"IT AIN'T OVER 'TIL IT'S OVER."
The challenges in my career have got me re-assessing a lot about myself lately. Last night my dead mentor from college even came to me in a dream, which is only the second time that's happened. The first time he had aged. When I asked him how that was possible, he said he loved life so much he just kept going. Last night, however, he was withered and tired, feeling defeated and wondering whether his life had had any impact.
I told him how his students still feel about him--how he opened our eyes to ideas that had been hiding in plain sight, how he taught us how to see.
As I struggle to get my head around the incremental progress I make toward my dreams, it was an apt reminder. One of the reasons I write is to make sense of a random, chaotic world. Creating stories creates order. But all too often I misuse my creativity to figure out my own life story, worrying that any discouraging signs mean it won't end well. And I have to remind myself that I'm building this life boat while I'm at sea.
So, yes, I'm frustrated my books have not reached the wide audience I believe is out there for them. But it ain't over 'til it's over.
And, if my dream is any indication, maybe not even then.
Monday, February 23, 2009
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11 comments:
Count your blessings:
Your first book was published.
Your second book was published.
You have reached thousands if not tens of thousands of readers.
There are talented authors who don't get a publishing deal in their lifetime.
Sometimes success doesn't arrive in the form we expect.
I'd say you are a successful author already. Just concentrate on the process and be grateful for all you have acheived.
I'm all for counting my blessings, but not resting on my laurels.
Well, I know that you may not be completely satisfied with the amount of people that you have reached, but just think of how much an impact you have actually made.
Personally, you have reached me by encouraging me to go ahead with my aspirations of Dance and Theatre, despite my parents discouragement of that specific career path. They would rather me go into something more solid and stable - like engineering...pshhh.
Just know that you have touched the lives of lots of individuals, but please do not stop by any means. :)
Thank you. That means more to me than I can say.
Thank you. That means more to me than I can say.
You are an inspiration to me and many more dear Marc, so don't doubt your impact. It isn't resting on laurels to sometime take a breath. So breathe........
I can't even begin to thank you for how much you have inspired me. I loved the piece on NPR. It makes me wonder why you don't perform more around town. Don't despair, your success will continue to grow. Can't wait for the next book.
I can understand your "I want it all and I want it now".
But once you have reached the goals you want to reach, you will look back and miss this time, with its uncertainty, its struggles, and its relative quiet and lack of Big Fame.
So, enjoy what you have now. It is not going to last forever.
And have fun while your every word and your every act are not made public.
Well, you must be doing something right, I just found you and love what I'm reading! I'm sure there are many more 'me's' out there waiting to be found.
I love your books and you. If wishing could give you all your dreams my friend, I would wish you everything that you deserve and desire. Thanks for being one of the most inspiring people I have ever met. - Cheers!
Bad news, Marc. It's when you "relax" on your laurels (not rest) the magic happens.
Instead of waiting for the big break, take joy that you will continue doing the work you do, and love, for the rest of your life. You will continue to inspire many, for years.
If we can chose to live on earth again, your books will be here, waiting to inspire - you?
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