Brits aren’t supposed to get excited. But I admit I was very excited when “The Raven Who Spoke with God,” my inspirational novel about the unconquerable spirit, got published in a Kindle edition a week or two ago. Heck. There were 1,074 free downloads during the initial promotion I put on.
But life does have a rhythm, doesn’t it. I shouldn’t really have been surprised that once the book was put up for sale at $4.99 things would change and life would do what it always does, ebb and flow.
When I realized the book didn’t seem to be getting any traction at Amazon I felt strong feelings of disappointment and discouragement. It was the most pain I had felt in quite a while, so much so that toward the end of the day I called a good friend named Tess Marshall, author of The Bold Life blog to share my story with her. She wasn’t home so I left a message.
People are kind
There are a lot of very kind people in this world. There really are. And they care. An hour or so after I left my message I had a call back from Tess, and we had a great conversation.
It was helpful from a therapeutic standpoint and it was also helpful in a practical sense. For example, Tess gave me names of some other bloggers who she thought might be very willing to help me get the word out about my Kindle book if I asked them, and this is already beginning to happen.
The rhythms of life
I am in awe of the rhythms of life, how it ebbs and flows. And I am thankful for the buoyant spirit that helps us through the rhythms and challenges of our lives.
I spoke of difficult feelings but the truth is there was beauty in those difficult feelings. They have helped me refocus and strengthen my resolve. And they helped me realize more deeply that though our emotions can be painful at times, they don’t need to take charge.
In the midst of those challenging moments — and I doubt they are finished yet –I realized more deeply that our timeless presence does not change. It is who you are and who I am and anything that brings us closer to this awareness is good.
We give our gift and then we let it go. I send blessings and love and thank you for your interest and support. PLEASE CLICK HERE if you’d like to visit my book page at Amazon. If you read the book and would like to submit a review at Amazon this would be much appreciated.
Picture credit: photoacumen
Hi. My name is Christopher. I've loved wisdom all my life and I've followed it with a passion since I was a kid. Wisdom is our best friend regardless of our age, culture, nationality, or anything else. I'll be 80 in May 2012 and I'd love to share what I have learned with you.
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks a lot for your book “The Raven Who Spoke with God.” It’s the most inspiring book I’ve ever read. I always struggle with the concept of ‘destination’. Suddenly my mind can grasp it – it’s not one big vision with one big almost inaccessible task somewhere in the future – it’s to be near my Maker, near my Master, following His instructions from day to day! As easy as that.
Also appreciate today’s post,”Keeping up with life’s ebbs and flows” – the rhythms of life make so more sense.
Thanks a lot, I appreciate your posts.
Johanna
Thank you so much for your kind words Johanna. I married JoAnn about 15 years ago and for about as long as I can remember she has been reminding me, “one step at a time.” It’s the only way to go. Following our heart’s wisdom from day to day just as you say.
Good luck and God Bless Johanna.
Hello again, Christopher!
How strange it is, that you so often write about things that happen at exactly the same time as something similar happens to me!
I am experiencing an ebb at the moment, waiting ever so (im)patiently for the flow to get going again… I have relocated to sunny South Africa and am enjoying the warm sunshine (according to the locals winter has started early!?) as opposed to the grey days that met me throughout the week prior to my departure from the UK. I was promised a definite placement in a company and have since that disappointment met with another one, which was also promised as definite. At this very moment I have my fingers and toes crossed to hear some good news about the job I REALLY want! It will make my life immensely complicated, juggling the travel required with childcare, however I have found the most perfect living arrangement for the time being, to deal with this. so, there is a great ebb in one aspect of my life, yet almost everything else is in abundant flow!
Now to get the job-situation sorted…
Hanging in there with you…
Regards,
Elke
Elke, good to hear from you, and I really mean it. Thank you for your update. Hooray for the abundant flow that’s going on and I’m sure that pesky ebb tide will change real soon. I do admire your bright and strong spirit.
Okay, deal. We’ll keep hanging in there together. Bye for now.
Hello Christopher,
Just to let you know, some things are a-flow again, whilst new things are ebbing
Elke
Yours is the second post I’ve read in a week by an author disappointed with initial sales. I’m sorry that sales haven’t been what you hoped. Everyone who has said anything about the book has spoken only highest praise. But of course, competition for readers’ attention is fierce. How do we as authors find that balance of putting our hearts into a project we believe in while at the same time not getting attached to the outcome? Perhaps a zen master could do this, but I would find it hard. And probably will find it hard, as I’m hoping to publish my book in the fall.
I’m glad you wrote about this because by sharing your feelings so honestly, we can all share in the understanding of this kind of experience. You are not alone.
Galen Pearl recently posted..Dog is God Spelled Backwards*
What a terrific comment Galen. Thank you for your words and your kind remark re my book. I think that word ‘balance’ is so key to every aspect of our lives whether we blog or write or whatever we do. It’s the key to friendship, relationships, happiness, wellness, anything you care to name.
I do wish you well with your own project. You’re going to do just great Galen. Be well.
Hi Christopher,
I always like to tell myself that “we don’t know what anything is for.” We can’t see the big picture. I agree with Galen that competition is fierce. That’s why it’s so important to stick together with other bloggers. I’m glad you called me…I love helping you! xo
Thank you and bless you Tess. I am so thankful for the brave and genuine spirit you share so freely with your world. It’s a privilege to know you.
Hi Chris,
It helps everyone to hear how you navigate the ebbs and flows. Thanks so much for sharing this experience.
Isn’t that how life is? We are elated with the positive situations, then disappointed when things change. Great reminder to “give the gift, then let it go” – not be attached to the outcomes.
I appreciate how you consistently return to the timeless presence that isn’t disturbed by these arisings.
Love,
Gail
Thank you for the blessing of your words Gail. I’m very happy to share this journey of life with you, both the ebbs and the flows. Take care.