Shutting Up the Negative Voices

This morning Nelson and I were walking on the beach as we do every morning at six - today a gorgeous, sunny morning -  and we passed a woman who said "No dogs on the beach!" This woman is a regular on the bike path and always says this when she passes Nelson and me.  This morning she got me thinking about negative voices. I've managed to get rid of all such voices in my personal life and refuse to allow any new ones in, (except for this crank on the beach I can't seem to get away from). Writers are especially vulnerable to people with negative messages. This is different from hard, honest feedback on our work; these are the voices that look at all glasses as half empty. The very act of writing is cause for negative messages from such people. And should you have an idea for a book and make the mistake of discussing it with them,  they can dash all your excitement and hope for the project by just rolling their eyes. 

Sometimes the negative voices are in our heads - imaginary or from our past. Replace those voices with a sweetheart voice - the one that tells you to just do the work, and remember that someone needs to read your story. 

And in Santa Monica, California no one, except for one cranky woman, cares if you walk your dog on the beach bike path.

Comments

[JoniB]

I think next time you should just smile sweetly and say, "You have a nice day now."

[Denise Emanuel Clemen]

I think there's a dog trainer somewhere in the greater Los Angeles area that can train Nelson to attack upon hearing those words.

[Elizabeth]

As we say in the South, "Bless her heart."

[Caryl]

How about no big mouths on the beach?

[Joanne Gordon]

That Nelson is such a cutie!!

[Patricia]

Your words are so timely. I have spent my life (Sunday I was 73) trying and trying to write a novel. Then I decided to write poetry every day. A daffy idea, but whatever. Now I am writing and writing, but have no idea what to call what I am writing--'cept it ain't poetry. But, for the first time in my life, I feel good about the writing and can't wait to get to it. I don't kid myself that I have licked that negative voice in my head, but I have turned down the volume.

[Barbara Force]

A thought came to mind to tell the
woman, "No trash on the beach."
Thank you so much for this much needed reminder!

[Dennis Whitehead]

Your words about negative voices rang so true with me. In one ear and out the other. The world can be a negative place at times, but we need to listen to the positive voices, and let the negativity go.
Walk on Barbara and Nelson.

[Barbara]

Joni - I tried a cheerful greeting this morning. Results will be in next post!
Denise - :)
Elizabeth - Love that southern saying!
Caryl - Right!
Joanne - Woof (thanks) from Nelson.
Patricia - I love that: turning down the volume. Keep writing those poems!! (and belated Happy Birthday.)
Barb - :)
Dennis - How good to hear from you. Thanks for your comment. Walkin' on..

[carol perkins]

We're in San Fran with the grandkids. Tonight we're watching "White Men Can't Jump." All I can say is Nelson can walk that beach; bitches can't.

[Melanie]

Take a picture of the woman as she approaches you. That might stop her comment for at least one day. :D Her mind will be busy thinking about what you're going to do with the picture.

[gorras new era baratas]

您是不是要找： My friend, you you are like Shakespeare. Your article is really great. You ought to do it professionally
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Alpha
Woah! Jag njuter verkligen av mallen / tema på denna webbplats. Det är enkelt, men effektivt. Många gånger är det svårt att få den "perfekt balans" mellan superb användarvänlighet och utseende. Jag måste säga att du har gjort ett fantastiskt jobb med detta. Dessutom laddar bloggen extremt snabb för mig på Internet Explorer. Exceptionell Blog!

[Itaci]

PLEASE DONT? READ THIS. YOU WILL? GET KISSED ON THE? NEAREST? POSSIBLE? FRIDAY BY THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE. TOMORROW? WILL? BE? THE BEST DAY? OF?? YOUR? LIFE. HOWEVER IF? YOU? DONT?? POST THIS COMMENT?? something? bad? will hapepn. NOW UV?? STARTED? READIN? DIS DUNT STOP? THIS? IS SO SCARY.? SEND? THIS TO? 5 VIDEOS? IN 143 MINUTES?? WHEN UR DONE PRESS F6 AND UR CRUSHES? NAME WILL? APPEAR ON THE SCREEN IN? BIG? LETTERS.?? THIS? IS SO SCARY CAUSE? IT? ACTUALLY?? WORKS?? THIS ACTUALLY WORKS

[Parashuramgoud]

any body want affection,you will sseuggt medicines.If any body talk about morals,you will treat them as patients.If any body question about materialistic life style,you will admit them in hospital.

[Petter Joe]

I really like your writing style, wonderful information, appreciate it for posting : D.

[Jose]

Lifetime just made this announcement:"Blood Ties" Gets a Premiere Date!Posted by LT Gina 08/09/07 12:13pm GMTGet ready to set those DVR's bseauce the official announcement is out! Starting October 12, "Blood Ties" will be making its highly anticipated return with ten straight weeks of new episodes every Friday at 11 pm et/pt. If your new to the series (or just want a little refresher before season two) you can get full episodes online or through iTunes.And we know the burning question on everyone's mind is will Vicky and Henry quit beating around the bush and just hook up already? Guess you'll just have to tune in to find out, no won't you?!? (But we love hearing your predictions.)

[Kampak]

Must have gtoten lucky and gtoten friend-ed way back when.Just wanted to say hi (after probably never really saying it before), and I am a big fan. Also, while I haven't seen the show yet (when is it on here in Canada?)... I saw some fanfic based on it recently (slash, Mike/Henry). Talk about a surprise! let's hope it is the beginning of more... and thus creating such a groundswell that more seasons are planned. :)

[Motz]

Great article! One thing to add, if you can't find enoguh writers in your area, or if it's just inconvenient to meet, you can also start a writers' group online.You miss out on the in-person camaraderie, but reviews are often more thought out. Plus, it's easier to keep track of the feedback you get and the revisions you make.There's a few sites out there for conducting online writing groups. A couple friends and I started one called Review Fuse (www.reviewfuse.com/) that allows you to upload you work and then have members of your writing group walk through guided reviews and also provide inline comments. It's easy, fun, and free.

[Megan]

Hi Dean, I just read your book (twice). How's your Dad doing? I know the scare was back in 2009 hope he's well (sorry, if you had written about it and I haven't seen it). He sdonus as amazing as you are! Also, what's the longest stretch of time that you have not showered? (yes, I just asked that question, LOL) From your 50/50 book, it didn't sound like you showered much . Anyways, I am guilty of not showering immediately after marathons/other races too, but it does feel great after I wash the grime out .Lastly, have you seen the people that you have written about in your book again, e.g., grocery store guys, awkward Asian kid, etc.? Told Charlie Engle about your 'bare' run with JT?All the best!

[Auth]

Hello Dean (and Koop),I love all that you are doing, and have met you at two different NFEC evetns.I would like to know how I can go about running one day with you during your Race Across America. I have a weekend in mind late April. Do I just show up and hope I find you, or is there a better way to possibly communicate and find out exactly where I need to be, and when i need to be there? Thank you so much! What an honor. I'm also getting married the next weekend after that!Go Dean!

[Javier]

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