Friday, November 13, 2009

Guest Blogger Margie Lawson: Author, Speaker, Therapist


Welcome guest author Margie Lawson!

Margie is a psychotherapist, writer, and international presenter. She has applied her psychological expertise to dissect and analyze over a thousand novels. A former university professor, Margie taught psychology and communication courses at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Her resume includes clinical trainer, professor, director of a counseling center, hypnotherapist, and trauma specialist. Her psychologically-anchored Deep Editing tools are used by all writers, from newbies to NYT Bestsellers. She teaches writers how to edit for psychological power, how to hook the reader viscerally, how to create a page-turner. In the last five years, Margie presented over fifty full day Master Classes in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. She also offers intense three-day Immersion Master Classes on Deep Editing from her home. She lives in a log home on a mountain-top west of Denver.

Let's listen to some words of writerly advice from Margie!

ARE YOU RIDING THE HORSE, OR IS THE HORSE RIDING YOU?

By Margie Lawson

Who controls your moods? Who controls your life? Your mood, and life, is comprised of what you do each day, each hour, each minute. How you choose to live your life is determined by how you choose to live each minute. What moods do you choose? Are you riding the horse, or LETTING the horse ride you?


At times, we all have stress. We all get hit with bleak times – and black times. Times of seemingly insurmountable loss and depression, trauma and fear. Many of my clients attribute their negative moods to external causes. They apply an external locus of control. They allow the horse of life to ride them. They focus on the negatives. They feed their depression. They complain. They are miserable. They make people around them miserable.


Some writers buy into that external locus of control piece. They relinquish control of their moods to things they cannot control.


~ Writers cannot control getting an agent.

~ Writers cannot control getting a contract.

~Writer cannot control getting on a bestseller list.


Writers can control some aspects of their moods. When a disappointment hits, they can allow themselves to feel sad for a short time and kick themselves out of that pity pit by making plans to move forward and putting their plans into action. A Change Coach (and Career Coach) can be an incredible resource for a writer who is emotionally whomped. Change Coaches are also top-of-the-heap butt-kickers.


If you’ve taken my Defeat Self-Defeating Behaviors course (offered on-line in January), you know a Change Coach can help a writer jettison the junk in their emotional trunk. If a writer can’t jettison it all, a Change Coach can help the writer box it, duct-tape it, and anchor it in the trunk. No more distractions from annoying banging and clanging. The writer’s focus shifts from lamenting to implementing.


Do what you need to do to take charge of your moods. Don’t let the horse of life ride you.


I idolize people who grab hold the reins, smile, and ride their horse of life through the worst of times. When you meet or read about someone whose life is loaded with cosmic-careening challenges . . . aren’t you awed? How many of us could graduate from Radcliffe—have twelve books published—get elected to the National Women’s Hall of Fame—do all that and more---if we were blind, deaf, and mute like Helen Keller? Writers can learn from Helen Keller’s grace, perseverance, and courage. When we feel emotionally challenged, we can put energy into taking charge of our moods.


Check out these quotes from Helen Keller.

  • We can do anything we want to if we stick to it long enough.
  • The only thing worse than being blind is having sight, but no vision.
  • College isn’t the place to go for ideas.
  • When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened.
  • Life is either a great adventure or nothing.
  • What I am looking for is not out there, it is within me.
  • Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow.
  • One cannot consent to creep when one has an impulse to soar.


CHIME IN:


Did any of Helen Keller’s quotes speak to you? What can you do to take charge of your mood today? This week? Next week? I will respond to posts several times today and this evening. Anyone who posts a comment TODAY has a chance to WIN a LECTURE PACKET from one of my on-line classes. I will award a Lecture Packet to one of every 25 people who post today.


1. Defeat Self-Defeating Behaviors

2. Empowering Characters' Emotions

3. Deep Editing: The EDITS System, Rhetorical Devices, and More

4. Digging Deep Into the EDITS System

5. Writing Body Language and Dialogue Cues Like a Psychologist

6. Powering Up Body Language in Real Life: Projecting a Professional Persona When Pitching and Presenting


I’ll post the LECTURE PACKET WINNERS tonight, at 8:00PM Mountain Time.


In January, I’m teaching Defeat Self-Defeating Behaviors, a power-packed on-line course that helps writers access their strengths—and empower creativity and productivity. Lectures from each of my on-line courses are offered as Lecture Packets through PayPal from my web site. Lecture Packets are $22; I donate $5 per Lecture Packet for ALS (my cousin).


Please visit www.MargieLawson.com and click on Lecture Packets to read the course descriptions. If you’re interested in a sample of deep editing, I include Deep Editing Analyses in each issue of my monthly newsletter. To receive my newsletter, click on SUBSCRIBE on the home page of my web site, www.MargieLawson.com


THANK YOU for stopping by Kelly L. Stone’s blog today! I’m looking forward to seeing your blog posts.


From Kelly:


Thanks for an insightful and inspiring article, Margie! Please visit Margie's web site to learn more about her newsletter, on-line courses, presentation schedule, and Immersion Master Classes, www.MargieLawson.com. If you would like to contact Margie about presenting a full day Master Class to your group, e-mail her: Margie@MargieLawson.com.


67 comments:

  1. I like "What I'm looking for is not out there, it is in me."

    When I realized I was in charge of my moods, and I'll even go one further and say I'm in charge of my illnesses too--they are there to teach me something, I found it all very liberating.

    So now I focus on what I can and let the rest go. And if I'm having one of *those* days? I pull out my gratitude journal and start writing ...

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  2. I normally don't like sayings that can be stitched into pillows, and NO I'm not cranky. But I realize life is complicated (err, that could be stitched . . .) ANYWAY . . . I have found that the main idea here--focusing on what I CAN control, THE WORK, has helped me to keep my sanity.

    Thanks for the post.
    Exactly what I needed for a Friday.

    Drue Allen
    The Cost of Love, March 2010

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  3. Hi Margie! So happy to have found this blog from you today -- just the reminder I needed! This quote really resonated with me: "Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow." A great little reminder to stay focused on the positive and not dwell on the negative, to focus on the future not the past, all those contrasts. Thanks for such a great post!
    ~Jen McAndrews

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  4. Hi, Margie! Yes, yes, yes to everything you said. Far more is under our control than we realize.

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  5. Great post, Margie. Very inspirational. I will pass it on.

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  6. *MarCia waving frantically*

    "The only thing worse than being blind is having sight, but no vision."

    I see this in so many people these days that it's like an epidemic. Whether they're writing friends or coworkers at my 9-5 job, it doesn't matter. It's also very sad. I'd like to think that my vision is wide open and receptive to anything that's out there. At least, that's how I've always tried to live my life. I'm much happier for it, too, and hardly have any regrets.

    Although, I think Baby Girl--I'm due in two weeks--is pretty much in control of my mood these days. She trumps everything. ;-)

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  7. In your Defeating Self Defeating Behaviors class, you taught me to "Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow." It has been a godsend through some very tough times.

    Thank you!

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  8. This one spoke to me: We can do anything we want to if we stick to it long enough.

    I believe that we have the power to see our dreams and goals come to pass, if we continue on the journey. The road may become rocky at times, but really isn't the way to the top of the mountain often filled with rocks, dirt, and perhaps even a slippery slope or two? Funny thing is once you reach the top and look out over the valley below all you see is the beauty and not the blood, sweat and tears it may have taken to get there.

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  9. I took your DSDB this past January and still talk to my "coach" a few times a week. I've been going through possibly the most stressful time of my life this past year and have been working on decluttering my mind. Sometimes in those stressful times, writing is the first to go. Especially when there's a full time job that pays the bills. You're always an inspiration to me to pick up my pen. Thanks Margie!

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  10. Hi Margie! As always, a most inspirational post!

    I've been in awe of Helen Keller since I was a child, so all her quotes speak to me. My funks don't have to relate to writing at all, but I've learned to grab control of my moods in little ways. If I'm feeling overwhelmed, I do nothing for a few hours, or make specific decisions about when I'll do something - like laundry. :) Walks outside or a short visit to a favorite place can help me shift my perspective.

    And then there are my lists. I first write "I'm in control only of me." Then I write what "me" wants/ needs to do and prioritize the items. The priority choices include by timeline, by most to least important, or by least to most effort. Checking things off lists is something I enjoy, plus I've broken down tasks so I'm not as overwhelmed.

    It's great to see you again - anywhere, anytime. Kelly, thank you for hosting!

    Light,
    Nancy Haddock

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  11. Hi Margie!
    Hard to pick one favorite -- The only thing worse than being blind is having sight, but no vision.

    So true -- I always have to have my focus on a goal. It's what keeps me riding that daggone horse!

    ~Thanks for this wonderful insite. My mom, Bettie Coffin, had a poem on voxpoetica.com this week (you can see it by searching the poemblog) about being happy ... a conscious decision. It must be the message of the week!

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  12. Hi Mar-G,

    Loved your course on Defeating Self-Defeating Behaviors. But that takes lots of practice! A friend of mine advised me, just this week, "Do what you can and then let it go." And that's all any of us can do. (And try not to obsess when we're doing what we can!!)

    Thanks for your insight, as always!

    Tra-C

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  13. Right now the horse of life has been riding my ass into the ground! I'm finally off and walking along beside it, ready to get back on again. It's not the little things, it's the great, big, in-your-face stuff right now that's eating my lunch. A death of a friend in the prime of life-that hurts the worst, and several issues hitting all at the same time so that you can't catch your breath from one before the next one hits.
    I've got support from my writer's groups, who are all fab ladies, who are encouraging about the writing process and writing daily, even as an escape. But in the end, it's me that needs to get back on the horse and ride where I want to go, where I need to go, and enjoy the journey.
    Molly Evans

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  14. Hi, Margie!
    Outstanding blog, yet again. As always, I admire how easily you communicate by using examples. I really liked the quote, "What I am looking for is not out there; it is within me." This is so true. Thanks, and hope your day is terrific!

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  15. Hi, Margie. :)

    I'm so glad I found your post today. I LOVE Helen Keller. Both of these quotes speak to me at this point in my life:

    Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow.

    One cannot consent to creep when one has an impulse to soar.

    I've been struggling with my writing, but lately have had the good fortune to get involved with some wonderful ladies who have helped me get back on that horse! LOL. I'm excited to get to my wip every day...I'm ready to soar.

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  16. Margie, Helen Keller is one of my heroes. Actually, I woke up happy today and was happy yesterday. I finished writing a difficult scene yesterday, and maybe that's why. But I sometimes feel happy even when life isn't great. That would fit this quote:

    What I am looking for is not out there, it is within me.

    But my favorite is this one:

    One cannot consent to creep when one has an impulse to soar.

    I want to soar!

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  17. Hi Margie - love your classes and so nice to see you over here. Yes, I can relate to all of the inspirational quotes but I especially like the one about life being an adventure or nothing at all - that pairs nicely with the quote I have on my blog - about "Woo Hoo What a Ride." :)

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  18. Margie,

    Thanks for the inspiration today! I collect inspirational quotes so when I need some inspiration I can turn to them, it really helps me. I couldn't just pick one quote of Helen Keller's. Here are the ones that spoke to me today:

    "The only thing worse than being blind is having sight and no vision."

    "Life is either a great adventure or nothing."

    "What I am looking for is not out there, it is within me."

    Thanks again Margie!

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  19. Wow, that quote about staring at the closed door and not noticing the one that's been opened explains my day yesterday. I let myself get totally stuck and sidetracked while I obsessed over a closed door that I couldn't move forward with something that might open another door.

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  20. Thanks for an inspiring blog, Margie. We all have our own unique stumbling blocks. But - even though it's often hard to remember in the midst of difficulties - we all have the ability to pick ourselves up and move on, too.

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  21. I enjoyed all of the Keller quotes. I found this *We can do anything we want to if we stick to it long enough.* to be the one to be the most important for me.
    You may see me in January Defeat Self-Defeating Behaviors course I have so much junk in the emotional trunk my rear is dragging.
    Rita

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  22. Hi Margie. I always love your posts. I took your DSDB almost 2 years ago and still use the principals and my NOTEBOOK. In fact, I might need a refresher course. :)

    As for the quotes, they all speak to me on some level but this one: One cannot consent to creep when one has an impulse to soar....really resonates with me.

    I don't like to be held back or confined but at times, due to some self-defeating behaviors, I hold myself back. I'm forcing myself to creep when I really want and need to soar. So I have to stop allowing this. :) (see what I mean about a refresher course?)

    Thanks for a great post!

    Ginger

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  23. Helen Keller was such an incredible woman and her teacher, Annie Sullivan, was also an inspiration. All of those quotes speak to me but "What I am looking for is not out there, it is within me." is particularly apt for me today. I am going to share this one who really needs to hear it also.

    Thank you, Margie. This post is perfect in its timing. And thank you, Kelly, for posting it.

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  24. Hi Margie: I love all the sayings, but if I have to pick one, its: We can do anything we want to if we stick to it long enough.
    That's my mood today. Chanting this one over and over. :-)

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  25. Hi, Margie. I certainly subscribe to this idea. I do not allow myself to spend a lot of time on negative thoughts, or even others who think negatively. There are days when my circumstances are less than stellar; that's when I purposely search out my 'sunshine'.

    There are times, however, like today, when the horse threatens to run away with me. I know that head colds are not conducive to work, or thinking of any kind. That's when the 'horse' gets a cup of hot chocolate and a favorite movie.

    This, too, shall pass. A little pampering is good for the body and mind.

    Thanks for your thoughts.

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  26. Hi Margie.

    A very timely post full of great wisdom.

    My circle of writing friends are all struggling for the most part. We have a traditional publishing system heavily weighted against us, a super competitve writing market that doesn't compensate the writers creating content for them at a level the writers deserve, and a major recession eating at the money we earn to keep ourselves afloat.

    What you wrote in this blog about external manipulations of mood is more true for today's writer than at any point in my memory. I choose to surround myself with positive, forward thinkers who acknowledge the realities around us but are not dissuaded. Quite the opposite, we forge ahead with gusto.

    "Who controls your moods? Who controls your life?" are two of the most powerful and important questions we can ask ourselves. The answer we take to heart determines our path. Your post contains many key elements to success (especially imbedded in the quotes). Funny thing about those elements, we tend to require reminders of them periodically - like every day.

    Thank you for lifting writers up, for we are very emotional creatures ...

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  27. I found that I resonated with the statement of "When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened."

    I have learned that happiness is a choice. If we focus on our failures we will miss the opportunities when they are right in front of us. But instead, if we take a deep breath and let go of our disappointments we are available for the next challenge when it comes along. The more we allow ourselves to live and try new things the more we will feel fulfilled, thus more doors of happiness will be opened in our lives.

    Blessings,
    Jennifer Bickerton

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  28. HELLO DIANE --

    Excellent point. You're in charge of learning from your illnesses too.

    Ah, I love that you have a Gratitude Journal. I keep a mental notebook -- and review it daily.

    Thanks for being here.

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  29. Drue -

    Some days, we all need help chasing our sanity.

    Fabulous to finally meet you smile-to-smile in Dallas last weekend!

    I'm looking forward to reading THE COST OF LOVE in March. ;-)

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  30. HELLO JEN!

    Great to see your smile here too! Miss you.

    Wish I had plans to come to New York. ;-)

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  31. HELLO BETH!

    I don't know which Beth you are, but because you were the first one to use a RHETORICAL DEVICE (accidentally counts!), you just WON a bonus Lecture Packet!

    EPIZEUXIS: Yes, yes, yes . . .

    Beth -- You may know I cover 30+ rhetorical devices in my Deep Editing course and Lecture Packets.

    Please contact me, Margie@MargieLawson.com -- and I'll send you a Lecture Packet (e-mail attachments).

    I WILL STILL DRAW A WINNER FOR EVERY 25 PEOPLE WHO POST TO KELLY'S BLOG TODAY -- BEFORE 8PM MOUNTAIN TIME!

    BETH -- THANKS FOR USING EPIZEUXIS TO SHARE YOUR ENTHUSIASM!

    BETH WROTE:
    Hi, Margie! Yes, yes, yes to everything you said. Far more is under our control than we realize.

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  32. HELLO MARIO --

    Glad I could inspire you.

    I wonder who inspired you to write vampire mysteries with nymphomaniacs? :-)

    Always fun to see you on-line and in person.

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  33. HELLO MarCia and BABY GIRL!

    Wish I could see you and Baby Girl -- when she's about two weeks old. I'm looking forward to pictures. ;-)

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  34. HELLO ADRIANNE --

    Great to see another DSDB grad here. Good for you, for focusing on the sunshine.

    Big hugs for taking charge of your moods during tough times.

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  35. HELLO VICKI --

    Well said. Life is a rocky journey.

    I'll paraphrase something I've heard.

    When you come to a split path, and you're not sure which one is for you, it's probably the path that is the most difficult.

    Yep. That's the path that gives you the most intrinsic rewards.

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  36. HELLO EMMA--

    Yay! Another DSDB grad!

    KUDOS to you and your Change Coach / Career Coach that you stayed connected for over a year. I'm impressed that you've pushed yourself to write during the tough times.

    Excellent!

    I bet writing helped.

    I hope things are going better for you now.

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  37. HELLO NANCY H --

    Good for you for taking charge, doing what you need to do to get through your moody times. You know what works for you . . . and you act.

    So many people wallow in moods. They fall into the moody pit and stay there.

    Thanks for sharing your techniques for taking charge of your moods. :-)

    Miss you!

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  38. HELLO NANCY N --

    I read your mom's poem (Bettie Coffin) on voxpoetica.com. A freeing poem. I like the way she writes and thinks. Thanks for sharing.

    You are goal-driven. Kudos to you! You definitely ride multiple horses. ;-)

    Looking forward to seeing you in Colorado in April or May!

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  39. HELLO TRA-C --

    You ride your life horse well too.

    You're right. Sometimes life gives us too much and we have to decide what junk in our emotional trunk we can lash down and deal with later.

    Tra-C -- I bet you laughed at junk in the emotional trunk. :-)

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  40. HELLO MOLLY --

    I'm so sorry about your losses.

    Your post was heart-felt eloquence with a punch.

    I hope you--and others--save your post. I will.

    On a personal note, some of you know my cousin has Lou Gehrig's disease. Dennis lives in North Carolina. I see him every few months, and talk to him at least twice a week. It's tough, tough, tough, and guaranteed to get....

    I just nixed words. You all get it.

    My point?

    Horrendous things beyond our control happen. And it's up to us to take charge of our moods -- and do our best to help others get through the horrendous times.

    We've got to ride that horse.

    MOLLY and All -- Thanks for listening.

    Molly -- Thank you for sharing from your heart.
    Wish I could ease your emotional pain.

    MOLLY WROTE:
    But in the end, it's me that needs to get back on the horse and ride where I want to go, where I need to go, and enjoy the journey.

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  41. HELLO JANET --

    Thank you for chiming in with your ever-present smile. Always mood-boosting.

    Glad you enjoyed the blog. :-)

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  42. HELLO DARCY!

    Fabulous to see you here on Kelly's blog! So fun to see you reconnected with your enthusiasm for writing too.

    Good for you for taking charge of your moods and taking charge of your life. Good for you for getting back on your horse, getting back into writing.

    You know your challenge -- to assess the trail ahead. Watch out for logs and underbrush and creeks, as well as low-hanging branches that can whop you off the horse into piles of poop.

    Glad you found such a smart group of writers. I bet you all keep each other riding strong.

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  43. HELLO EDIE --

    Yay! You pushed through writing a tough scene. You've got the WRITE STUFF. :-)

    Happy soaring!

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  44. HELLO KATHY --

    Love your quote: "Woo Hoo What a Ride."

    Did you write it?

    I'd like to add it to my STAR QUOTES. Please e-mail me and let me know if I have your permission to use it. Margie@MargieLawson.com

    Thank you.

    Thanks for posting to Kelly's blog too. ;-)

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  45. HELLO ELIZABETH --

    Ah -- You're a quote-aholic too.

    Words definitely carry power.

    Thanks for dropping by today!

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  46. Hey, Margie. Wonderful blog! I still read through my notes on Self Defeating Behaviors to get back on track. Great class I'd recommend to anyone who hasn't taken it.
    We can do anything we want to if we stick to it long enough. That's my favorite. Another version of nothing is impossible.

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  47. HELLO SHANNA --

    So sorry you were STUCK yesterday, obsessing about a closed door. You and 37,462 other writers.

    NOW--You'll study the closed door for a short time, find your horse, and start riding toward other doors. Right?

    Okay. I braided my horses and doors. It worked for me. I hope it worked for you too. :-)

    Thank you for posting about your experience. I'm sure it resonated with others.

    SHANNA WROTE:
    Wow, that quote about staring at the closed door and not noticing the one that's been opened explains my day yesterday. I let myself get totally stuck and sidetracked while I obsessed over a closed door that I couldn't move forward with something that might open another door.

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  48. HELLO EVERYONE!

    Time for me to see another client. I'll be back on-line about 6:30PM Mountain Time.

    I'll post the Lecture Packet WINNERS at 8PM Mountain Time.

    See you soon!

    All smiles.........Margie
    www.MargieLawson.com

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  49. Hi Margie,

    This was a wonderful post. As a counselor myself, I always like to be reminded about the importance of keeping a positive attitude and an internal locus of control.

    I like all of the Helen Keller quotes. She is such an inspiration on every level. The one in particular I like is "What I am looking for is not out there, it is within me." Wow. Great stuff.

    Thanks so much for being my guest today! Can't wait to see who wins a lecture packet!

    Kelly

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  50. The quote that speaks to me is

    "The only thing worse than being blind is having sight, but no vision."

    I have to visualize my dream of being a writer or I'll never get anywhere.

    Margie, always love your posts.

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  51. Roxanne --

    I like your term, stumbling blocks.

    Sometimes when you stumble, you catch yourself before you fall. Other times, you stumble, fall, get yourself up, get going.

    Strong image. Strong message.

    Thanks for sharing!

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  52. HELLO RITA --

    If you decide to take DSDB on-line, be sure and include your line: I have so much junk in the emotional trunk my rear is dragging.

    You enjoy wacky humor too.

    Hope to see you on-line in January!

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  53. HELLO GINGER --

    UBER-KUDOS TO YOU!

    You took DSDB two years ago, and you are still referencing your special NOTEBOOK from that class. Reviewing your STRENGTHS?

    Checking out how you are letting the horse ride you?

    I'm so glad I had the oh-so-fun privilege of meeting you face-to-face in Phoenix, and got to chat one-on-one for three-plus hours with you. Not that I analyzed you, :-), but, I will say I agree with your self-assessment.

    YOU ARE HOLDING BACK.

    HERE'S WHAT GINGER WROTE:

    I don't like to be held back or confined but at times, due to some self-defeating behaviors, I hold myself back. I'm forcing myself to creep when I really want and need to soar. So I have to stop allowing this. :) (see what I mean about a refresher course?)

    GINGER -- Remember these words from DSDB?

    THE TIME IS NOW.

    THE CHANGE IS YOU.

    Ginger -- It's time. NOW.

    Hook up with a Change Coach, review your DSDB lectures, and move your writing career forward.

    Okay?

    You know what you need to do is doable.

    DOABLE!

    Keep me posted. You're on the Margie-cares radar. :-)

    If you need a suggestion for a Change Coache, I know someone who'd be a good match for you.

    GINGER -- I bet you're having a visceral response now!

    Focus on all the good things that could happen for you in 2010!

    Gee -- Aren't you glad you posted?

    BIG HUGS..............Margie

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  54. HELLO LAURIE --

    I'm so pleased that my post, and Helen Keller's quotes, met a special need for you today -- and for your friend too.

    Thanks for letting me know. :-)

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  55. HELLO LINDA C --

    I'm thrilled to see you here! It's been too long since I heard about your writing world. When you have some time (soon!), please fill me in.
    Margie@MargieLawson.com

    Thanks!

    Keep chanting:

    We can do anything we want to if we stick to it long enough.

    You'll persevere until you find your success.

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  56. HELLO ELEYNE --

    Ah, your horse needs a break. I agree. Sometimes our body and mind need to be pampered.

    The ultimate take-care-of-you time: reading a new book from a favorite author.

    Enjoy your pampering time!

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  57. Hi Margie and Kelly --
    Wonderful, inspirational post! I might need to get my DSDB notes out and do a refresher! Two of the quotes spoke to me:

    We can do anything we want to if we stick to it long enough. - I've heard so many successful authors say similar versions of this one.

    When one door of happiness closes, another opens - I'm a big believer in this! When what we think we want doesn't work out, it means the right opportunity is on the way.

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  58. HELLO MIKE!

    I am so glad I got to meet you and your talented daughter, Ivy, at the FWA conference in October.

    Thanks for chiming in and sharing your wisdom.

    We all need reminders. Frequently.

    I put different STAR QUOTES on the wall (logs) in my writing loft to play with my mind -- in a good way.

    I love this quote from WILL ROGERS:

    Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there.

    AND -- MIKE -- I love the quote you wrote too!

    IF YOU GO WRITE, YOU'LL NEVER GO WRONG.
    -----Michael King

    That line should be tattooed on every writer.

    Hmm -- We could have tattoo artists at writer's conferences . . .

    Thanks again!

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  59. HELLO JENNIFER --

    I loved reading your post. So true!

    Your last line grabbed me:

    JENNIFER WROTE:

    The more we allow ourselves to live and try new things the more we will feel fulfilled, thus more doors of happiness will be opened in our lives.

    JENNIFER -- Thank you for taking the time to comment on Kelly's blog.

    ReplyDelete
  60. HELLO VICKIE M --

    Yay! Another DSDB grad!

    Kudos to you for reviewing your DSDB notes, when needed. Very cool!

    Good to see you here. Hope to see you on-line again!

    VICKIE WROTE:

    Hey, Margie. Wonderful blog! I still read through my notes on Self Defeating Behaviors to get back on track. Great class I'd recommend to anyone who hasn't taken it.
    We can do anything we want to if we stick to it long enough. That's my favorite. Another version of nothing is impossible.

    ReplyDelete
  61. HELLO KELLY --

    THANK YOU for having me as your guest blogger today. Great group!

    I hope we get to meet in 2010!

    ReplyDelete
  62. HELLO WALT M --

    Great to see you here too!

    I loved your line:

    I have to visualize my dream of being a writer or I'll never get anywhere.

    Writers should read that message twenty times a day.

    Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  63. HELLO ANNA-FROM-AUSTRALIA --

    Wish I could visit you this year. Maybe in 2011?

    We think alike. Love the way you framed this thought:

    ANNA WROTE:

    When what we think we want doesn't work out, it means the right opportunity is on the way.

    Here's a short take on a similar theme:

    Chin up, power on.

    Thanks for chiming in early in the morning down under. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  64. HELLO EVERYONE!

    I'll announce the WINNERS in the next post.

    FIRST: ANNOUNCEMENTS!

    1. Kelly Stone's second nonfiction book, THINKING WRITE: The Secret to Freeing Your Creative Mind, is a powerful read.

    I interviewed Kelly on my How-to Author Series in September. If you'd like an in-depth preview of THINKING WRITE, drop by my web site and read the interview. The link is on my home page. www.MargieLawson.com

    2. Mark your calendar: Wednesday, Nov. 18th --
    My How-to Author Series features Elizabeth Lyon, author of MANUSCRIPT MAKEOVER.

    Post a comment on my blog on Nov. 18th, and you could win a copy of MANUSCRIPT MAKEOVER from Elizabeth Lyon, or a Lecture Packet from me.

    MY NEXT POST -- ANNOUNCES TWO WINNERS!

    ReplyDelete
  65. WINNERS!

    I DREW TWO LECTURE PACKET WINNERS!

    *****MOLLY EVANS and JENNIFER*****

    Molly and Jennifer, please contact me and let me know which of my six Lecture Packets you would like.

    BONUS WINNER: Beth was the first one to use a rhetorical device in her post -- so she won a Lecture Packet today too.

    BETH -- Please contact me: margie@margielawson.com

    THANK YOU -- THANK YOU -- THANK YOU!

    A BIG THANK YOU TO KELLY STONE!

    AND A BIG THANK YOU to all who posted on Kelly's blog today.

    I HOPE YOU ALL CONTINUE TO TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR MOODS, AND YOUR LIVES.

    HAVE FUN RIDING YOUR HORSES!

    AND -- HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

    ReplyDelete
  66. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to leave a comment today, CONGRATS to all the winners, and thank you Margie for a fantastic post!

    Happy Writing!
    Kelly

    ReplyDelete
  67. What every writer always should have in mind: "We can do anything we want toif we stick to it long enough."
    Since three years I'm MLing during nanowrimo and I'm always shocked by wordcounts that stop at some hundreds words. This year I have someone, whos wordcount stopped at 13 words. How can someone experience anything, if he/she gives up after 13 words?
    For most things, people accept that it takes time to accomplish. But on writing, people seem to forget about it; have no patience with themselves. I never stop wondering why

    ReplyDelete