Get Motivated

Today I'm THRILLED to announce that my long-awaited novel, a middle-grades fantasy adventure, is finished and going to be published! I hope to have it available in time for Christmas. To receive book updates, insider promotions, teacher resources, book-related games, etc., please sign up for my e-mail newsletter at the top right corner of this screen. Thank you!!

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No matter how old you are or what you do, there are times you feel like you're a failure. That you're bad at what you do. That you're just barking up the wrong tree in life. 

But when that happens, often the truth is that we're tired. (Or lonely, or hungry. Sandwiches have solved some of my life crises.) Sometimes we do need to stop and rest, but there other times when we just have to press on. Move forward. Get it done. 

And it's in those times that motivation becomes priceless.

As a writer, I may have more self-esteem problems than the average person. It's important for me to stay reminded that I'm doing what I've been called to do, what I'm good at doing, what I love to do--especially on the tired days. Even with a book about to be published, it's easy to get bogged down in the immensity of work and lose sight of the goal.

So I'm sharing with you 5 signs in my home/office that motivate me. They've helped me through some dry days, and now they help me celebrate as I get ready to see my dream come true. Most of them are word-based, because I love words, but I think motivation can come just as easily from pictures. When I lived in Seattle, nearly every student's desk or worker's cubicle contained a desk calendar with pictures of palm trees and white sand beaches. Case in point.

This one came from Barnes and Noble when I was probably 15 years old. Now I hang it on my door when I'm working instead of a "Do Not Disturb" sign. I look forward to the day when it'll come true!

This was an "award" I received during my freshman year of college. Apparently it was my dorm floormates' unanimous prediction. Later that year, I started writing my novel. Thank you, ladies.

This was drawn by my artistically gifted and always-faithful mother on a paper plate when I was in 7th grade. That's me, doing what I still do almost every day. (Maybe minus the scrunchie.) 

This was a Trader Joe's greeting card that almost made me cry when I spotted it in the grocery store. I bought two, framed one for my wall, and mailed another to my knit-designing friend Audry. When you're in a career that doesn't make financial sense and that takes a long time to produce gratification, you need this reminder EVERY SINGLE DAY. Actually, maybe you need it in any career, at any age. 

And last, a beautiful picture made by my late grandmother, which she gave me for my 24th birthday. I think it's made of watercolor, pen, and of course her signature--glitter. Besides representing a heritage of art, this picture reminds me of one of my literary role models, Anne of Green Gables, and all that she stands for: optimism, hope, and adventure to be found in the wild blue yonder.

So happy Friday! Be motivated today!


What signs or images motivate you in your daily endeavors?