Well, I could be discouraged because I don’t have an agent, or a big publisher to promote my writing. An established writer friend of a friend, who has both, said that self-publishing isn’t the way to go these days because nobody takes you seriously in the business. She’s right to a degree; but you know me–that’s the case for people who call themselves writers but lack the true talent to deliver an exceptional product with hard-hitting, timely, or sought-after information–like I can and do. So I took the information as a hint to keep looking for an agent to represent me to the big names while I do what I do best. Thanks.
I could be discouraged because all the so-called business opportunities I keep seeing and hearing about involve–no, require talking to lots of people, playing that numbers game, asking folks to do something or buy something they may or may not need at the time so I can profit from it. And we know how I despise that whole process. I just can’t be bothered with trying to convince people they need or want something; I’ll stick to the businesses where I can be my best customer and get what I need for less. Anybody who wants to do that I will sign up with no problem. Not chasing down email addresses, faces, rooms, coffee drinkers, or another thing for any reason anymore. My face is great, I got coffee I love, I smell good, my house smells good, and I can write bestsellers from my closet in my pj’s if I need to, without ever talking to one soul. I do have to make it to the salon on occasion though. Have you ever experienced that ceramic flat iron? Best thing ever! My cousin Vonnie is a magician with that thing. You seen my hair? No, have you seen Ari’s hair? ‘Nuf sed.
I was sitting on a bar stool with a friend recently, talking about sales, and he asked how I could be so into my writing and my audience, but not call myself a people person. Well, I can write something from my heart or head, in the privacy of my own home, or on the go. I can put it out there where people who feel it can get it, send it to other people, and even request it. And I can reach more people without reaching than I ever could if I were asking them to sign up for or buy something. I completely understand. I like to support MY people, but the words “business opportunity” hurt my ears and I don’t want it. That usually costs more than I like, and ends up being more work than they said it would be. But offer me something I can use, and I’m all ears. If I like it enough, I’m gonna wanna know how to get in so I don’t have to keep asking you for it, or paying you for it. I’m sure you won’t mind though. Why don’t more people think like that I wonder?
I could be discouraged because I can’t find a new job. But I do all right, and if the goal is to work for myself, I figure I can wait for that from right here. And my time must be coming. I’ll just sit tight and send some more agent letters–if I have to send them to California to get noticed. Hey, I’m due for a plane ride anyway. Maybe I’ll be asked to come out there and meet somebody. It’s cool. Everything is an interview; let me work on my presentation some more.
I could be discouraged because I need more home improvements than I have funding for. But I can do just enough to make it comfortable for me today. $5 at a time will get me a gallon of paint somebody else didn’t want, and I can change colors like I change moods–for less than lunch would cost. I’m good. I realize I should’ve been a carpenter. There’s no better therapy for me than working with power tools, ripping up stuff, and recycling/repurposing stuff I can use in my house. Hey, I’m an artist; might as well act like one.
I think a lot of times when we find ourselves discouraged over one thing or another, it’s possibly because we have set unreal expectations, or we’ve set the goal bar so high in the wrong direction that it just won’t happen. For example, why would somebody who wants to work from home on their own ventures seek employment in the very establishments that make them want to leave in the first place? Why would somebody who wants to work with their hands in a serene environment seek to go outside the house and fight traffic every single day? Why would somebody who loves being alone seek “opportunities” that can only thrive if they deal with multiple personalities multiple times a day? Man, all that’s hustling backwards if you ask me. Know your role.
We tell our kids to find a major in college, choose a hobby, join clubs at school that they would enjoy, yet we ourselves choose to go against who we really are just to make a dollar, or an extra dollar. I just don’t think they’re always as necessary as we try to make them. It’s not the popular train of thought, but today I’m gonna go with “keep your eye simple,” and be content with “sustenance and covering.” Everything else just stresses me out. I will not be discouraged if I remember who I am, what I really want, and that I have already found a way to do what I love. Do I really need a new job, or an agent, or an opportunity to make more money, or any of that other extra stuff–today? No; I just want that stuff. Well, I used to. I woke up today so over it all. I just need to use my stuff better. And I won’t have reason to ever be discouraged. But that’s just me.
From the mind of:
Tonya D. Floyd,
Bigger isn’t always better. Is it worth it?
What do you have to forfeit to gain what you seek?
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