“Sometimes my successes come quickly and at other times they are terribly slow to arrive. It is not my place to determine the speed at which they arrive or if they arrive at all. My place is to keep forging ahead no matter what.”
~ Craig D. Lounsbrough
If you follow my blog you’ll know that I’ve been working on my memoir for a while now. I started it after many of you asked me to keep telling the story of my time in the Kimberley and of my Aboriginal Aunties.
I’m up to my eighth draft now, and I’m fairly sure this will be my final one. This week while I’m mostly in bed recovering from the flu I am making these last few changes. I’d been hoping to be working on it at a writers retreat this week, but I didn’t make the final cut. I would have been too sick to go anyway. Funny, that.
I’ve tried to get this thing out into the world a few times now, and it has never flown. Each time, after the rejection, I have let it sit for a while and then have reworked it. Each time it has changed quite dramatically.
I’d decided that no matter what happened with this latest opportunity that I would complete the draft and then send it on. When I began this latest edit a few days ago I was sure I knew what my story was about, what the themes were and what needed to be changed. And then I had a discussion with my sister. As we talked about family and history I suddenly understood that this draft was missing a major message – something one of those wise Aboriginal women had shared with me which had changed everything I thought about myself. I saw that if it could change everything for me it would do the same for many of you. Some truths are universal like that.
If this draft had not been delayed I would never have reached that critical realisation.
So I’m trusting in right timing. I’m trusting that every rejection and hold-up was needed to shape the story it will become. I’m trusting that very soon it will be time for this story to be born into the world.
Has that ever happened to you? That the timing was all wrong until suddenly it was right. Looking back you knew that every disappointment was okay because now you were exactly where you needed to be.
I’m so looking forward to sharing my story with you. Wish me luck as I labour through these last changes!
Much love to you, Nicole ❤ xx
I missed this post and am delighted to read it now. I’ve been eagerly awaiting more news on the memoir and am excited to think it may be here soon!! Blessings and Love. Jim
I will be watching this space, I’ve been following your progress on your memoir for quite some time. I’m itching to put to the pieces of your Aunties experiences together.
Btw, I can’t imagine Nicole why you’d ever have to rewrite anything, I really don’t. I love the way you write. Your voice that flows through. I’m not trying to discount the effort and hard work you’ve put in, I just mean you’re so bloody good at what you do that you make it look effortless. As you say, timing is everything. 😌👌🏼
Yes, I agree. Sometimes it is a blessing not to become what we want, because better things lie ahead. This post leads me to a question, that I have for a long time: how do we know when the right moment is? I mean if nothing outside hinders you but something inside yourself. Some people say, you will know it, your heart will know it, but I am not so sure. I think many people (including myself) are not trained in listening to the heart or the inner voice. How do I know the difference between intuition and an old hindering emotion (fear for example) rooted deep in my subconcious mind?
Dear Nicole
It will all be clear when you reach the finish and the book will just glow brightly with the light of the knowledge in it.
Much like Jo-Ann above, I had been looking for a house on the city fringes and kept missing out and then quite by a chance comment found THE ONE. It was covered in my favourite wildflowers, the kitchen tiles matched my china, the colours were my favourites, the wood matched furniture and it was my perfect cottage design! It fitted me like a glove and I realised I needed to miss out on the early disappointments or I could not buy this one. Still here 33 years later. 🙂
Xxx
Wishing you all the luck in the world, though you won’t need it. Everything happens as it should and for a reason. xx
The timing will be right.. Can’t wait to read your book and see the movie. I do hope you’re feeling better.
These “delays” are worth it. The universe takes care of it’s own.
It’s happened to me many times – one of the most notable happened in 2004: I was buying my first property in Australia to call home (1 bedroom apartment)… my lawyer was there with the real estate agent and owner for the contract exchange (I was at work) – I received 2 phone calls – one from my lawyer and one from the agent: both were aghast: Both had never seen this happen before: My lawyer asked for a piece of paper that was legally required the finalise the contract – and the owner said: “that’s it! I’m done! I’m not buying, I’m not selling!” – and walked out. Both of my advocates were apologetic and were worried for me. I said – “Don’t worry – no one died.” – Which is my usual measure as to how to deal with any situation.
It’s “just a house”, no one was physically harmed. So I remained calm. I went onto a real estate website that afternoon and looked for another apartment in the same area. I found a better, bigger, more aesthetically pleasing 2 bedroom for the same price – saw it that afternoon, put in an offer and it was accepted.
Had the deal gone through as planned (on what everyone thought was the “correct timeline”), I would have missed out on a better property.
Your story will be told, Nicole. The fact that you are doing it for the right reasons (your intent is always for the higher good), the universe will make sure it’s in the right hands at the right time. You never know, the perfect editor and distribution agent is most probably lining up as you’re waiting. As you pointed out – your conversation with your sister was great timing too.
You’re an amazing writer. Sending you lots of love xoxoxo
Beautifully expressed Jo.
I can’t wait to read the whole book too.
Nicole it will be a 100% success. All your love, thoughts and wisdom has gone into those pages.
Love
Mary
Things happen for a reason, some of those reasons we don’t get or like and things happen in there own time, that is just the way life is
So true, Joanne!
Sometimes the perfect words are just waiting for us to catch up as scribe. So looking forward to the immersion in y’our’ story when it comes to light for all to enjoy. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.
Yes, it will be OUR story, beautiful Maxeen. Thank you so much for all of your endless ongoing support. Love you xx
After hearing some of your amazing stories, I can’t wait to hear the rest. Much love and writing to you Nicole. Px
Yes, you did get to hear some extra-special ones. So glad you became part of our community and spiritual family. So many more stories yet to tell, and you will be part of that unfolding history xx
I really can’t wait 😊. I have followed you fir many years Nicole …I know you have a story to tell and I can’t wait to read it .
Cherryx
Cherry, goodness girl, you’ve been on my cheersquad for sooooo long. I’m just grateful for you and our friendship and I hope my finished offering will make you proud. Much love, Nicole xx
Totally Nicole. There is a reason for everything. So happy you are feeling better, I felt helpless during your absence but prayed and prayed and prayed. Xxxx
Thank you for your prayers, dear Sally. I know they help and I’m truly grateful. Sending love and hugs to you xoxo
I’m hoping that look back and knowing moment happens for me soon. I’ve had it before, it’s like watching the clouds part to show you that brilliant blue sky was there all along. I wish you all the inspiration and clarity to bring your words to the world. I can’t wait to read it!
What a beautiful way to express that feeling! Let’s intend that blue sky for you and me both. Big love to you xoxo