Blessings, Abundant Universe!
We are slated for the three H’s today – hazy, hot, and humid – which also brings a chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
Ah – the patterns in nature, the patterns in our lives. We try to use the patterns to “know” what will happen in the future. Our lizard brain believes “knowing” gives us more stability and security, even when what we think we know is unfavorable. How often do we base our choices on percentages and probabilities, on “the facts?”
A few years ago, I got to see children’s author Jane Yolen present at a children’s book festival. She shared with the audience of children and adults the adventure of getting one of her most popular children’s book published. She submitted her manuscript to scores of children’s book publishers, only to receive rejection after rejection. Common sense said to give up; security said to stop putting her story and her dream out in the world, only to be rejected.
Yet, Yolen persisted. She believed in her story and her dream. Eventually, she connected with a publisher who also believed her story should be published.
That book was Owl Moon, Yolen’s best known work, with editions published in over a dozen foreign languages. Yolen may be America’s most prolific children’s book author; with over 300 titles to her name, she’s been called the “Hans Christian Andersen of America.”
What if she had followed common sense, and stayed safe? What if she had followed the odds?
Or, another way to look at it is that she did count on the odds. Even the smallest chance means there’s a chance. 1 in 100 may mean 99 rejections, but it also means one success. When we persevere.
After all, Yolen is not the exception. So many success stories are really a matter of persistence and perseverance. Following the heart to the one success.
Because, that’s all it takes. That’s enough.
Consider Today’s Prompt:
Where are you staying “safe?” Where are you choosing common sense to avoid rejection and risk, at the cost of achieving your dreams?
Make a list of your Top 5 Dreams. Get curious – what do you want? Imagine the odds of you achieving each dream. Write the probability next to each dream.
Then remember, a 10% chance means you will succeed one time for every ten tries. That’s still success!
So many successes, Abundant Universe – the world is full of them! And, I’m grateful for that Truth!
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