Initially, this goal was an attempt to stay busy and stop wallowing in my empty nest. If you know me, you are probably surprised that I didn’t give up — I didn’t always have a ‘growth mindset’. I am famous for grabbing onto exciting new adventures only to give up when things get tough. Sorry, Gramps. 

For some reason — one that I am grateful for every day — my publishing dream stuck. I credit my family and fellow authors with this — critique partners, writing classes, and challenges kept me going. Writing has become a bit of an obsession, but that is another story, too. 

Now, I make a conscious effort to stop and reformat my thoughts by practicing ‘growth mindset’ strategies. Examples of such thought processes include:

Instead of thinking…                            I tell myself

I am not a good writer…                      With hard work I can learn.

I’ll never be an author…                       I am not published YET, but I won’t stop trying.

I’ve been rejected too many times…     Rejections help me improve.

This journey has been far more challenging than I imagined, but that makes my accomplishments even sweeter. It would have been easy to shrink to ‘imposter syndrome’ or the belief that it’s too hard, I’m too old, or it’s just plain too late. New flash — it’s NOT.

With every single TOO, we place limitations on ourselves. Afterall, some synonyms for TOO are insignificantly, uselessly, and ridiculously. How would you feel if someone called you hopelessly old? Right! So, why would we call yourselves that?

Everyone has their own TOO excuses — too busy, too much rejection, too embarrassed… whatever. ‘Too’ is a dangerous word unless you turn it around —  my grandpa would like the fact that I was too stubborn to give up. 

As I step back to reflect on my writing journey and those who helped me get here, I have the desire to ‘pay it forward’. The question is, what can I provide that is different than what is out there already? The kidlit community is full of generous authors who strive to give back. After some soul-searching, I decided to concentrate on others like me — authors who started this journey later in life (or are still striving to realize their dreams). My first picture book will be published next year — I will be 63 years old.  By ignoring the ‘too late’, ‘too old’, and ‘too hard’ noise in my mind, I WILL be a published author.

So…. in my blog, and my social media presence, I will concentrate on realizing dreams later in life. Much, if not all, will apply to everyone and every dream- encouragement, inspiration, and guidance– but there will be a special nod to the stubborn old birds (that’s from Grandma). ..