Anticipation... it's a feeling we've all experienced. It involves waiting for something about which we are anxious - going on a first date; counting down the days until a wedding; waiting to get that new puppy; sitting by the phone after an interview to see if the job has been secured; sitting on a horse waiting to go into the arena to be judged; or expecting word that the new baby is on the way.

The latter is what I am anticipating these days. My granddaughter is about to have her first child, and I'm to go be with her during labor as soon as I get the word, 

What, Carol? You're old enough to be a Great Grandmother? You betcha. My son made me a grandma at 43... and it was a great feeling and has blessed me with one of the most beautiful human beings I've ever known. 

But I have to confess, the anticipation for my great granddaughter has me on edge. I worry that everything will be all right... both mother and daughter. I worry that I won't get there in time. You know how anticipation works. It grinds on you and makes you imagine all the worst things that can happen.

I have the same feeling in the pit of my stomach every time I launch a new book... what if my readers don't like it? What if we didn't catch all the typos? What if it gets bad reviews?

But, that's the chance you take when something that's wonderful to you is about to happen. Isn't the anticipation really what makes it exciting? Makes life worth living? We don't know the end result, but it's a thrill ride just the same, and one we all hope will be positive and beautiful.

So if you are somewhere, sitting on the edge of your seat (like me), and waiting... think only positive thoughts. You know the saying... if you put what you want out into the universe, it will give it back to you.

Til Next Time,
​Carol

Being negative is like sitting in a bathtub full of dirt. It certainly doesn’t make you clean and probably just pisses you off. Right?

I have a friend who is so negative that she never tries anything new, complains about everything, and isn’t willing to listen to anyone else’s opinions. The problem with this is that she lives in her own little world and is miserable. Nothing makes her happy. And, I mean nothing.

To me, finding fault with everything translates into living in fear. It means holding back from those very things that might and probably will make you happy.

Let’s look at it from a practical standpoint.

Negative: If I get on a horse, I might get hurt.
Positive: Riding a horse might be the most fun I’ve ever had.

Negative: I already have a job. Why should I follow up on this other job offer?
Positive: I’m not really looking for a new job, but it never hurts to talk to new people and pursue potential opportunities.

Negative: Nothing I can do will ever change my situation.
Positive: One voice, one opinion can change the world for the better. Because of those first fearless women, all women now have the right to vote. A few voices changed everything.

Negative: I don’t want my kids to go out and play, they might get dirty and track all in on my clean floor.
Positive: I love for my kids to play outside in the sunshine and fresh air. It’s so healthy for them. Who cares if I must mop the floor again? Their health is more important than any floor.

I could go on with more examples, but I think you get the point. Being negative just requires an adjustment in attitude and looking at things from a different perspective… For instance, in all my books, my characters are riddled with bad fortune, beleaguered by those who would harm them, and can’t live their lives the way they desire. Instead of moaning about it, they tackle their problems headfirst, find solutions, and win the day.

Moaning and groaning about life won’t change it, but positive action will. Be like the Lab in the photo and maintain an indisputably good attitude.

So, erase negativity by putting a positive outlook on it. If you don’t like something, change it. You’ll find that attacking issues head on instead of sitting around in fear and complaining about them will rock your world.
​
Til Next Time,
Carol