Whenever I feel I haven't accomplished much, I update my resume. I did this for 40 years, professionally, and now do it solely for myself. Seeing a list of achievements, and remembering all the circumstances I survived, remind me I actually do deserve a trophy. Thanks, Sari!
We editoilers are adept at envy, but not so good at self-love. Maybe that’s because we’re in a field that encourages us to say “Look at me! Look at me!” to justify our existences. Is that sick, or what? My friend Steve is a potter who leaves his work on a stone wall outside his studio, for passersby to take. It’s his way of keeping his focus on the work, not the rewards or accolades. Or god forbid the <<commerce>>…which is tough if you want to make a living doing this stuff! But still, his message is strong. Do the work for the right reasons, and allow the self-accolades to build. In theory. I sure hope so.
Man I needed this today, thank you - a great reminder to push back against that inner critic, and cut myself some slack - I’m going to make a list, too!
I happen to think your achievements are epic. An inspiration to those of us (or maybe just me) whose chair at the table is actually a ‘70s lawn chair still in the trunk of my car. But your point is well-taken and I've only recognized recently, in the grips of profound grief, that I *have* done a lot. It's harder to keep doing it now, but I still have that chair, even if the webbing is a little frayed.
Boy howdy, I really resonated with this, both in being a taskmaster, but someone who discovered only after retiring fifteen years ago, that I am a workaholic. Because despite engaging in the incredibly time consuming "work" I have been doing to keep my now 75 year old body moving, I was also able on a daily basis to act as a kind of peer counselor with people who have been going through the loss of parents, the diagnosis and treatment of cancer or chronic illnesses in themselves or partners, job difficulties, and somehow in that time write nine full-length novels, four novellas, and multiple short stories, independently publish them, and actually do enough effective marketing to sell these stories to a remarkably large number of people. And at this point I have actually been able to generally limit myself to 10 minutes of rage, then 10 minutes of despair most day. So thanks for the trophy!!!!
Three Substack publications, four books, plus caregiving and volunteer assignments you didn't want to pass up--that seems like a lot. You may need to dial down that inner taskmaster as you round the final turn in the race at 60 and see the finish line. It was just a race with a lot of other horses until you turn the 4th corner, then suddenly, other things matter more. We'd love to welcome you to our new Substack Inksprired Community. https://inkspiredgroup.substack.com/
Whenever I feel I haven't accomplished much, I update my resume. I did this for 40 years, professionally, and now do it solely for myself. Seeing a list of achievements, and remembering all the circumstances I survived, remind me I actually do deserve a trophy. Thanks, Sari!
Such a great idea! I’m on it
That’s a great idea. <3
We editoilers are adept at envy, but not so good at self-love. Maybe that’s because we’re in a field that encourages us to say “Look at me! Look at me!” to justify our existences. Is that sick, or what? My friend Steve is a potter who leaves his work on a stone wall outside his studio, for passersby to take. It’s his way of keeping his focus on the work, not the rewards or accolades. Or god forbid the <<commerce>>…which is tough if you want to make a living doing this stuff! But still, his message is strong. Do the work for the right reasons, and allow the self-accolades to build. In theory. I sure hope so.
Your friend Steve sounds amazing ✨
He is. And his neighbors have really cool coffee cups, and think of him every time they sip. Now THAT’S an artistic legacy.
Man I needed this today, thank you - a great reminder to push back against that inner critic, and cut myself some slack - I’m going to make a list, too!
<3
I don’t know anyone who does more than you, Sari!!! Hooweee! You totally deserve a medal AND a monument. :)
😘😘😘
We all get trophies 🏆. ♥️
Thanks for mirroring this: "if my adrenal system weren’t on constant high alert for the past ten years...."
It's true!
Thanks. I needed that!
<3
Congratulations on the beautiful new trophy, Sari! You've earned it.
<3
And gold star stickers on your forehead! Thank you for all you do, it is appreciated and loved by many.
<3
I happen to think your achievements are epic. An inspiration to those of us (or maybe just me) whose chair at the table is actually a ‘70s lawn chair still in the trunk of my car. But your point is well-taken and I've only recognized recently, in the grips of profound grief, that I *have* done a lot. It's harder to keep doing it now, but I still have that chair, even if the webbing is a little frayed.
Thank you, Cindy. This means a lot to me. And great analogy.
Boy howdy, I really resonated with this, both in being a taskmaster, but someone who discovered only after retiring fifteen years ago, that I am a workaholic. Because despite engaging in the incredibly time consuming "work" I have been doing to keep my now 75 year old body moving, I was also able on a daily basis to act as a kind of peer counselor with people who have been going through the loss of parents, the diagnosis and treatment of cancer or chronic illnesses in themselves or partners, job difficulties, and somehow in that time write nine full-length novels, four novellas, and multiple short stories, independently publish them, and actually do enough effective marketing to sell these stories to a remarkably large number of people. And at this point I have actually been able to generally limit myself to 10 minutes of rage, then 10 minutes of despair most day. So thanks for the trophy!!!!
<3
Three Substack publications, four books, plus caregiving and volunteer assignments you didn't want to pass up--that seems like a lot. You may need to dial down that inner taskmaster as you round the final turn in the race at 60 and see the finish line. It was just a race with a lot of other horses until you turn the 4th corner, then suddenly, other things matter more. We'd love to welcome you to our new Substack Inksprired Community. https://inkspiredgroup.substack.com/
The final turn and finish line at 60???