Discouragement

Sometimes I get discouraged... I have heard this over and over again in my studies, and being on this Journey, I have  felt it. This feeling can strike at the strangest time, but I like those before me I need to push on. I am in the beginning stages of writing another book. The Idea came to me complete with a title and the first thing that hit me was the feeling that accompanies discouragement and self doubt. The negative question began to hit me from the inside as well as the outside. The book will be about the Journey to success, although I have dealt with this topic in my other books, this book will deal with it more directly and be more universal in scope. The first negative thought hit me and tormented me for the first day, after I put the title on my thinking board (will speak on the "Thinking Board" in an upcoming blog). The question was what gave me the right to write about success? I was embarrassed by the question and images of other people asking me the same question began to pop up. So I took time and began working with this question:
1. I first acknowledge that it was a legitimate question that I would have to deal with in the future
2. Then I analyzed it, and counseled myself as if I was talking to a 3rd party. I asked myself how would I respond if someone else approached me with the idea of writing a book about success. Would i be harsh or would I help them find the successes in their own life to write about.
3. I then threw this question back at the ridiculing part of myself, "What is success?" If I was basing success on the collection of material possessions I was not qualified to pick up a pen or to begin to peck out my ideas on my laptop, but if I was basing success on the ability to be happy, have a career that I am passionate about, developing true friendships, and  being able to take care of family both personal and extended. Then i was more than qualified.

i have lead a life and have had the pleasure of touching and being touched by thousands. In my career I have been blessed enough to have work with thousands of people and help them make some sense out of life. I have been able to provide a home for many young people who would have not been able to go anywhere else. Many of these young people have also blessed me and given me the honor of calling me dad in word and action.

Needless to say I was able to shut up that naysayer inside with my overwhelming success in this life, and convinced myself to begin writing the book. Although I have felt the bite of discouragement I have not and will not stop. I have been very successful and have no doubt and no evidence that my string of success will ever stop. As long as i follow my heart and move in the world with passion I will continue on the path of success and not just have enough material for one book but put out a part 2 and 3. Although I do not get the feedback that I would like their are those that follow my blog, purchase my books, and listen to my podcast. I am not at a million yet but I know that if I continue on my path I will sooner or later hit it.
So for all those out there that is sitting on a creative idea and feel discouraged and disheartened by your inner negative thoughts or even external negative comments remember discouragement happens to us all. As a matter of fact I will say that discouragement is an initiation. Only through discouragement can the Higher Power know if we are worthy of the gifts that we are receiving or about to receive. So take your test and stay strong and push past your critics even if that critic is part of you.
Nuff said
Peace & 1hunidyears