tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post246375093106056189..comments2024-03-28T03:02:16.508-04:00Comments on Author, Jody Hedlund: Running Our Races & Becoming WinnersJody Hedlundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-41500244193089024472014-12-30T02:44:21.495-05:002014-12-30T02:44:21.495-05:00Dear Jody,
Today when I knew I needed encouragem...Dear Jody, <br /><br />Today when I knew I needed encouragement I came here. <br />After browsing and reading several wonderful posts I found this one. <br /><br />Having read your blog for 2 years I'm sure I read this before but it struck home for me tonight in a powerful way.<br /><br />It was EXACTLY what I needed to read. <br /><br />Right now I'm making plans for next year, goals and strategies to reach them, and feeling maybe, I'm spending too much time on me?<br /><br />I was falling into the trap.<br /><br />Thank you for writing this article - for taking the time to write this blog in the midst of your abundantly busy life. <br /><br />God Bless and Happy New Year.<br />MaryAnna RoseAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-2578341906933242282011-02-12T10:16:19.903-05:002011-02-12T10:16:19.903-05:00After completing 2 manuscripts back in the 70'...After completing 2 manuscripts back in the 70's, I placed the cover on my typewriter & dreams to focus on my husband & 2 children. Don't regret it. But now, 30 years later, the publishing world is a whole new ballgame & requires even more time & energy. My word to moms: pursue your dreams but don't leave your family behind. Balance is hard, but is the key. I have a whole lot more to say about that, but not here. Oceans of blessings!Sharon Leafhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06978865777304361936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-25385615955902686182011-02-10T14:20:58.520-05:002011-02-10T14:20:58.520-05:00Hi MizB! I didn't realize that's what Kath...Hi MizB! I didn't realize that's what Kathi's book is about! I'll have to pick up a copy. Thank you!Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-45693625153323378802011-02-10T12:07:36.712-05:002011-02-10T12:07:36.712-05:00This is very much like what the book I'm curre...This is very much like what the book I'm currently reading is all about: "<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Me-Project-Living-Always-Wanted/dp/0736929665/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1297357629&sr=1-1" rel="nofollow">The ME Project</a>" by Kathi Lipp (<i>a Christian book about pursuing your God-given goals/dreams... taking the time NOW to invest in yourself and your passions</i>). <br /><br />It's a good reminder not to feel guilty for doing something for ourselves, once in a while... and a good reminder, too, that God put these desires in our hearts (for a reason!). ;)<br /><br />~MizBMizBhttp://heavenrules.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-73946117474425732552011-02-10T00:21:48.826-05:002011-02-10T00:21:48.826-05:00If only I had the secret formula. Split my body in...If only I had the secret formula. Split my body in two perhaps? I identify with Mrs. Tweedy because she has found herself again. I felt like a shell of a person before I found myself as a writer. I look back and think that I must have been a robot to my kids. <br /><br />My passion for writing has made me feel complete. More true to myself. And for that, I have no regrets. Sure, time is already fleeting with our children before they are grown and gone, but what great role models we can be for our children! I think the key is balance and setting limits, both in our writing as well as how much we give to our families. Self-denial can fester and resentment sets in before we know what hit. <br /><br />I think it is like the weight balance. If we put too much energy on one side or the other, we feel off-kilter. With a little trial and error, I think eventually you find just the right weight (time and effort) to give to family vs. writing. <br /><br />Great thoughts, Jody!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-86346342200027159122011-02-09T21:12:22.458-05:002011-02-09T21:12:22.458-05:00Hi Linsey! Glad you stopped by too! We definitely ...Hi Linsey! Glad you stopped by too! We definitely go through seasons. I know I had a season of NOT writing. And it was really good for me. But I'm back in the season of writing and I know it's right for the time-being, even if it isn't always easy to juggle everything.Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-86486658388131582122011-02-09T18:08:44.481-05:002011-02-09T18:08:44.481-05:00I so enjoyed your post (came over from "Chatt...I so enjoyed your post (came over from "Chatting At The Sky"). So encouraging to read such transparent thoughts on pursuing the gifts God's given you alongside motherhood/family. <br /><br />I announced a hard decision on my blog last week because I was beginning to feel the strain of trying to be everything to everyone. I'll absolutely pursue my gifts again, but decided I need a little break form the business (card and stationery design). I'd love to become better at balancing work and family together, but for now, seasons feel right for me.<br /><br />We watched Secretariat last weekend and loved it! What a woman! Though I did feel sad that she didn't have her husband's support the way you and I have our husband's full support. We are blessed!<br /><br />So glad I stopped by...<br />LinseyBravehearted Beauty {formerly LLH Designs}https://www.blogger.com/profile/04065147598634454504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-44346844449841126662011-02-09T14:29:51.005-05:002011-02-09T14:29:51.005-05:00Hi Amy,
Thanks for bouncing over! :-)Hi Amy,<br />Thanks for bouncing over! :-)Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-38957022028765826782011-02-09T13:46:03.815-05:002011-02-09T13:46:03.815-05:00Bounced over from Chatting at the Sky.
No, "...Bounced over from Chatting at the Sky.<br /><br />No, "The passions aren’t mutually exclusive". I like your message her.Amy Sullivanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03571083038560430815noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-20935188659330697942011-02-08T17:51:32.257-05:002011-02-08T17:51:32.257-05:00Thank you for this post. You spoke the absolute tr...Thank you for this post. You spoke the absolute truth. So many women struggle with their identies when it comes to that "naggin voice". You sacrifice yourself in order to provide the best for your family. Though you love doing this for your family, one needs to remember about themselves and their needs/happiness. If I run down from exhaustion or not being happy that I can't do anything for myself, I won't be there 100% mentally in support of my family role.My Adventurous Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15750449492527198976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-46720921506765830062011-02-06T09:51:12.252-05:002011-02-06T09:51:12.252-05:00Oh yes, this is a struggle that I know well, and I...Oh yes, this is a struggle that I know well, and I'm sure that this post rang true to many of us. What was especially meaningful to me was your argument about passing on the vision. I'm raising two daughters and I think it's important for them to see that a woman can do what has to be done (work a full time job to put food on the table, especially when your spouse is unemployed for over 2 years) all while following your dream (writing and (hopefully!) publishing). There's a combination of practicality and vision for a different future in there that I hope they've seen. It's all about balance and keeping all the balls in the air, and while it's difficult, I think that most of us are successful most of the time. And that allows the odd dropped ball to forgiven.Jen J. Dannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00817943866838270699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-27188952984625120982011-02-06T00:05:35.733-05:002011-02-06T00:05:35.733-05:00Yes! I've certainly pondered this. And felt gu...Yes! I've certainly pondered this. And felt guilty. And actually quit writing for 9 years while I was a single mom. <br /><br />But I think you're right--we can also be a good example to our family and children, of working hard toward our goals, developing our skills, and doing things that make ourselves happy. It's not ALL about self-sacrifice. As long as we don't totally exclude or ignore our life relationships, we won't fall into the trap of selfishness.Carol Riggshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14092209912983783974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-18640576730729025662011-02-05T15:16:22.969-05:002011-02-05T15:16:22.969-05:00I admire any woman who can still write while takin...I admire any woman who can still write while taking care of a family. I am still single but find it hard to cope with a stressful full-time job and my ambitions to write. <br /><br />My family does give me a lot of grief because I run off to write every spare chance I get, but it doesn't mean that I love them any less. Writing is the one thing that helps me stay sane in this crazy world and I try my hardest everyday to remind them of that fact.Murees Dupèhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11781339206465690961noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-90690543651952733762011-02-05T14:15:17.159-05:002011-02-05T14:15:17.159-05:00Family is the driving force behind everything I pu...Family is the driving force behind everything I put my hands to. Writing feels like its all mine- a part of me that I can keep all for myself. We all need an identity and place to express who we are.<br />My family is happy to watch me flourish from my passion, and I hope one day my children will apply the same principle to their dreams!Tamika:https://www.blogger.com/profile/04874834971492028558noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-56555423947919642172011-02-05T12:18:12.390-05:002011-02-05T12:18:12.390-05:00Nagging voices don't just come from inside - m...Nagging voices don't just come from inside - my mother was raised to believe that home and family is a woman's be all and end all - and I find myself struggling not just against personal guilt but what she piles on me as well.Misahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14078445234042437694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-29069524692317554542011-02-05T12:06:29.629-05:002011-02-05T12:06:29.629-05:00Jody- This post made me tear up. I love the exampl...Jody- This post made me tear up. I love the example from Secretariat because even though she was absent, she still taught them a great lesson in the end.<br /><br />As a fledgling writer (two completed novels and querying) I wonder if all the time is worth it. I LOVE writing and learning the business, but I struggle with the value of it if it does not help support my family financially. There is the hope. <br /><br />Thanks for another thought provoking post.Brigetta Schwaigerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15160073455357316887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-37941474628528127062011-02-05T11:25:38.112-05:002011-02-05T11:25:38.112-05:00Our kids will gladly take 24 hours of our day if w...Our kids will gladly take 24 hours of our day if we let them! <br /><br />I used to feel guilty even before I started writing. There's always something to feel guilty about as a mother. <br /><br />We can only do our best to carve out ample writing time and ample family time. It isn't easy.Jill Kemererhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07865493609868329393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-18825666581297654512011-02-05T10:44:01.615-05:002011-02-05T10:44:01.615-05:00I put up a ranting post about this subject awhile ...I put up a ranting post about this subject awhile ago, along the same lines. I was mostly talking about feeling pressured to have more children, when I really only want the one I have. This was the kernel of it all, though, and I want to thank you for saying it so beautifully. I've had a very hard time figuring out if I keep going with my career. The conclusion you have come to is the conclusion I finally came to - we can follow our dreams and still be there for our family. In the end, it's better if we do.Michelle D. Argylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09696465137285587646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-35501694186246988122011-02-05T00:33:55.596-05:002011-02-05T00:33:55.596-05:00There will always be differing opinions about what...There will always be differing opinions about what constitutes 'balance' in our lives. And among Christian writers the differences will teeter on individual interpretations of scripture. Unlike ancient women who were overshadowed by a patriarchal society, in today’s western culture women are given the freedom to use their abilities in home and/or business. <br /><br />But, while God gives us free choice, we have to remember that it is accompanied by responsibilities. Women can choose to be homemakers, or business women, or both. Some of us can balance the responsibilities of both quite well, while others can’t, and I don’t believe anyone can tell another what to do. If we’ve sought God’s guidance about using a talent we believe he’s given us, and we continue returning to him for strength as we undertake our chosen work, I think he will help us with the balancing act.<br /><br />If, on the other hand, we desire to pursue a long-held dream without the assurance that it is indeed making use of a God-given talent, or without his blessing, we could end up overwhelmed by a life stressed and out of balance.<br /><br />The key has to be in taking the time to regularly consult with God and, Jody, I have no doubt you do that. I’ve said before that I’m convinced your writing is a special kind of ministry. Give that guilt back to the devil and let God lead you.<br /><br /><i>(Sorry for the long lecture! Can you tell I feel strongly about the subject?</i>Carol J. Garvinhttp://careann.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-64733122624633432362011-02-04T23:00:32.884-05:002011-02-04T23:00:32.884-05:00Well, if you've already succeeded in getting p...Well, if you've already succeeded in getting published in this difficult industry, then you already know the answer to this question.Cathy Keatonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18356112948372149785noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-12553909369973313212011-02-04T21:07:58.220-05:002011-02-04T21:07:58.220-05:00Mrs. Tweedy is my newest hero. I loved Diane lane&...Mrs. Tweedy is my newest hero. I loved Diane lane's portrayal of her in Secretariat. I also saw parallels between a writer pursuing her dream and mrs tweedy pursuing her dream with secretariat and her father's farm. I loved that movie!!Heather Sunserihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12552506888985553471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-76456850517056748212011-02-04T20:42:15.867-05:002011-02-04T20:42:15.867-05:00Balance is really the key. When I find myself feel...Balance is really the key. When I find myself feeling guilty, which is often, I remember I'm raising three girls. I don't want them to give up who they are for their family ever. I want them to have it all. If I show them that taking care of myself and doing what I love is important too, hopefully they'll do the same when they're older.Jessica Annehttp://adventureswiththreegirls.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-86753892394104156662011-02-04T18:49:49.522-05:002011-02-04T18:49:49.522-05:00Jody, I didn't think I really had anything to ...Jody, I didn't think I really had anything to add to this conversation because you said it all so well, but in reading through the comments I realized I did have something to say.<br /><br />I think it's important for the health of the family for everyone to have work that inspires them. My mother didn't. She was of the generation that was expected to give up her career (nursing) in order to raise a family. As a result, you could almost say she was over-invested in the minutiae of our lives. That was great when we were young, but it made it harder to develop independently as we grew older.<br /><br />I see something similar in my students. Those who have parents who do everything for them, are often the ones who get lost when they have to fend for themselves in school. <br /><br />I think you're absolutely right that balance is key, but I also think you're delivering an important message about work and dreams but also about reality and sacrifice. That's so important.Mary Curryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04173540875518117671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-9541855656349218592011-02-04T18:24:47.938-05:002011-02-04T18:24:47.938-05:00I constantly struggle with this. But through lots ...I constantly struggle with this. But through lots of prayer I have at times scaled back on my writing when I knew God was guiding me in another direction. And then at some point the doors open wide again and I can tackle my writing full force. For me, this is my compromise. And I think it is good for our children to see us pursuing our dreams.Karahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03925811510913201292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-914840134917880822011-02-04T14:57:42.182-05:002011-02-04T14:57:42.182-05:00I believe at this time in my life the Lord has ope...I believe at this time in my life the Lord has opened the gate and given me the freedom to run after my dreams. Anything prior may not have worked so well. I say, cheers to the running years. I'm glad to be here.Tanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10518718614911804428noreply@blogger.com