June 19, 2017

I have been struggling with the topic for my next blog, and was determined to get it done today. Then I had one of those “ah-ha” moments. Determination. Without determination, we don’t achieve success, face our fears or step outside the box. Determination can also make you feel better about yourself.

It takes a lot of determination and persistence to accomplish goals. I try to make each day a productive one whether it is to write two thousand words, work in the yard or try a new recipe. There’s nothing better than watching your book evolve or your beautiful flowers bloom. Retirement has enabled me to enjoy and experiment with cooking. My Betty Crocker Cookbook is getting fatter with each new adventure. When I go to bed at night, I reflect on what I did that day and count my blessings.

It takes a lot of determination, perseverance, and dedication to be a writer. The muse doesn’t flow every day so some days are more productive than others. I sometimes have two or three stories going and if one doesn’t gel, I move on to the other. But even if I’m not writing, my stories flitter in my subconscious and I’m steadfastly imagining the next “what if.” The one nice thing about writing fiction is you can always go back and change things to make a story flow better. Sometimes my characters will interject and say what they want to happen. I might be the writer but it’s the characters who make up and decide the story.

It takes a lot of determination, backbone, energy and drive to live a healthy life. About eight months ago I realized I wasn’t comfortable in my clothes, but refused to shop for new outfits. Instead, I bought a set of scales and a treadmill. I made the decision to walk and exercise more and eat healthy foods. I had the self-confidence and tenacity to do a little research and then put it to good use. I started eating more fruits and nuts and limited my portions. As I watched the scales register decreasing pounds, my will-power increased. I used my time on the treadmill as an excuse to read my JD Robb “In death” books. Before I knew it, I had read a chapter and walked over a mile. My reward is to read a little more as I cool down. By the way, I’ve lost twenty pounds and feel a whole lot better both physically and mentally.

In a recent blog, I mentioned genealogy and how it can become an obsession. A recent family reunion whet my appetite. I talked with relatives on my mother’s side of the family and shared family photos. I felt driven to research more and complete the chapters I had started on my maternal grandfather and great grandfather. My mother’s excited anticipation of reading the chapters fueled me to get the job done. I gave those two chapters to her today and hope that reading them will trigger more memories of her childhood.

It takes a lot of determination to follow your dream. I may have taken fifteen years off, but in the end, through stubbornness and tenacity, I got that first book done. I saw my name on the cover of a book. Then the second and soon a third one. But I think the greatest feeling is when someone says they enjoyed my book and look forward to the next one.

What is your dream? What phobia would you like to overcome? What are you determined to achieve, accomplish or finish? Whatever it is, resolve to give it all you’ve got. You may surprise yourself.