Sometimes Little People know the Most

If you think much long about hard it is to get published you won’t make the first keystroke on your computer. After you’re published things get even harder. The economy has tanked. Christmas is coming and people are already strapped for extra money they might have used to buy your book. Book tours and signings seldom work up enough interest to be worth your time.

So what’s a writer to do when agents, economists, and well-meaning friends are telling us now is not the time to build a new career. Not the time for risk taking and stepping out into the great unknown.

The only thing we know for sure is that God is in control. We can’t see the future, but we can have fun in the journey. Forget everything you know about the economy and the election and the naysayers and take a look at some of the children in your life.

Everything you need to know about living a fulfilled life you can learn from children. They have in down pat.

1. Everything can be a game. Add a little fun to your writing. Make up your own rules, shoot for personal records. You might find something that works no one else has ever thought of.

2. Don't walk when you can run. Every day is full of opportunities to increase your productivity. This rule is closely related to "don't drive when you can walk."

3. If you don't like it, don't write it. Don’t write what you think the market is looking for. By the time your book is written, tastes and trends would’ve changed anyway. Write a book you would want to read.

4. Laughter feels good. Kids seem to inherently know that laughter can ease blood pressure, help your brain function, give you energy, and help you reach your goals.

5. Playtime is important. We get so caught up in work, and "have-to's" that we forget to take time for ourselves. Not only does relaxing make life worthwhile, it has real health benefits.

6. The world should be full of color—Splash your life and experiences with as many colors as possible. Try new things. It will benefit everything you put your hand to.

7. It's always more fun with friends around. Children tend to gravitate toward other children. It gives them spirit and makes them want to play all day. Whatever you’re striving for, find a group that understands what you’re shooting for and will support you in it.

8. Adventures are found outside, not inside. Every kid knows that the good stuff is in the great outdoors--fresh air, wide open spaces, limitless possibilities. You can't find those things cooped up in your tiny, stale office. Open the door and start a new adventure every day.

9. It's important to use your imagination. You can be Major Fantasia or Stupendous Woman any time you want. Give yourself permission to believe in your own super powers and let your mind take you wherever it wants to go.

10. Anything is possible. No fear, no self-doubts, no negative self talk, no self-criticism, no worries, no destructive anxieties or thoughts of failure. To a child, he/she can do anything. And do you know what? They're right.

11. You have your whole life ahead of you. Here's your chance to do it right.