Go For It!
As a writer of romantic suspense and small-town contemporary novels, I often think about my characters and their struggle to find happiness while in difficult situations. Being positive can be elusive, but they search for the inner strength to continue toward their goals. In other words, they go for it.
I sometimes have the hero or heroine remember a positive quote that gives them the needed courage to carry on. In Her Country Heart Sierra Creek Book One, I used the quote: Look for the brighter side of life. In Dangerous Web, the heroine recalls her mother telling her, “When you are given lemons, make lemonade.”
My love of quotations came from my mother. An avid reader, she rarely read fiction but loved biographies. Her interest was in learning how people who were tested by life’s challenges found the ability to carry on. A history buff, she read the lives of famous people who had particular stresses. She was especially amazed by Helen Keller. Quote: Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.
When I was a kid, my mom found optimistic quotes for various situations that I might encounter growing up. We made a collage with those sayings for my bedroom wall. Every morning I’d wake up and read one. At eleven, I had a serious illness and found the adages helpful while I recovered. When I was older, I added to the montage.
I’m grateful for Mom’s lead and I have tried to pass on a positive point of view to my children.
At some time in our lives, we all will be forced to deal with situations beyond our control and finding a positive thought could be valuable. Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
“It is darkest before the dawn.” Thomas Fuller
“It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.” Vince Lombardi, football coach
“Happiness is enjoying the little things in life.”
“Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out.” Robert Collier Author
“A good laugh is sunshine in the house.” William Makepeace Thackery
“You don’t know how far you can fly until you spread your wings.”
And of course, “Go for it!”
Do you have a favorite adage? Perhaps there is one that assisted you in a time of need or one that made you laugh when you needed a lift. If so, please share it in the comments or just say hi.
Thanks,
Reggi.😊
Word by Word 
Hey, Reggi. Okay, let’s just begin with the awesome pic of the pup leaping into the lake. How super is that! My mother and your mother would’ve gotten along. Mom was all about affirmations, too. I don’t do them as much as she did, but I do believe in them. When I was at my darkest in my writing career, pre-pubbed and wondering whether to just chuck it, I hit on this statement. Keep on, keeping on. I was president of my writing chapter and each month my post was on that idea. It was like I was willing myself to not give up. 8 books later, I’d say it worked. We are sometimes our own worst enemy. Especially as women. We need to find ways to love ourselves the way we are right now. Thanks for a great post. I’ve shared.
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Hi, Reggi. I tend to like the quotes that promise hope: The darkest hour is just before dawn; When God closes a door, he opens a window. But my favourite – because it’s just so empowering – is: The glass may be half empty, but you can always refill it! Best possible take on the classic half-full / half-empty dichotomy. My glass is seriously full today; hope yours is too!
LizAnn
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Hi LizAnn, Thanks for stopping by! I’m pleased you reminded me of the glass half empty or half full. I have tried to be a glass half full type of person. So good to hear yours is full today! Love the idea that we can always refill it!!
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Hi Marsha, thanks for the comments and for sharing. The dog is Lawrence, the sweetest golden lab ever! It is so true that as women and as writers, we need to find ways affirm each other and our goals.
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I’m amazed its a “real” pic. I thought you’d just found it somewhere. It’s so perfect. Go, Lawrence and go. Reggi! 🙂
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A wonderful blog! My fav is from the movie “Strictly Ballroom” (readers-watch this hilarious satire on the ballroom competition)–“a life lived in fear is a life half-lived.”
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Hi Vicki, what a great line! I’ll have to revisit that movie. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
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My mother stressed that “Every Ending is a New Beginning.” Recalling that has helped me through many losses.
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Hi Anna, I had never heard this one. Love it! Thanks! Glad you could stop by. 🙂
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One of favorite quotes is “Behold the turtle, she only makes progress when she sticks her neck out”
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Hi Reggi, I enjoyed your blog. Here’s one adage I just used in the current book I’m writing
If you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re right. — Henry Ford. Kind of fits with the ones you’ve mentioned. 🙂 Keep up the good work, Best, Sylvie
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A good one, Sylvie! Thanks for taking the time to stop by. 🙂
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One of my favorite quotes is “Beware of the turtle, she never makes progress unless she sticks her neck out” author unknown
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Hi Jen, thanks for the great quote. I had forgotten this one. I will use it. Glad you came by! 🙂
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I love your dog picture. It makes me feel as if I’m at the lake with family. A good quote cheers you up, inspires or encourages. Or, in this case, to have some chocolate. Money doesn’t by happiness – buy it buys chocolate and that’s almost the same thing.
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Thanks, this photo is favorite of mine. So true, Pat, money will never bring happiness– but a bit of chocolate at the right moment… 🙂 Thanks for the comments.
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Lawrence looks like he’s having fun, lol. I read quotes but don’t remember them until I see them somewhere again 🙂
These are all great. Mine is from the world’s favorite bear, Winnie the Pooh: “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” And “Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.”
Great post, Reggi, I’ve shared.
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Hi Jacquie,thank you for sharing and commenting! Lawrence is a real water lover and is always ready to go for it. BTW, the Winnie the Pooh quote is wonderful! 🙂
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