Is optimism in your genes?

This is something I wonder. Are you born optimistic? I know depression can be genetic, at least I think so. I'm pretty sure it runs in my family. I naturally look at things in a negative light, and in my later years of high school, I was one depressed gal (I probably should've seeked counseling). I'm not proud of it. It really complicates a lot of things in my life and probably pushes people away from me. I wish I had that outlook of positive, positive, positive--naturally.

Whether it's genetic or not. I know optimism can be learned. I'm living proof. I have my moments (old habits die hard), plus if depression is genetic, I'm fighting against my minds natural tendency. But I'm learning it. When I started this journey, it was the first time I truly in my heart believed in myself and never felt better. Of course, this isn't an easy business. Your ego gets boosted and crushed at a fully dramatic level, but I know in my heart that I can't stop. I have to accept certain things and understand the level I'm at. I must understand that others will get ahead, and one day I may get there. As long as I practice the way of optimism, I know I will.

Are you naturally optimistic? Are you practicing optimism?

This is one of my pump me up songs and today I'm crankin' it. I need it.

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I may not post tomorrow so have a great weekend!!

Strength and weakness

Lately, Pessy (my pesimist side) and been beating up Opti (my optimist side). They have been fighting like cats and dogs. Opti was winning a few weeks ago, but Pessy must have been working out because the fight has gotten ugly. I decided to show Pessy that he can not beat me down so instead of curling into a ball and claiming I'm a horrible writer--that everything I write is crap-- I thought I should take a look at my strengths and weaknesses. A list of each may help me see not only what I need to improve on but what I may be good at.

First, I want to get a couple things out in the open.

I must realize that my journey is not like anyone else's. It is as distinct as my fingerprint and only I'm in control.

My ideas and stories are from my heart and I must follow my gut when writing them.

Now on with my list. I figure I will start with my weaknesses. These are the things I must improve on.

Making a schedule to write--I need to focus purely on writing for at least an hour a day. I need to figure out when I can fit this time in without interruption.

Frustration--I need to stop getting frustrated when I'm not able to write. This only leads to Pessy smiling.

Tenses-I don't like tenses. Currently, I'm having a hell of a time trying to spot this. I need to sit and have a classroom session on this. My CPs will be happy when I figure this one out.

Adverbs and "to be" verbs-- I think I do have "was" under control but those sneaky adverbs are still sneaking in.

Slowing down. I tend to rush things especially because my kids need something at every moment. I have been working on this but I know I still need work in this area. It usually leads to careless mistakes.

I know I'm not great at grammer. :)

With that being said, I will move onto my strengths. I'm not a big bragger so I feel funny even typing this. I decided to write down what I have been told of things I do well.

I have been told-- I can write dialogue well. I do like writing it.

I have been told --I'm great at descriptions.

I have been told--I can write a great cliffhanger.

I have been told--That I write with a pretty good voice and that in my current WiP-- people seem to like my characters. That they seem real and a reader can relate to them.

There you have it. I'm not sure how it has made me feel but I guess it was a good exercise to help me jump back into my WiP.

How have you been?

Have you ever tried to seperate your strengths and weaknesses?

Has this exercise helped you?

I hope everyone had a great weekend. I can't wait to get back into my routine. I will miss Germany but I miss my family, friends, cats, house and ---writing. I thought I would be able to write more here but there are a lot of distractions. To my CPs --sorry I've have not been critiquing as much as I thought. You can say it--I've been a bad CP. I promise to finish all my critiques when I get back. Oh and sorry if this post sounds like I just woke up--well --I did and decided to write it before the kiddos got up. :)

Have a great day!