Yesterday the whole Sabatini clan was spending the day home because of icy rain. At points throughout the day the kids were able to slide down our steep driveway on their butts like they were bobsleds. The pup was not nearly as adventuresome and needed a helping hand every time he stepped out the door and onto the ice. Like his monstrous, completely uncontrollable, feet weren’t already enough of a problem. Once I almost went down with him LOL!
As much as I love my ice skating pup, I did have to stop and take note of how “less than pleasant” it was to venture outside in the freezing rain at pretty regular intervals all day. Even though Riley’s learning fast and is eager to please, he’s still not completely potty trained yet.
So, while I was outside, just passing the time, I started to think about about how people in cities potty train puppies. What the heck happens if you’re on the umpteenth floor of an apartment building and your pooch has to run outside every 20 minutes? Are puppy bladders even capable of waiting for elevators or jiggling down multiple flights of stairs? Sometimes my little guy barely makes it out the door. Suddenly, my situation was looking a lot more desirable than it had 30 seconds earlier.
I know you’re fist pumping the air for me, but I also bet you’re wondering how puppy whiz training relates to writing,
Perspective.
In the world of publishing, everyone has a tendency to compare their journey with someone else’s. Most of us try to put on blinders so we can focus on our own work and our own journey. But as you can imagine, it isn’t always easy. So, today’s bit of advice, for when you’re feeling “crappy” is to adjust your perspective. If you can’t stop peeking at what everyone else is doing, mix it up. Choose to measure yourself against the people who have it harder than you–the ones who have a lot more steps to travel to get to the same place. It won’t actually make your publishing adventure any easier, but it will give you a wonderful sense of perspective and that might just be enough for you to feel okay standing in the rain.
If anyone knows the poop scoop on urban puppy training policy, please feel free to enlighten me. Just don’t mess with my perspective and tell me it’s easier than I think.
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Though I realize perspective is helpful, I try not to gain perspective too often. There is something to be said for understanding your own pain and trials and not belittling your own feelings. In cases like you mention above, I try to just put my head down and write. Sure, I may be doing better than some people not selling any books or not getting the contracts they really want, but I’m still losing money every month. I’m still in the first third of the marathon 🙂 I have a long way to go!
P.S. That photo! *heart melting*
You are so right about it being a marathon! And focusing on yourself if always the way to go. (((((hugs)))) I’m so impressed with everything you’re doing. You ROCK!
LOL! Leave it to you to compare puppy potty training to the world of publishing. And yes, I agree with both you and Stephanie. It does help to put things in perspective and realize others have it harder, but it’s also important to recognize – and allow – your own feelings of despair. Just don’t wallow in the muck. One must clean up one’s yard on a regular basis, so to speak, in order to get past the poo, and romp forward in a healthy fashion. 😉