I’m notoriously stubborn. And I don’t give up easy. But these dragons–they are really testing my commitment to stubbornness. The day before yesterday, I fought through yet another draft of this opening scene, a scene that simply has to be right. Then I sent it to my critique partner and for the rest of the night, I had a sick feeling in my stomach.
Yesterday morning started out plain sucky. I forced myself to go to the gym, got on the treadmill and realized I didn’t have my iPod. I had dropped it in the parking lot. Fortunately I found it and it was fine. I got back on the treadmill and pushed myself hard through 3 miles and my thanks was a new blister on my foot.
You get the idea. The day just kept getting worse. Everything single thing I tried to do was a major trial.
Right up until I got an email from my critique partner. She was sending me back the billionth revision of my heroine’s opening scene in the dragons.
She loved it.
I was stunned. Really. I thought it was crap. And this is why I believe in never giving up. Waling away, taking a break, working on something else to clear your head–those are perfectly acceptable. Giving up is not.
And may I say, that stubbornness is paying off for BLB too. At therapy yesterday, he made some real progress walking with one crutch. This is so important in strengthening the leg. Afterward, we went to Starbucks, and I watched him walk with that one crutch, and I know damn well it hurts, but he just kept going slow and steady with absolute determination. I thought my heart would burst with pride in him.
So do you consider yourself stubborn? Is that a good or bad thing?
March 15th, 2012 at 2:47 am · Link
In many cases I think stubbornness is a wonderful thing. I’m very stubborn and so are my husband and youngest son. We’ve had quite the time living together ;).
Fantastic news on review from your partner. Funny how we often don’t see things as clearly as others because we are too close to them.
BLB must be so happy. In just these past few weeks he’s really mad huge gains in his recovery.
Have a great day :).
March 15th, 2012 at 6:39 am · Link
I am the Queen of Stubborn! It’s the first adjective my parents and siblings use to describe me. Basically, I think it’s a good thing. That stubbornness has gotten me through the major issues of my life. Honestly, the few times when I have given in, I’ve come to regret later. (ok, I’m sure there are some times where I’ve admitted defeat and it’s been fine, I just can’t remember any
) On the down side it practically takes an act of God to prove to me that I am wrong. So, it’s good for me, maybe not so good for everyone around me!
Congrats to BLB! That is a really big step. And, I’m so happy for you on the dragons!
March 15th, 2012 at 7:36 am · Link
I don’t know that I’m all that stubborn in general. I usually just go with the flow. Over the course of my life I’ve had bouts of stubbornness, though. Looking back, those times relate to somebody telling me I can’t do something. I get my back up and think “Oh yeah? Watch me.”
Sorry things have been so hard for you lately, but YAY for your CP loving your opening scene. And YAY for BLB’s determination. Sounds like he takes after his mama. =o)
And now I’m craving Starbucks. Curses.
March 15th, 2012 at 8:33 am · Link
Me Stubborn
In my family if one of us hits the pavement with our heads we check the pavement for cracks. Which makes for a real test of wills in my house between all of us. But I am not stubborn to the fault of not saying I am wrong or that I can not see anothers’ point of view.
Hubby being stupid I mean stubbron about his health has bordered on denial.
But I am very proud of my stubbron Daughter- She will not let herself get walked on by anyone. Or give up. Things she will need to suceed as a grown woman.
Ever notice when we woman are working hard to make things happen we are considered stubbron, but when a man does it he is being sucessful.
Glad the physical therapy is working for your son. As for Dragons- They are truly stubborn creatures. You don’t ever tame them but you can befriend them and beguile them into telling you their stories.
March 15th, 2012 at 10:11 am · Link
((HUGS))
Chin my dear, dear Jen!!!!!!
It will be great you just have to show those Dragons who is boss and that would be YOU!!!!
March 15th, 2012 at 10:23 am · Link
Eek. Just re-read my post. Didn’t sound tongue-in-cheek as I meant it. Yes, I’m stubborn, but I never dig my heels in until I’ve thought it through, looked at it from all sides, and asked for others opinions when I’m conflicted. I’m really not as pig-headed as it sounded. And, seriously, I’ve fought a lot of uphill battles and I wouldn’t have been successful if I easily let people disuade me once I’ve determined a course.
Kat- I so agree with you! I worry so much for my “sensitive” daughter and not so much for the stubborn one who gives me a run.
March 15th, 2012 at 10:36 am · Link
Viki, thanks on BLB. He’s doing well. I expect it to be harder when he has to go back to work. But one challenge at a time.
I had the same issue with my kids, Wizard and myself. All of us are stubborn in our own way. There’s a difference, though, between stubborn and obstinate
March 15th, 2012 at 10:38 am · Link
Julie, glad your stubbornness has paid off for you in most cases!
I’ve been wrong many times. I have no trouble admitting it (usually). But Wizard just revises history so he was never wrong to begin with
March 15th, 2012 at 10:42 am · Link
B.E., oops sorry for the Starbucks craving! I usually just get a nonfat latte, so I’m not destroying my daily caloric intake.
See, I think of stubbornness more as tenacity than being obstinate. I am sure stubborness/tenacity got you through your recovery. And it will get you published! I know that’s what worked for me because I was not born with a fully developed and polished ability to write a good story–in fact, I’m still working on it!
March 15th, 2012 at 10:44 am · Link
Kelly, thanks! Have to admit, more often than not, my characters are right and I’m wrong. It’s seriously annoying. Especially given how arrogant dragons are to begin with
March 15th, 2012 at 10:47 am · Link
Kat, LOLOL!!! Love the sidewalk analogy!
It’s a really helpless and awful feeling when a loved on is in denial about their health. I’ve been there, and I’m really sorry you’re going through it. I’m hoping this last health crises will make an impression on your hubby. Having said all that, I feel for him too. Generally speaking, men seem to have a harder time coping with health problems.
So true on women being stubborn while men are aggressively seeking success!
March 15th, 2012 at 10:48 am · Link
Julie, I got what you meant! Really!
March 15th, 2012 at 10:55 am · Link
It’s not stubborness. It’s tenacity. There’s a difference! Yay on BLB! I know he wants to get back to 100% and he’ll do whatever it takes. I think he might have maybe inherited that trait from his mom? Yeah…I think so. She’s one of the most tenacious people I know and I’m proud to call her a friend. I knew you’d lick those dragons into shape, Jen!
FYI, sometimes the sucky things? That’s just the Universe’s way of evening out the really good things so a body doesn’t get the big head.
March 15th, 2012 at 1:37 pm · Link
Stubborn? Nooooooo, not ME! *snort* I’m the type to resist doing something if someone says to do something or that I should do something. Even if it’s something I need to do or had thought about doing. I resist just on principle. My grandma called me bullheaded. What can I say? It’s in the genes! With a Scots, Irish & German heritage, I didn’t stand much chance of avoiding tbe stubborn gene.
Yay for BLB! And for you on the dragons
Can’t wait to read about them.
March 15th, 2012 at 1:42 pm · Link
The only bad thing about a Starbucks craving, Jen, is the closest Starbucks is 3 hrs away. =o\
March 15th, 2012 at 6:14 pm · Link
Silver, aw thank you! I’m consider myself lucky to have you for a friend too!
March 15th, 2012 at 6:15 pm · Link
Dawn, I have some Scots in me to, so I can relate! LOL!
March 15th, 2012 at 6:17 pm · Link
B.E., three hours? That’s just not right! They are everywhere now where I live.
I can remember when I refused to go to Starbucks, LOL!