Some people are constantly upbeat. Whatever is happening around them, they seem able to stay positive and cheerful through it all. But for many of us, our emotions can often easily spiral down into gloominess and negativity.
Recently, I received some encouraging news about my latest non-fiction manuscript. A Christian publishing company based overseas advised me they would be delighted to offer me a contract and will publish the book early next year. Because this is my tenth book, I am well aware of issues to be encountered in the publishing journey, so, instead of celebrating and being thankful to God, my mind immediately took the negative path. What will this publisher be like to work with? Will they want to change things too much? How well will they distribute my book? I began to question myself too. Have they made a big mistake? How will I sell the thousands of copies they no doubt expect me to sell?
I have overcome this negative slump now—well, mostly anyway! But around this time, I happened to visit my hairdresser. She asked me how my writing was going and, when I told her about my contract, was immediately super-enthusiastic.
‘Well, that’s wonderful! What’s the book about? … Wow, I reckon you’re on a winner there. It’s something we all should think about—I’ll buy a copy, for sure!’
That same morning, I also ran into a lady I had not seen for some time who I knew had had serious health issues. She is well into her nineties and uses a walker to make her way round but she seemed so bright and alert. Before I could say anything, she too plied me with questions about my writing and speaking and was so excited to hear my news.
‘But how are you going?’ I finally managed to ask her.
‘Oh, I’m riddled with cancer—I have it all over my body!’ she told me in a matter-of-fact way. ‘That includes my head, but somehow this old brain still seems to work. I can’t sing anymore, even though I used to sing everywhere and win awards, but I can still talk and think!’
I was staggered at the positive attitude that exuded from her. After talking with me, she went on to chat and joke with others nearby, making her way along like an inquisitive, little bird. Yes, such positivity can be fake and gratingly shallow at times, but this lady’s seemed so genuine and deep. What a challenge to me when I had so little to complain about and, instead, so much to celebrate!
Sometimes we may need help from others when we go through dark, depressing periods. Yet, as far as my negativity is concerned, I know I need to focus on all I have in God instead and remember how blessed I am. This past week, I read a section in Isaiah where he declares to the surrounding nations that their attempts to conquer God’s people will come to nothing.
Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us. Isaiah 8:10
God is with us. God is with us! What more do I need to know to be at peace and to approach life in a much more positive, gratitude-filled way?
It can be disconcerting at times to discover certain literary ‘masterpieces’ on my laptop that I wrote over ten years ago now! My style has changed markedly since I began my writing journey in earnest in 2004, as has the style of novels publishers and bookstores want. So when two people asked me recently about my earlier novels that are no longer available for purchase, I almost baulked at lending them my own copies, because I find it hard to open them without wanting to change things and edit out more than a few words! I also own recorded versions of these novels produced by CBM Australia and narrated by well-known Australian actors, yet I cannot bear to listen to them because I know I would want to change far too much.
Jo-Anne Berthelsen's Blog 