What could become of a former Obituary writer and Homeroom Mother who was encouraged by her guidance counselor to “Forget about writing?”
Well…Erma Bombeck went on to write a successful humor column for 30 years that ran in over nine hundred newspapers. She also published 15 books and was named one of the 25 most influential women in America, among many many other honors. Here is a little of Erma’s words:
“I speak at college commencements, and I tell everyone I’m up here and they’re down there, not because of my successes but because of my failures. Then I proceed to spin all of them off–a comedy record album that sold two copies in Beruit…a sit-com that lasted about as long as a donut in our house…a Broadway play that never saw Broadway…book signings where I attracted two people: one who wanted directions to the restroom and the other who wanted to buy the desk.
What you have to tell yourself is: “I’m not a failure. I failed at doing something.” There’s a big difference…Personally and career-wise, it’s been a corduroy road. I’ve buried babies, lost parents, had cancer, and worried over kids, The trick is to put it all in perspective.”
(Another attitude lesson I found In Maxwell’s “Attitude 101” that’s too good not to share. Her entire story is very inspiring and her struggles were much greater than I have shared.)
If someone tells you that you can’t do something…allow them to keep their opinion and just go do it!
