Survival Tips for the Waiting Part of Writing Tip #21 – In All Things Give Thanks

When my kids were young we used to play a mandatory game. Whenever one of them was grumpy or having a bad attitude, I would ask them to list five things for which they were thankful. This was not a suggestion. It was the required payment for complaining. They, of course, hated it—because who likes to leave a pity-party to bask in a Thanksgiving parade? But something magical always happened after their lists were begrudgingly recited. The edge of discontentedness was eased when their thoughts shifted to gratefulness.

Writers have their share of challenges, disappointments, and burdens to carry. On top of dealing with frequent rejections and long wait times, we battle things like writer’s block, imposter syndrome, and platform anxiety on a regular basis. It’s enough to make the bravest hearted writing hero want to throw in his/her cape. But writing, unlike some lesser super-powers, is not so easily ignored. So we continue to write. Continue to press forward. Continue to hope, pray and … yes, WAIT.

Here are a few ways to cultivate gratefulness in your writing life so that the wait and challenges don’t overshadow the precious gift and calling God has given to each writer.

Take your thoughts captive.

Don’t let negative self-talk undermine what God has called you to do. The great Elizabeth Elliot once said, “Don’t dig up in doubt what you planted by faith.” I love that. Next time you’re tempted to give up or beat yourself up because of a writing set-back … don’t. Just don’t. Think back to your origin story. Remember the things God did to propel your calling. Rehearse the God moments I know you’ve experienced as a writer. We all have them. Remember those things and press forward by faith.

Choose to view every disappointment as a divinely planned opportunity.

We may not be able to see the purpose behind another rejection letter or a particularly frustrating meeting with critique partners, but God does. We can trust that His plan, which includes valleys, will ultimately lead us to the place He’s called us to be in our writing journey. We can trust Him to open the doors that need to be opened—which means others will need to remain shut—and lead us into our calling in His perfect time.

Make a list and say it out loud.

Try our family’s little game. I know it sounds crazy, but there is something so powerful about thankfulness. We all have many things to be thankful for. Next time you’re feeling discouraged try verbally listing five you’re thankful for. It won’t change the circumstances, but it will definitely redirect your focus to work around them.

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Philippians 4:8

Fun Fact or Helpful Resource:
Back in 2015, my dear friend, Elaine Cooper, created a list of people for whom writers can be thankful. All too often it’s easy to forget about these valuable relationships. The link is below. Happy Thanksgiving! I am so grateful for each of you and for A3 for giving me the opportunity to share some tidbits of my writing journey each month.

Annette Marie Griffin is an award-winning author who has managed and directed programs for children and youth for more than twenty years. She has written curriculum for character growth and development of elementary-age children, developed parent training seminars to benefit the community, and counseled at-risk youth. Her first children’s book What Is A Family? released in 2020. She and her husband have five children—three who have already flown the coop and two adopted teens still roosting at home—plus two adorable grands who add immeasurable joy and laughter to the whole flock.