Day: May 30, 2012

Re-thinking Failure

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I received my first rejection! I suppose I should be depressed, ready to quit, and trying to figure out what to do with the rest of my life.

Instead, this moment feels like the beginning of a great and wonderful journey. The poems weren’t ready for publication. I know that now. Yet, I wanted to start the process of sending them out to the world. Pushing past fear, I did. And so, armed with new ways to work with my poetry and prose, and anticipating an upcoming writing retreat, I am ready to begin again.

I almost feel like part of the club.

Pause

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Maria Shriver’s not the first to use the word. (It’s Bud Hunt’s mantra, too). But her commencement speech is worth reading and mentioning here. The Power of the Pause…

Some highlights….

You have the power, each and every one of you, to change the way we as a nation speak to one another. I truly believe you can change our national discourse for the better.

…..
Change it from criticism and fault-finding to understanding and compassion. Change it from nay-saying and name-calling to acceptance and appreciation.
Change it from dissembling and dishonesty to openness and explanation.
Change from screaming to speaking.

She also says:

PAUSE — before you hit the “send” button and forward a picture that could ruin someone’s life — or write something nasty on someone’s Wall because you think it’s funny or clever. Believe me, it isn’t.

PAUSE — before you make judgments about people’s personal or professional decisions.

Sometimes when you pause, you’ll realize you’re gonna have to hold yourself back from acting out on your ego and your first impulse.

Pausing. A simple way to change the way we live.