ANDRE BEGIN

A while back, I was at a medical specialist’s office having a minor procedure done. While performing the work, the specialist asked me what I had been doing with my free time in retirement.

Without even giving it a second thought, the first word out of my mouth was “writing”. I then explained that I was splitting my time between managing a personal blog and pursuing my dream of screenwriting.

She responded, “Wow! Many people say that they want to write in retirement, but few actually sit down and do it… so good for you!”

Whether it was intended or not, her compliment generated a huge ripple effect of positive energy and encouragement.

In the moment, I realized that the comment was not a direct review of my work but simply an acknowledgement that I had the courage to start and the drive to keep going.

It was also an acknowledgement that I was ahead of the people who hadn’t taken that first step. I’m not usually one for comparison, but when it plays in your favour and spurs you on, why not?!

What is interesting is that I completely accept that some people will love my work, some people will hate my work and the majority in the middle may be indifferent.

I am OK with that and I don’t feel insecure about it. That being the case, fishing for compliments is not my style.

Popularity is not the reason why I write. I write because I need to in the same way that I need to eat, sleep and breathe.

But isn’t it interesting (not to mention surprising) how a positive comment by someone outside of our circle of usual supporters can be such an amazing boost that can have a lasting impact.

For several weeks after that, I found myself feeling more confident and more deeply in the writing bubble, even feeling more experimental with emerging ideas.

Surprisingly, even the friction I feel from time to time in the creative process seemed to be exerting less influence on me.

And it was all because of a word of congratulations and encouragement from someone I didn’t know that well.

While on the surface, a kind word may seem innocuous, it can hold incredible power and become the kick of energy and inspiration that an artist may need to keep going, to finish a work-in-progress (… or several) and to produce incredible works to inspire others.

For that reason, don’t hold back on kind words.

Keep those ripples of positive energy going!

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Sincere thanks for reading!
Have a great day,
André