Write, play, live: Said well, done even better

Morning in the Canyon

Sometimes an encouraging word makes all the difference on a difficult day. And some days all we need is a spark of inspiration to stir our creative muse.

Then there are those days when we need a swift motivational kick in the butt to get unstuck and move forward.

Over the past several years, Heather Lloyd-Martin has written prose that encouraged us to move past fear and self-doubt, pushed us to claim our worth as damn good writers, motivated us to welcome challenges and changes, and inspired us to grow by sharing her own experiences with facing down and walking through some of the worst stuff that life can throw at us – and by transcending them.

Here, I’ve collected some of those words of encouragement, inspiration, and motivation penned by one of the best damn writers, generous teachers, and finest human beings I’ve had the honor to know. I hope they enrich you as they have me, and many, many others.

What to do when you don’t get the gig

 It happens to all of us. But people don’t talk about it. Sometimes, you don’t get the gig – and your “hot lead” goes somewhere else…Depending on how you’re feeling, it may be hard to face this kind of “rejection.”

From her opening words, Heather’s empathy comforts us with the knowledge we’re not alone with this disappointment. It’s an occupational hazard. It’s what we do with it that matters. Here, Heather suggests 10 things to do – two of them twice. Keep it handy! Because it does happen to us all.

Are you creating your own hell?

…Her situation made me think of all the ways we create our own business (and personal) hell. Instead of dealing with issues head-on, we let FEAR (False Evidence Appearing Real) stand in our way. We let things fester, hate the “place” we’re in and come up with every excuse we can think of to explain why our current situation can’t change…

Written over two years ago, this post demonstrates the “tough love” Heather shows from time to time. She doesn’t do whining, and nor should we if we are to break free from that paralyzing fear of change! An open invitation to take an honest look at how we can sabotage ourselves.

Yes you can!

…Yes, I learned an important lesson about the necessity of taking a long break. More than that, I learned that anything is possible – if you ignore the excuses of why you can’t do something.

Telling yourself “no” all the time, granted, is the easier path. But here’s the thing: How long are you going to let “no” dictate your life?

Just back – officially – from her Grand Canyon rafting trip last June, Heather shares how giving herself permission to leave her “baby” (business) for an extended adventure way out of her comfort zone opened up unexpected doors and possibilities.

How to turn your creativity up to 11

I’m often asked, “Heather, how do you write so much content without burning out?”

Um, good question. I could talk about how I’ve spent almost half of my life studying copywriting (ack, that’s scary to type.) Or how I force myself to write online copy, even when I don’t feel like writing. Or how I’m just plain stubborn.

But what’s the real secret of my success? I force myself to take breaks – long, soul-renewing breaks – and let my creative juices do their thing.

I wasn’t always this way.

Heather shares how she went from working, working, working at a break-neck speed to the far more balanced lifestyle she’s now enjoying…as well as why – and how – we can too. Read Heather’s do-able tips for “building in some downtime,” because “without our creativity, we’re lost.” Indeed.

You are a writer

Have you ever struggled with something…and suddenly, everything clicked into place? Maybe a random conversation helped you see your situation in a different way. Or you read a passage in a book – and it’s almost like the passage was written just for you.

Here, Heather shares the power of positive self-talk, after realizing (almost as an epiphany) that she is a runner. Applying this empowering experience to new (and even experienced) writers, she challenges us to affirm to ourselves that yes…

How a personal crisis shaped my business

I’m going to tell you a story not many people know.

Eleven years ago, my then-husband committed suicide. Saying that I was “devastated” doesn’t come close to describing how I was feeling. I don’t remember much about that time. That’s probably a blessing…

…That dreadful experience shaped my business more than any book, conversation, or mentor. Here’s what I’ve learned.

I’m still floored by the courage Heather shows here, not just by sharing such a personal and terrible experience, but by learning and sharing lifelong lessons from it.

Bravo, Heather!

Said well, done even better.