Tell me I can't? Watch me.

You are never too old to set a new goal or dream a new dream - C.S. Lewis

I used to believe that everything, anyone told me was the absolute truth. If I announced a desire to do something I would listen earnestly to my family, friends, doctors, the person in the post office queue, if they didn't think it was a good idea, I didn't try. After all everyone has my best interests at heart, right?

Actually, not always, no. I'm not sure why some people try to deter others, to keep them from their goals. I don't believe it is always malicious, or jealousy. I think sometimes it seems inconceivable that someone could accomplish something that may be seemingly unobtainable to other. Imagine the reaction when Thomas Eddison first announced he wanted to make a lightbulb. Maybe there is a desire to stop someone potentially getting hurt by failing. To me though, the only failure is not to try.

I have learnt over the past few years, through mindfulness, to establish a loving, kindly relationship with myself and to trust and respect my own opinion. I have cultivated a self belief I never would have dreamed was possible a few years ago. That's why, when several months ago, I decided to try to write a novel, with no creative writing experience I was prepared for the negativity that followed.

'It takes at least three years to write a first book.' 'Most people give up before the end.' 'The first book you ever write will be rubbish.' 'There is so much completion, it's not even worth trying.' 'You have neither the time, nor the energy to do it.'

You name it, I heard it, but I heard something stronger. A little voice inside whispering, watch me.

I am really happy that I have now completed the first draft of my novel and feedback from early readers has been really positive.  I believed I could and I did.