“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” ~Martin Luther King
So true isn't it?
I've been neck deep in editing all weekend and thought about writing a new post but my mind is running amuck elsewhere. Then I read the lovely Katie Ganshert's post about getting overwhelmed as a writer and I remembered one of my favorite posts about the same topic. Between my post and Katie's I'm hoping we can remind any discouraged or frustrated writers to never give up (if writing is what you REALLY want to do.)
So, I'm cheating. This is a repeat post from last year but it still applies to me today and I believe wholeheartedly in every word...
When I first thought about writing a novel I thought about MLK's quote and stepped. Blindly.
Staring up at the spiraling, intimidating, long path in front of me.
Wondering if all this climbing and stressing is worth it.
Is it foolish to believe I'll ever reach the top?
It looks impossible from way down here.
With such a long, long way to go.
Pushing through the pain.
Tripping & Stumbling.
Self-Doubting.
BREATHE.
STEP.
BELIEVE.
Climb blindly.
But enjoy the scenery.
Make each step mean something.
Realize turning back is also giving up.
Set small, reachable goals, but keep dreaming big.
Don't compete with others climbing the stairway with you.
Learn, grow, and expand your support system--and horizons.
Put one foot in front of the other, passionately, even when it's hard.
Remember, we don't have to see the whole staircase. Keep in mind, we're not alone on this journey. Rest assured, the top is probably nothing like you think it will look like anyway. Besides, there is always another staircase waiting to be conquered. Keep climbing. Blindly. But with faith. Oh, and breathe. Just breathe.
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I love how the poem is structured to look like a staircase. Thanks for sharing!! I know, writing is such a huge task, sometimes I wonder what I think I am doing.
ReplyDeleteI know I recognized that staircase picture when I was clicking through :)
ReplyDeleteIt was a great post then, and still such a beautiful thought!
Wonderful post! I know I can't see the top of my staircase!! But I keep climbing all the same.
ReplyDeleteI especially appreciate your insight: the top is probably nothing like you think it will look anyway.
ReplyDeleteI have to keep reminding myself that finding joy in the journey is the best part. The "top" may become a huge letdown if I expect to hear angelic choirs then and only then. The music of creativity is for the whole path.
Thank you I needed this. I'm going dark this week to focus on my writing - I'm hoping to get a lot done.
ReplyDeleteI love, love, love the poem, Karen! It's a great and important message - one we can never be reminded of too often. :-)
ReplyDeletethis was a heck of a timely post for me, since i was just thinking about how i felt a bit overwhelmed with my editing this weekend. I had just resolved to take it one step at a time when i wandered over here. CRAZY!
ReplyDeleteI love this! Thank you for posting it! (not that a new post would not be just as loved! ;o) )
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful thought process. Yes, this is what I need today.
Visit My Kingdom Anytime
I love this poem and the format that makes it look like a staircase. And this poem is very fitting for my mood today. Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeletejust what i needed to hear today. sounds like i'm not the only one. feeling a little more courageous now...
ReplyDeletethank you!
I remember this post. I loved it then... and I love it now!
ReplyDeleteIJ love this post! Thank you so much for sharing. And the picture is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteKaren, this is really awesome =) Seriously, I guess I'm not even going to rib you for not doing the PG love scene.
ReplyDeleteThanks for en encouragement!!
I think I need to frame that picture and LOVE that MLK quote to pieces!
ReplyDeleteIf you reposted this a hundred times I'll still always appreciate it. I was also reminded of the phrase I use when my Inner Critic is holding me back. I tell myself, "Leap and the net will appear!" - G
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this! I needed to read it today, that's for sure. This was a blessing!
ReplyDeleteThank you for that lovely wisdom. It's a relief to be told to climb blindly, because that's all I can ever do. Your post makes me feel like there will be something worth reaching at the top. x
ReplyDeleteExcellent!
ReplyDeleteSo I am dork and keep a file of inspirational quotes to help with my writing. This MLK one just got added. The thing is, the quote is to true and incredibly helpful when we can remember it - but I struggle with getting bogged down and remembering to breathe, taking it one step and a time. Well, I suppose that IS the problem.
ReplyDeleteBreathe. I can do that one.
ReplyDeleteThen perhaps a touch of naked jaywalking to get the step to come to me?
Oh, I love this! Very inspiring to all of us writers out there, wondering if we'll ever make it. Good luck with your edits!
ReplyDeleteWow! So clever. So inspirational. I totally needed this as I take those final steps to finish the editing on my own manuscript. Perhaps I will finish tonight. Thaks for that. Talk about a pick-me-up.
ReplyDeleteClimb blindly. Oh, I love that! So perfect. It's not really a leap of faith, right? Because there's a lot of freaking work. Nope, it's a climb. A BLIND climb.
ReplyDeletethis is great, especially from a writer. it's nice knowing the goings-on of someone i'd like to be.
ReplyDeletex
Watch out now Karen. You just might be a genius. lol. Great poem. Fantastic.
ReplyDeleteBreathing is a good thing I have to remember to do that mroe often.
ReplyDeleteKaren - I don't mind one tiny bit! Thanks for the link. This is a great and encouraging post. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWow...this is some place!!! I love the poem, I've never seen it before but it speaks volumes...I don't feel you have to be a writer to appreciate the words...
ReplyDeleteWriting has always fascinated me...I would love to be a "writer" but I don't think it is my thing...the words don't come naturally to me the way they do for some!!!
Cheers
This is the perfect companion post to Katie's, which I just read a few minutes ago.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the insight! And I really like that MLK quote.
Wow, the staircase method is creative. Nicely done!
ReplyDeletegreat reminder. one more boost to get me started again on my WIP's 2nd draft.
ReplyDeleteThis was my post for today! But I'd read so many things that other people had read, that mine became lame.
ReplyDeleteAnd have you downloaded that song? (Breathe 2AM)? I highly recommend it. :)
Clever girl! Love your staircase. :O)
ReplyDeletethis was beautiful. thanks so much for sharing. i missed it the first time around!
ReplyDeleteGreat reminder. I needed that today.
ReplyDeleteA great reminder, Karen, and an inspiring post. Hope all is going well and that you're finding some time-out amidst all the writing and editing. xx
ReplyDeleteWonderful post and a great reminder. Sometimes I feel like writing is more like a roller coaster than a staircase. Either way, I keep working to get to the top!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that I clicked on to your blog. I have an outline for a novel in my head, but I have felt too overwhelmed to take the next step! The reminder of keeping it simple helps...thanks.
ReplyDeleteAnd best wishes for editing your WIP.