Thursday, April 30, 2009


One of my favorite bloggers, A Free Spirit Butterfly, had a haiku contest a few weeks ago. I was lucky enough to be one of the winners. As a prize I was sent a box of goodies. I love getting gifts! It was fun opening the box because I kept pulling things out. She sent me a journal, photo album, refrigerator magnet, aromatherapy shower gel, notecards, and a plaque that I hung in my bathroom. The plaque said, "What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?"

I was thinking about that question today and asked a couple of people. They both said they would rob a bank. I had to laugh. When I first saw the question my answer was easy and immediate. I didn't even think about money. I thought about my passion. I would love to quit my "job" and write books for a living. It's a dream that i've had for some time. Those who go out on limbs and dive into what they want to do without worrying about bills and such really impress me. Oh, how I wish I could take that leap. The thing is, i'm all about security. It relieves me to know that my bills are paid. My mind needs to be at ease.

In the past I would start writing books and short stories and never finish. I'd be into it for a little while and just stop writing out of the blue. All of my old notebooks are in storage. I don't really read through them, but I will never throw them away. They're an important part of my journey. The book I wrote would not have been possible without all of the test runs. When I started writing this time I was determined to finish.

I loved the time I spent writing my book. I carried my spiral notebooks with me everywhere and wrote whenever I had the chance. It was a wonderful experience. I felt like a writer. I've always known that I was born to put pen to paper, but I FELT it more than ever while writing this book. My adrenaline flowed every time my pen touched those pages. I can only imagine how happy I would be if it was my career.

No matter what happens as far as sales go, I am already successful. I wrote a book and nothing can change that. If I sell one or one million copies, I accomplished something and it feels so good. It's wonderful to know what that thing is that makes you happy, that thing that makes you feel complete. I know that I was put on this earth to write.

If I think about that question again, I may have to change my answer because as long as i'm writing I can never fail.

7 comments:

Standing Able said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Standing Able said...

I love that quote and some time back I posted it and asked that question.

I think we all would do what we are all passionate about but like you Tammy I need the security.

I'm just waiting on my one day!

Love Ya Girl,
Stacye

Solomon said...

I love your answer. I would want to do something that could help as many people as possible, something that I could truely make a difference at.

Rob a bank, that is funny! I don't know how anyone could get true enjoyment from that.

CareyCarey said...

I've robbed a bank so lets move on.

I love questions that make us think. As I've grown through my struggles, I've learned not to make my move to soon. I'll have to think long and hard about this one because I have a friend that is my pray mentor (and more) and she always reminds me to "call those things that are not, as if they are".

One of the hardest things to do in life is to find something that give us lasting joy and pleasure. Most things only give us temparary pleasure (even to some degree our spouses * whole new issue*) yet, to find a true passion in life that doesn't cause hardships for oneself and/or loved ones ....is very elusive.

I believe I know how I would answer this question but I'll wait for others to reply.

Standing Able said...

Hey, just wanted to stop back over and say HELLO!

I pray that all is well.

A Free Spirit Butterfly said...

Love your passion for writing, which lead you to blogging. I like you am already successful because I have written a book. I know for sure my dad would buy the 1st copy. (smile) I would love to quit and write for a magazine or news paper. But in the big scheme of things, I would love to care for the seniors in and around the community. I have 2 senior friends that are struggling and lonely and I often think, "will that be me one day?"

Have you checked into IUniverse? I know two friends who have published through them. I'm really not ready to put mine out just yet, I keep editing.... But my dad said that he would help in any way that he could, which I think scared me.

Love ya.
Free spirit!

SLC said...

Security. As a father I'm sometime (maybe all the time) paranoid about failing my family. I'm named after my father but don't want to repeat any of his mistakes in pursuing my dream. Eventually I know I'm going to have to shake those feelings and take a major leap of faith.