pick up the pieces and dry my tears with virtual tissues) and all would be right with the world again. Sounds like you have the same kind of package deal going on at your place. 🙂
I hate to say it, but ever since I lost my job last year and have’t been able to find a new one, I’ve turned in a cross between all three. At first, I get knocked on my butt and then I whine and cry about it and then I pick myself up and move on. Lately, it seems if it weren’t for bad luck I’d have no luck at all, and life keeps keeping me to my butt. Sometimes I wonder how I’m not the most depressed person in the world. Like you, I have my family, my friends and my writing to keep me going, not to mention I live in the beautiful State of Florida year round. Everything happens for a reason. That’s what I keep telling myself, and after I’m done with my pity party, I get up, brush myself off and keep going. I’ll be darned if I’m going to let life punch me down. All I can believe in is my faith and my God to lead me to where I’m supposed to be. Somehow, I think I’m already there. Now to just make money doing it. 🙂 Everything in its own time, right? 🙂 Great post.
::Hugs::
You’ve got a great life attitude, and a great support network. You’re truly blessed.