It has always amazed me how there are people in the world who bring joy into every facet of their lives. They encourage people and care for others and always have a helping hand. In the writing world it’s no different. There are people there who are happy to help other authors whether it be with advice or encouragement. I have had many such people in my writing life who have been there when I’ve wanted to give up and have pushed me to try harder and keep going. I try to be one of these people. I’m not always the best, but I am not a life sucker.
Life suckers are the opposite of joy bringers. They are the people who, for some reason, can find the rain in any rainbow. Instead of encouraging people to get back on the horse and try again after a rejection, they say things like, “It’s impossible to get signed by X/Y/Z unless you know some.” or “That publisher/agent only takes big names.” or things to that effect. Instead of making you feel better, it makes you feel like you are fighting a losing battle so why bother.
Don’t be a life sucker.
Even if you are not naturally a joy bringer, you can hold back negativity. I’ve always found when I do the kind thing, I almost always feel better. Sometimes I feel like a chump, but most of the time I don’t. I’ll take those odds. When I was in my 20’s a woman I worked for said, “When I’m not sure what to do, I always try to do the kindest thing.” That has stuck with me. Again, I might not always do it, but I try.
Just for today, try to do the kindest thing.