Tag: grit

Learning Curves

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Curves and I go way back. Hordes of twists and turns merge in my mind.  From those thrown while at bat, to the backroads, and to the more aggressive forms like extreme soul switchbacks   One time I couldn’t hang on during a fast curve to avoid another hit.  But most times I’ve learned to lean into them.  Yes, leaning into them seems to keep me more balanced.  

Did I tell you I’m writing a children’s book series?❤ I had time “in the hole” getting to know my team. Walked “on deck”, watched, and tried to learn.  I’m in the “batter’s box” now.

Sometimes my swing is way off.   So, I just step out of the box, take a deep breath, and practice a few. I’ve felt tempted to run back in the hole. Stay in the box, Karla.

I’m starting to grasp some groundbreakers, digest details, and clutch some confidence. 

Here’s what I’m leaning into right now:

  • Writing courses (since January)- offered by Write for Kids (I’ve taken several and LOVE them).  I proudly display the Children’s Book Insider banner as a member.  Currently my curves are self-publishing, marketing, and writing for magazines. 
  • One-on-one weekly ZOOM sessions with a literacy coach (thank you, Lisa).  It takes time to prepare and propel this learning.
  • Social Media-tricky and tight curve (almost nauseating😉, but necessary).  I’m not on Facebook.   My only platforms are Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.  It’s going to take courage for me to self-market. It’s my least favorite thing to do.  I’ve completed a course on self-marketing for non-marketers. It was excellent!
  • Writing, writing, editing, and editing-you wouldn’t imagine a 32-page children’s book would be that difficult.  My niche is creative non-fiction and I’m dreaming BIG.   As a self-editor I’m constantly reviewing, nit-picking, deleting, and adding.  There are so many angles to revise and review.   I’m hoping to meet local peer editing groups (anyone wish to join? 😉).
  • Time management-this is a big one!   Several writers I follow have offered schedules, tips, and advice. My best formula is: one day on marketing/classes, one day using those tips to reach out for sponsorship, create IG posts and stories (it’s very curvy to me-almost nauseating lol), one day for WordPress, one to write and publish, and the rest of my time taking care of all other needs and nature time!  I love my new work week.  But it’s difficult to stay on schedule when I’m tightening the belt on the curves.  But it’s well worth it! 
  • WRITE EVERY DAY!
  • Awesome announcement📣 I have an illustrator!  To say this has been a challenge is an understatement.  The illustrators have such a HUGE task of bringing the book to life.   Considering the time invested in creating Flannel with Faith, coupled with my amazing WP friends, I’m very leery of beginning a whole new author’s website.  Instead, I’ll create a new page on this site dedicated solely to Finley River Publishing and the series, “Faith and Finley—Finding the Nifty in our 50!” (Off the Grid Series).  Plus, you’ll get to meet my tremendous illustrator!

This journey of life is not always a straight road as we all know.  I’m not traveling in the fast lane either.  Although I love staying active, I’m staying on a steady course in my lane.   To avoid being added to any more injured lists, I’ll don a helmet and strengthen my grip. 

Friends, are you ready?  Keep your eyes on the ball at bat.  Lean into the curves as your travel.  Stay in your lane.  Life levels our playing field. I’m elated to be on your team.     

Afterword: I spent many days at a ballfield. That’s probably why I love dirt. Mom would watch with all the other wives. Us players’ kids formed family-like relationships. My Dad was the fastest man I’ve ever known. He could pull off a triple off with a left-handed bunt. Dad handled the curves. Mom has too.

“An outstanding leadoff hitter, Hale had great speed, a knack to get on base, and was a threat to steal a base at any time. He played first base and the outfield and his states include twenty state, twelve regional, and fifteen national championships. He also was selected to the US Sports Festival in 1979. He was a first team All-American in 1974 & 1975 and his teams won seven state and eight regional titles.”

(The Missouri A.S.A. Hall of Fame induction description, March 9th, 2002, Clarion Inn, Springfield, Missouri).

As a Mom I enjoyed EVERY trip to the fields of any kind to watch my own sons. Now, I walk dirt paths and enjoy the the scenery of nature’s curves. I’ll enjoy the future of watching my grandkids kick up some dirt whether on a field or when they’re outdoors. What a journey. 🤍

Have faith💚

Few Words Friday

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💚

Keep on the Sunny Side

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“Keep on the sunny side,

“Always on the sunny side,

“Keep on the sunny side of life…”☀🎵

“Do you always smile?” This question has been asked of me many times in my life.  My answer is typically, “I sure try.”   And don’t we all smile at times we don’t feel like it?  

Are you optimistic?  Can you think yourself happy?  What do you do to cheer yourself up (or can you?)?  We’ve been taught “we are what we think”. Do you allow the energy of your mind to be taken over by toxic thoughts that keep swirling your brain?

Are you anxious, moody, or nervous?  Are you struggling with finding your purpose?  Or are you running on auto, numb to anything, because you feel you have no control over your situation?   

What have you learned because of the pandemic?  Do you feel stunted and fearful? Or are you exhausted?   I’m going to supply my own statistics.  Out of 10 friends in which I’ve asked simply, “How are you?, 100% shared that things are challenging.  Friends, we need to get real with one another.  The pandemic, and life in general, has put us all back on our heels at times.

This last week for me has been full of fun, friendship, and fellowship.  It had been a year since I experienced such a full week of activities with others.   All of us came crawling out from under the heavy rocks of restriction together (and wearing our masks and being wise 😉).   This was not a dangerous game of chance with the virus (and every sneeze of allergy season being treated as such).  But it was still a matter of health.  Of mental health, physical health, emotional health, and spiritual health.  While we have all stayed “hunkered” down the cases of anxiety, depression, and other mental stresses have risen.  Nearly 70% of the country suffered together with the wicked winter storms and I would guess 100% of us would say 2020 brought new challenges.  And the storms of life will keep brewing on–for all of humanity.  If we’ve learned anything it’s that we ultimately can only control ourselves and our reactions. When will we let go of what we can’t control?  Do you try to stay busy to just stay distracted?  Are you trying to keep a routine, whether healthy or unhealthy, because it’s the only normal you have in your life?  I’ve always tried to be a “glass half-full” human.  Even if I drank the other half (and I’m thankful just to have a glass). I’m ok being called Pollykarla. My comeback is optimism with a huge tank of faith and hope. The alternative is misery.

We know joy because of pain.  We become wiser because of poor choices.   Our circumstances are all different. We view only through the lenses of our experiences-can we all wear glasses of grace? Don’t expect others to understand YOUR story. You’re more than just the role you keep-you’re more than a paycheck and what you can do for somebody else, you’re more than just being a caregiver, you’re more than just being a worker, you’re more than just a filler for someone else’s loneliness, you’re more than what the world tells you that you have to be, you’re more than an invisible person that no one can see, you’re more than just a diagnosis, you’re more than just survivor, you’re more than just a spouse, parent, or loved one. You are everything; without anything. 🤍

Do not let someone else dismiss your feelings.  If you’ve been minimalized, shamed, or invalidated, I’m sorry.  Feelings aren’t right or wrong.  What we do with them can lead us down a path of danger or serenity.  We can exhale a collective sigh that we’re in it together.  We can nod our head and smile at a stranger (keeping in mind that we have no idea what he or she is facing).  It may have taken EVERYTHING in them to just get out.   And to those who are trying to go so fast to avoid stopping to feel ANYTHING, know that there are people out there willing to give you space to slow down, breathe deep, and recollect your thoughts and actions (versus giving up).   We want it all, we want it fast and now, and we forget that we’re missing out on just living in the moment.  Worry is consuming; and on the opposite end, complacency can creep into creation.

I have faith.  And when I end my posts with those two words, I’m not dismissing the fact some of you may not have it.   You may not have hope. May the void in your life become filled with a presence of a Spirit and a love that is unexplainable.  That void for me is in Christ alone; it’s true love.

I have faith in you.  I still have faith in humanity.  Don’t lose hope.  Know you are loved.  I hear you and I see you.  No one else can give you your happiness-do you know where it lives inside you?   Surrender to the sweet spot meant only for you.  Not because you feel forced or pressured.  Use your 6-foot space to truly stand apart from anything that is keeping your hope hostage.  Use boundaries to be your best; and respect the rules of engagement with others. Don’t just know someone; understand them. While you’re swimming so hard for others, don’t let yourself drown.  We’ve all swirled in the waves of uncertainty, fear, health, relationships, and other dangerous “rocks” in the river of life.  Throw a life preserver and support a soul.  Don’t pull someone under because of your own riptides of repression.  Give them a hand of hope. 

 I smile thinking of my family (great news-I’m going to have another grandbaby in August 😊).  I do love smiling.  And if I cry, I’m ok with it.  Tears feel good sometimes; they’re needed.  And I give myself space to sit with my emotions.  And by taking care of myself mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally, I’m better prepared for the jagged jams on my river journey.   The sun is shining bright today.  I think I’ll just think about that and soak it in while it’s here-care to join me?

Have faith 🤍