tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post8087740155165545836..comments2024-03-28T13:35:16.194-04:00Comments on Author, Jody Hedlund: Struggling With Feelings of FailureJody Hedlundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-21102539211385130092011-10-11T07:04:08.167-04:002011-10-11T07:04:08.167-04:00Interesting post. Thanks for the share.
Bot and m...Interesting post. Thanks for the share.<br /><a href="http://www.botandme.com" rel="nofollow"> Bot and me</a>|Super Bowl Commercials 2012http://www.superbowlcommercials2012.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-37586363401148826042010-06-20T09:16:49.897-04:002010-06-20T09:16:49.897-04:00Great post and so applicable to just about everyon...Great post and so applicable to just about everyone<br /><a href="http://www.admaya.in" rel="nofollow"> Contextual Ad Network India </a>prashanthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04583385332262124749noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-3491103515216223362010-06-19T18:01:02.656-04:002010-06-19T18:01:02.656-04:00Aside from the overwhelming craving to create, the...Aside from the overwhelming craving to create, the other thing we all have in common is the periodic overwhelming sense of failure. It's a cycle. It happens. It comes. It goes.<br /><br />http://mimmp.wordpress.com/2010/06/13/circling-the-drainpipe/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-28367375116955958592010-06-15T22:31:35.426-04:002010-06-15T22:31:35.426-04:00Letting go of perfect.Letting go of perfect.Mary Aalgaardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08051735579638637382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-18000980458622252102010-06-15T22:16:05.460-04:002010-06-15T22:16:05.460-04:00Celebrating our successes is so important to comba...Celebrating our successes is so important to combat feelings of failure. Daily writing three things I did right the previous day, even if it's just making a great cup of coffee, helps keep me feeling okay. It's sad that we tend to concentrate more on what we didn't do, rather than what we DID do.<br />Nice post, Jody!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-58102942948798019652010-06-15T14:11:07.952-04:002010-06-15T14:11:07.952-04:00It's interesting timing for me reading this to...It's interesting timing for me reading this today. I just received the latest in a series of rejections of pieces submitted to journals. This one is the hardest because I felt like my work was a good fit and was pretty sure I'd be accepted. Today's also the last day of school, my first year of not being a teacher - so I'm struggling with feeling like I've failed with what I set out to accomplish as a writer this year. I know the answer is to adjust the definition of success, but sometimes nothing works until the pain subsides.Deb Shuckahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03439395710731341021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-33841709619300163282010-06-15T11:33:24.955-04:002010-06-15T11:33:24.955-04:00Um, yeah. Every day. The responsibilities snowball...Um, yeah. Every day. The responsibilities snowball, but the hours do not expand. I agree with you that our children aren't always going to love our writing--but that's okay! They can still respect what we do.<br /><br />Thanks for this, Jody!Jill Kemererhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07865493609868329393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-8096602675970431102010-06-15T10:44:02.871-04:002010-06-15T10:44:02.871-04:00Thank you Jody! Your tips are all ones that I use ...Thank you Jody! Your tips are all ones that I use to ensure that I stay somehow on the right track between all my adventures: writing, family, Sunday School teacher, etc. <br /><br />Just yesterday my youngest daughter and I had a conversation about the time I spend writing versus spending time with her. It is a struggle, and one of the reasons I try to write early in the morning. <br /><br />However, I know that I am a better mom when I get my writing in. When I don't write, I get a little crabby. All moms have their "sanity savers." My mom is a gardener, and I was a bit jealous of her plants from time to time growing up. Now, I appreciate her garden more.Tyrean Martinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15356604721537744361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-33244977050711592212010-06-14T23:02:16.446-04:002010-06-14T23:02:16.446-04:00I used to hear 'I hate that you write once in ...I used to hear 'I hate that you write once in a while from my daughter then I decided we needed to have a co-venture and we dreamed up a series for girls her age. I let her write it and it's her baby. It keeps her busy when I need to write my 'grown up' books. ;) I agree with sharing in all the triumphs no matter how small. It's important they see how hard climbing this mountain really is, and to feel the victories along the way.Tanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10518718614911804428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-42040143464208112792010-06-14T22:59:13.338-04:002010-06-14T22:59:13.338-04:00I am a "Mr. Mom," and I try my very best...I am a "Mr. Mom," and I try my very best to divide my writing and child raising responsibilities. I find that involving them in the process helps - and when that's not possible (often), I try to accommodate their sleeping schedule, and maximize our family time as best I can. The very fact that you recognize the impact your writing has is an indication that you care - which in all probability means you're already doing a fantastic job. Thanks for sharing.Café Lopezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00356527115662788903noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-40276356947172726912010-06-14T22:28:11.812-04:002010-06-14T22:28:11.812-04:00Wow! I think you're doing an amazing job in ke...Wow! I think you're doing an amazing job in keeping your focus on both your family and your own needs. It means a LOT to kids, over the long run, when they can be proud of their Mom's accomplishments. It may not come right away, but it will come. I wish I had been as balanced as you are, when my kids were young. Great post!Katie Johnsonhttp://katiejohnsonwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-22593350048050309702010-06-14T20:03:21.181-04:002010-06-14T20:03:21.181-04:00Hi Jody -
Are you getting enough sleep? I find wh...Hi Jody -<br /><br />Are you getting enough sleep? I find when I'm sleep deprived these feelings hit hard. <br /><br />I don't have children, but my family and friends sometimes don't appreciate my long hours at the computer. I carve out a couple of hours each day to see my Mom and devote most of the weekend to her.<br /><br />Blessings,<br />Susan :)Susan J. Reinhardthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07461276857852409546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-48582698217723316752010-06-14T19:46:55.642-04:002010-06-14T19:46:55.642-04:00What a timely post for me. I'm always trying t...What a timely post for me. I'm always trying to deal with the low end of the see-saw when it comes to writing. <br />It's nice to meet you! I just found your blog today and I'm following!Lydia Kanghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00484415427764822386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-32087578231264936992010-06-14T18:30:50.593-04:002010-06-14T18:30:50.593-04:00I do fail. Regularly. That's the big fat truth...I do fail. Regularly. That's the big fat truth I can't really get around. It's why I so desperately need Jesus. <br /><br />I love that he is perfect and that he is partnering with me and causing all things to work together for those who love him. How would I bear it without this? <br /><br />I do need to work hard at keeping my focus on the next thing and on his complete sufficiency. That keeps me in the best place emotionally. I think God isn't as interested in our performance -- in our ability to keep up with it all as we imagine that he is. I think he's more focused on how we are interacting with him and others. Hard to measure qualities like compassion, humility, honesty, and selflessness are very important. <br /><br />Not that he doesn't care about the rest. He cares because he loves us so intensely and all that touches us is under his consideration. <br /><br />The biggest factor in my ability to cope is my understanding of this -- how much I am loved.Cassandra Frearhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16564236561567663914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-46275871315615401492010-06-14T17:42:06.559-04:002010-06-14T17:42:06.559-04:00GREAT post, Jody.
I think God is SOOO good! Almost...GREAT post, Jody.<br />I think God is SOOO good! Almost ALL of your posts lately have been exactly what I need, right when I need it.<br />Thanks for being willing to listen, and follow God's prodding.<br /><br />I have to remind myself that I'm a mommy first.<br />I'll always be a writer, wether it's in a tattered notebook with an unsharpened pencil, or on my laptop in the peace and quiet of my writing hour, but right now, my mommyhood takes first place.<br />If someone cries, I have to tear myself away from writing to solve problems...which is ver often hard, but necessary.<br />I'm a mommy.<br /><br />I'm doing this for God.<br />He's not going to take my talen away, becuase I'm still using it even if I'm not writing my stories.<br />I'm using it for our church for His glory.<br /><br />I'm a wifey.<br />My husband needs me to kiss him when I see him. I need to know he knows I love him and respect him.<br /><br />No matter where I am, I'll always write, but I know other things are more important right now.<br /><br />Thanks for the reminder, AND for the incredible encouragment :DKelly Freestonehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10212826771270227641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-8023162776318352552010-06-14T17:18:21.089-04:002010-06-14T17:18:21.089-04:00God has really helped me break this old enemy. Wit...God has really helped me break this old enemy. With Him at the helm, it's kinda silly to see things as a failure!<br /><br />That old Audience of One again...<br /><br />Great post!<br />Pattipattihttp://www.pattilacy.com/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-43262882693293921702010-06-14T16:43:55.676-04:002010-06-14T16:43:55.676-04:00Yes, I have, many times. To shake it off and gain ...Yes, I have, many times. To shake it off and gain perspective, I use many of the things that you shared. I realize too, that it's not all about me, and I try and think in terms of the big picture and what the Lord has called me to do.<br />Blessings to you and your readers,<br />Karen :)Karen Langehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177923284595298347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-10085030225257277622010-06-14T16:30:07.376-04:002010-06-14T16:30:07.376-04:00I've definitely experienced moments of feeling...I've definitely experienced moments of feeling like a failure--and a lot of those feelings didn't come on until I started writing. I think your points about re-evaluating and keeping perspective are the most important. What works for one person isn't going to work for another and sometimes it's hard to even realize what's going right or wrong until you stop to take a breath and see where life has taken you. Have a great day, Jody!Cindy R. Wilsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13488732331021750408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-77234092740828369192010-06-14T16:24:02.682-04:002010-06-14T16:24:02.682-04:00My son, 13, is also uncomfortable seeing me spend ...My son, 13, is also uncomfortable seeing me spend so much time writing. <br /><br />It's only been the past year or so that I've really ramped up my effort, so he hasn't grown up seeing me be anything other than the old momma, either. Sometimes he'll get really frustrated with me because I'm not cleaning or otherwise doing appropriate 'momma things'. <br /><br />My response is not always ideal because sometimes it makes me angry, because I am already feeling guilty for letting the housekeeping slide so much. But I can only do so much and writing is one of the important things right now. More important than washing dishes. <br /><br />He's the youngest and the other two are much more understanding of my new role as 'writer momma'. <br /><br />It's hard sometimes.Madison Woodshttp://madisonwoods.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-47432780353169215832010-06-14T15:40:25.677-04:002010-06-14T15:40:25.677-04:00Oh, that's easy for you to say! :-)
A sense o...Oh, that's easy for you to say! :-)<br /><br />A sense of self worth and thinking that anything I do is not failure allude me...<br /><br />but this is a great encouragement.<br /><br />Thank you!Peter Phttp://blog.hafchurch.org/peternoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-32909693837370510722010-06-14T15:18:00.840-04:002010-06-14T15:18:00.840-04:00For me, it really helps to have at least one perso...For me, it really helps to have at least one person who will always say positive things about whatever I'm trying to do. That way, when I feel overwhelmed, I know I can call this certain friend and she'll tell me I'm awesome and actually make me believe it.Karen M. Petersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06972093977468313631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-23334203751860412742010-06-14T15:04:51.989-04:002010-06-14T15:04:51.989-04:00Oh, yes... a sense of failure! It's the devil&...Oh, yes... a sense of failure! It's the devil's favourite tool and he's chased me with it many times. Feeling and knowing come from different places -- one from the heart and one from the mind. Sometimes we let emotions tug us around until we can't reason our way back to the truth.<br /><br />I like what J.K. Rowling once said about failure... that the only way not to fail is to never try in the first place, and then "you've failed by default" anyway. <br /><br />I try to put failure in perspective and say it's just a pebble on the path. If I stub my toe I'm allowed to mutter a bit but then I have to keep going in order to complete the journey.Carol J. Garvinhttp://careann.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-12146570804616684512010-06-14T14:17:29.747-04:002010-06-14T14:17:29.747-04:00Yes, at times it feels like failure to be on this ...Yes, at times it feels like failure to be on this extended writing break. But my reasons are good ones and I know I'll get back to it when the baby allows me to get more things done during the day.Lillian Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13488638666900705015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-54493919431760183162010-06-14T13:54:15.723-04:002010-06-14T13:54:15.723-04:00Oh Jody, I failed. I failed to keep hold of ME. I ...Oh Jody, I failed. I failed to keep hold of ME. I had a breakdown, trying to do it all. I went through days without something for me.<br /> <br />My counsellor told me to get my poetry and stories, out of my system and find me again. So I did, I asked the children and DH for more help. Now my three adults can cook, iron and do any job thrown at them. They did not suffer, they gained life experience. <br /><br />My advice, is to keep writing. To never stop. Keep hold of you. Do not feel guilty, you are an individual as well as wife and mother.<br /><br />Gosh, sorry about the comment, sounds like a nag. LOLGlynis Peters https://www.blogger.com/profile/01175378917872403609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-41628904555033025882010-06-14T13:30:24.548-04:002010-06-14T13:30:24.548-04:00Sometimes I ask myself the question: "Is ther...Sometimes I ask myself the question: "Is there something better I could be doing right now." Lots of times that will shake me out of my waste of time activity and get going.<br /><br />I had a post today about trying to do it all and I think you really need to set your priorities because lately I've been feeling like if I can't do it all then I can't do anything.Pattihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00685341739870191402noreply@blogger.com