You Are Where You’re Supposed to Be
Words of wisdom by Xavier Saer ― You are where you’re supposed to be. Otherwise, you’d be somewhere else.
We may not have all the answers and the truth is we probably have way more questions than answers, but I firmly believe we are all where we’re supposed to be. Just like I’m supposed to be here, writing this blog article and posting it for you to read. If you’re here reading it, you are where you’re meant to be.
Sometimes this concept is difficult to swallow, especially when dealing with rejection, writer’s block, or writing envy. It’s easy to struggle with inadequacies when others are on the way to publishing their second book and you’re still on your first draft or just beginning the query process. You must believe in yourself and trust your individual journey. Become a writing warrior. Accept that you are in exactly the right spot. Have faith in this. It will help you bulldoze the obstacles and challenges that inevitably pop up along the writing road and this faith will aid you in navigating the sea of emotions that accompany the publishing voyage.
Truth bomb coming at ya! The Greek philosopher Epicurus said, Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.
This quote speaks to the notion that we should treasure where we are and not take it for granted because we have made choices along the way to land us precisely in the place meant for us. Don’t dwell on the fact that you are not yet published. Don’t envy those who are further along. As long as you are trying, moving forward, and taking inspired action to reach your goals, be content and at peace with your circumstances. Reflect on where you were and how far you've come.
For instance, editing your first draft is a welcomed task you probably once thought you’d never reach. Getting there may have once appeared impossible. First drafts are usually messy, confusing, riddled with clichés, dangling participles, and unnecessary prepositions, and laden with too many words. Yet here you are, trimming your word count, fixing your grammar mistakes, tweaking your plot, and transforming one-dimensional characters into multi-faceted people with personalities and idiosyncrasies. Every choice you made propelled you to this point which is literally the position you worked toward. Understanding this and letting things flow while continuing to push forward will bring you to the next level. When you reach that subsequent plateau, you will again be where you’re supposed to be.
I’ve interviewed over 30 authors, some of whom are award-winning or best-selling authors multiple times over. I scroll through Instagram every day and see all the published authors strutting their newest book, as they should. I proofread and edit the work of others, helping them along their road to publication and success. Yet, as of today I remain unpublished. That’s okay because I have faith that I’m in the place I need to be, and I know my time will come. I cheer their success and wish only the best for them. I accept that my path is different. That doesn’t mean their path is better or mine is worse, it’s just different.
Please don’t compare yourself to other authors or writers. Instead, compare yourself to the writer you were yesterday. Reflect on how far you’ve come and all you’ve accomplished. If you’ve committed seriously to your writing, proceeded with determination, and have been willing to accept constructive feedback, there’s no doubt you have improved. That’s cause for celebration.
Don’t believe you’re where you’re supposed to be?
See if any of these truths apply to you.
1. You are no longer resentful when other aspiring authors succeed. In fact, you cheer them on.
2. You recognize that we all have our own writing paths.
3. You stop feeling as if the publishing deck is stacked against you and instead reflect on what you can do to improve your circumstances.
4. You understand that things in your writing world are not falling apart, they’re falling into place.
5. You value your writing time and even squeeze in 15 minutes here and there.
6. You have chosen to surround yourself with other writers and aspiring authors and have joined writing communities to seek inspiration and learn.
7. You have come to embrace rejection instead of fearing it, and you now view constructive feedback as a tool to propel you forward.
8. You acknowledge your writing growth and strive to be the best writer you can be.
9. You continue to arm yourself with writing and publishing knowledge and no longer fear the unknown. Instead, you seek help when needed.
10. You are an active participant in your writing journey.
If any of the above resonate with you, whether in a positive a-ha-I’m-doing-that-now way or one that beckons you with a hmm-I-want-to-work-toward-that, then you are exactly where you need to be.
Continue to do your best every day. Be persistent, be committed, and persevere. Hang in there. Embrace the sense of pride in your work. Write from your heart and soul. Remain humble and grateful. Mentor others, help where you can. You’re on the right path.
