7 Reasons Why You Should Never Give Up

“7 Reasons Why You Should Never Give Up” by Joan Y. Edwards

Copyright © 2013 Joan Y. Edwards. It takes determination, belief, and courage to Never Give Up.

The theme of my blog is “Never Give Up.” It takes determination, belief, and courage to Never Give Up. Most of my blogs encourage you to keep going toward your goals, your life’s dreams. Today I’d like to encourage you by telling you about the lives of 7 famous people who were rejected many times before they were successful. Their behavior shows 7 reasons why you should never give up. Each of these people had three essentials necessary to Never Give Up: determination, belief, and courage.

1. Did you know that J.K. Rowling was on welfare before she sold Harry Potter? Twelve publishing houses rejected Harry Potter. That’s why you should keep on writing. Keep on rewriting, revising, and submitting your manuscripts.
2. Did you know that Roget invented the Thesaurus at age 73? That’s why you should keep looking at the relationship of things that interest you. Write about what keeps your heart-strings strumming.
3. Did you know that Colonel Sanders, founder of the world-renowned Kentucky Fried Chicken chain got 1009 rejections from restaurant owners before he got one “YES,” when he was selling his franchise licenses to use his famous recipe in exchange for a percentage of the pieces of chicken sold? That’s why you should never say you’re too old or stop when one person says, “No.” Become proud of yourself, no matter where you are and how much money you’re making. Accept yourself as being good. Celebrate you as you are right now. Study and learn to get better.
4. Did you know that teachers said Thomas Edison was “too stupid to learn anything” and was fired from his first 2 jobs for not being productive enough. He tried 1,999 times to invent the light bulb. He was successful at try number 2,000. Keep on trying. Look at things from a different point of view. If you’ve written it in first person, write it as an observer. There is a way to succeed. You just haven’t figured it out yet. Believe in you and the success of your ideas. Your belief is a key ingredient to keep you going so that you Never Give Up.
5. Did you know that Toyota Motor Corporation turned down Soichiro Honda for an engineering job. He had no job so he started making his own scooters at home. His neighbors encouraged him and he setup his own company. Honda Motor Corporation. That’s the way to do it. Show the naysayers that you’re built of solid stuff. Show them they were wrong about you. You may make mistakes. However, you are not a mistake. Be determined that you’re going to succeed, no matter how many mistakes it takes to get there.
6. Did you know that people told Sidney Poitier to “stop wasting people’s time and go out and become a dishwasher or something” during an audition. Later he won an Oscar for Lilies of the Field. He became one of the most respected actors ever. In 2002, thirty-eight years after receiving the Best Actor Award, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences gave Poitier an Honorary Award in recognition of his remarkable accomplishments as an artist and as a human being. It takes courage to continue when someone tells you that you’re wasting your time. Sometimes I believe that people are occasionally blind to good talent. Get a new pair of glasses to see yourself and others as opportunities to grow and succeed.
7. Did you know that Wilma Rudolph was paralyzed in 1 leg due to polio and told by doctors she would never walk again. Yet she later won 3 Olympic gold medals in track and fields. Talk about determination. That’s what you need to have to succeed. Determination. Be determined beyond anything that might happen or get in your way. You can do it. You must believe that you can.

Okay. You tell me you had a really bummer day. You got 50 rejections. Your cat died. Your dogs are lost. Your rent is due and your pockets are empty. Your car broke down on the interstate and there is no food in the pantry. You’re still not convinced that you should go on. You dug a hole and at this moment you are sitting at the bottom of a very deep pit of sorrow. Oh my. Here are 7 quotes of famous people who finally succeeded after many failures. Maybe this will get your enthusiasm genes in action to steer you to your goals.

1. “Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm.” – Winston Churchill
2. “Sheer persistence is the difference between success and failure.” – Donald Trump
3. “How many people are completely successful in every department of life? Not one. The most successful people are the ones who learn from their mistakes and turn their failures into opportunities.” – Zig Ziglar
4. “When you reach an obstacle, turn it into an opportunity. You have the choice. You can overcome and be a winner, or you can allow it to overcome you and be a loser. The choice is yours and yours alone. Refuse to throw in the towel. Go that extra mile that failures refuse to travel. It is far better to be exhausted from success than to be rested from failure.” – Mary Kay Ash
5. “Failure is just a resting place. It is an opportunity to begin again more intelligently.” – Henry Ford
6. “If we try and fail, we have temporary disappointments. But if we do not try at all, we have permanent regrets.” – Bern Williams
7. “Be the one thing you think you cannot do. Fail at it. Try again. Do better the second time. The only people who never tumble are those who never mount the high wire. This is your moment, own it.” – Oprah Winfrey

Oh my goodness. You dug the hole even deeper! Here are links to other stories and quotes to help inspire you. Ask God to help you is a good plan. He knows what he put you on earth to do. God gave you the talent, the resources, the time, the energy, and everything you need to accomplish the dreams in your heart. Go for it. Today is a great day to believe that you can do it. I believe you can.

Resources

1. Aly Weisman. “Fifteen People Who Failed before Becoming Famous:” http://www.businessinsider.com/15-people-who-failed-before-becoming-famous-2012-10?op=1
2. Benny Hsu. “Famous People Who Found Success Despite Failures:” http://getbusylivingblog.com/famous-people-who-found-success-despite-failures/
3. Biography.com. http://www.biography.com/people/colonel-harland-sanders-12353545
4. Rethink Redefine. “66 Famous Failures of People Who Never Give Up:” http://rethink-redefine.blogspot.com/2012/08/66-famous-failures-of-people-who-never.html
5. Simon Dufresne and Dylan Moore. “Five Famous People Who Succeeded Long after They Should’ve Quit:” http://www.cracked.com/article_19655_5-famous-late-bloomers.html
6. Strategic Business Team. “Fifty Failure Quotes from 50 Successful People:” http://www.strategicbusinessteam.com/famous-small-business-quotes/50-failure-quotes-from-50-successful-people/

Thank you for reading my blog. You honor me with your presence here.

Oh my goodness! I have 48,001 reads at his moment. I’m getting close to 50,000 views on my blog.  That is so exciting. I started this blog on October 9, 2009. In 3 years and a half, I’m at 48,001. That equals 1,143 readers a month. It could take two months to reach 50,000 reads. Thank you for making this possible.

One of my subscribers, Sandra Warren noticed how close I was and sent me an email congratulating me.  I asked her what should we do to celebrate. I liked her suggestion. Thank you, Sandra.  To celebrate I’m going to have a Give-Away to a lucky winner — a 1/2 hour personal consultation/critique on Making Your Blog Zing. I’ll do this by telephone or via computer (winner’s choice). I’ll analyze the lucky winner’s blog and make suggestions on how to improve what he’s already doing;  give tips on how to organize his time; and most importantly, answer questions he has about his blog.

So I’ll give you more details on the first blog I write after I reach 50,000 readers.  I’ll have a special treat for everyone who is subscribed at that time.

Join the 122 subscribers to my blog. To receive an email when I post my next article, click “Sign Me Up” in the left hand column. You’ll receive a link and password to download a free logo that says: Never Give Up Build It One Block at a Time. It’s my free gift to you for subscribing to my blog. Thank you.

Would you write a review of my picture book Flip Flap Floodle? Click here to Hear Flip’s Song. I have 14 reviews. I need 15 to meet my goal for 2013.

Joan’s Website: http://www.joanyedwards.com (Gospel-related devotionals, puzzles, and skits)

Celebrate you today.
Never Give Up
Joan Y. Edwards

Copyright © 2013 Joan Y. Edwards

Seven Advantages of Using Twitter

Follow Me on Twitter

“Seven Advantages of Using Twitter” by Joan Y. Edwards

I’m sure you’ve noticed that newscasters, sports commentators, businesses, authors, illustrators, neighbors, and friends might use Twitter to give short quick notices about what’s going on with them. Many people Tweet about things or events that interest them. You can, too.

As of April 22, 2013. I have 1012 followers. I follow 1620 people. A large number of followers might help persuade a publisher that you can help market your books.If you’d like to follow me on Twitter do so. My Twitter handle is: @joanyedwards

If you don’t have a Twitter account, you can sign up at: https://twitter.com/

Through Twitter I connect with

1. Family
2. Friends
3. People who’ve read my blog follow me.
4. SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators)
5. Marketing Enthusiasts
6. Authors
7. Illustrators
8. Publishers
9. Editors
10. Agents

Ask them to send you an email when someone sends you a direct message.

When someone follows you, Twitter sends you an email (if you sign up for it). Instead of having them send me emails when someone follows me, I go to Twitter once a week and check the list to see who is following me, it puts a notice, following or follow beside their name. You can click on their name to see their profile and what they’re about.  This will help you decide if you want to follow them.

If you believe someone is abusing their membership, you can report them. They have companies who will follow people who follow you automatically. I tried one and I didn’t like it. I like to choose for myself.

Advantages of Using Twitter:

1. It doesn’t take much time to write a Twitter Post – 140 letters, numbers, symbols, and spaces.
2. It’s exciting when someone retweets your tweet.
3. Advertise your book and link to buy it.
4. Inform others about workshops that interest you or that you’re teaching.
5. Let people know about online conferences that interest you or that have you as a presenter.
6. Inform others when you update your blog or website.
7. Give a coupon for services or purchases.

Tips

• Check your account once a week to follow new followers.
• If you also post things on Facebook, you can fix it where Twitter automatically posts what you put on Facebook pages.
• Use the share links at the end of your blog or a favorite blog to post a link to Twitter about it.
• When you find a website that tickles your fancy or inspires you, post a link to Twitter about it.

I hope this helps you decide whether you might start a Twitter account. It might also inspire you to use it more often. Thank you for reading my blog. I appreciate you very much.

Follow Me on Twitter

Join the 122 subscribers to my blog. To receive an email when I post my next article, click “Sign Me Up” in the left hand column. You’ll receive a link and password to download a free logo that says: Never Give Up Build It One Block at a Time. It’s my free gift to you for subscribing to my blog. Thank you.

Are you willing to write a review my picture book Flip Flap Floodle for me? Let me know, if you do. Hear Flip’s Song. Flip has a fun way to encourage others to Never Give Up. It now has 14 reviews…just 11 more to my goal of 25.

You are a gift to the world. Thanks.
Celebrate you.
Never Give Up
Joan Y. Edwards

Copyright © 2013 Joan Y. Edwards

Resources

1. Kerianne Mellott “How to Use Twitter:” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWV74mndNaY&feature=youtu.be
2. Kerianne Mellott Website: http://www.MarketingMakesMeSmile.com
3. Aaron Lee. “Ten Reasons Why Your Business Should Use Twitter:” http://askaaronlee.com/10-reasons-why-your-business-should-use-twitter/
4. Lauren Dugan. “You Can Say a Lot in 140 Characters:” http://www.laurendugan.com/why-social-media/twitter/
5. Lauren Dugan. “Twitter 101: Everything You Need to Know about Twitter:” http://www.ftpress.com/store/twitter-101-everything-you-need-to-know-about-twitter-9780133120950
6. Twitter – sign up page

 

…An Arm, a Leg, and Your First-Born Child?

Copyright © 2013 Joan Y. Edwards.                                                  What will make your character scared? Tense? Angry?

“…An Arm, a Leg, and Your First-Born Child” by Joan Y. Edwards

What is the cost of what your main character wants or needs? Will it cost him an arm, a leg, or his first-born child?

Picture Book

The witch twitched her head around and poked the polka-dotted princess on the forehead, “Princess, princess, so forlorn.

Give to me your true first-born child.”

Adult Fiction:

“How am I going to get to California from Charlotte? Are you kidding? Even a tank of gasoline costs an arm, a leg, and your first child.” John looked at his overalls with paint stains from his last paying job and hung his head low.

If there’s no cost, there’s no story.

Tell me your favorite stories, what the main character wanted and what it cost him?

When you’re writing a story, usually you give the main character 3 tries to get something or you give him three steps or levels to get there. In your mind, since we are all money-collectors, have the first try cost at least $50.00. The second, $100.00. And the third, $300.00.

So you don’t think in money, then it might cost him: embarrassment, betrayal, or abandonment. You say, these things wouldn’t hurt your character because he’s as tough as concrete highways or giant boulders. List 3 things he would wince at and hate, but would still be willing to do them to gain the reward, to win the battle, to get the job, etc.

If your character really wants or needs something, he will do whatever it costs. What obstacles will make your character scared? Tense? Angry? Your character will do anything to get his goal. He will put himself in danger of death to get it. In some cases, he will give up an arm, a leg, or a first-born child to get it.

Up the cost of what your character wants. If he’s willing to pay $500.00, make it cost him double. If he’s totally sure of himself and brags a lot, triple the cost. Make him jump through hoops he’s never even heard of before you created them for him.

Thank you for reading my blog. Please leave a note. You are the happy ending to my story each day.

Join the 122 subscribers to my blog. To receive an email when I post my next article, click “Sign Me Up” in the left hand column. You’ll receive a link and password to download a free logo that says: Never Give Up Build It One Block at a Time. It’s my free gift to you for subscribing to my blog. Thank you.

Are you willing to write a review my book Flip Flap Floodle for me? Let me know. I now have 14 reviews. My goal is to have more than 25 favorable reviews on Amazon.

Author of picture book, Flip Flap Floodle. Hear Flip’s Song. Flip helps children and adults to Never Give Up!
Author of “Joan’s Elder Care Guide” release 2015 by 4RV Publishing

Joan’s Website: http://www.joanyedwards.com (Gospel-related devotionals, puzzles, and skits)

May you realize how great a gift to the world you are!
Accept yourself as you are.

Celebrate you every day.
Never Give Up
Joan Y. Edwards

Copyright © 2013 Joan Y. Edwards

18 Publishers Who Accept Unsolicited Manuscripts

Copyright © 2013 Joan Y. Edwards and Her Licensors
Send me to a publisher.  Send me. Send me. I’m ready!

“18 Publishers Who Accept Unsolicited Manuscripts” by Joan Y. Edwards

It’s okay if in the past you didn’t submit your work, as many times as you desired. Forget about the past. Right now is a different time. Focus on this month. Check the guidelines for the publisher you’ve chosen. Look at the books they published. Do you like the illustrations on the covers? Are the books appealing to you?

If you’re like me, one of your finished works says, “Send me to a publisher. Send me. Send me. I’m ready!” about 3 times a day (See picture above). It’s waited anxiously for submission for days, months, or years. Now is the time to submit it. How can you turn down a sweet manuscript?

You’ve decided to do it now. Hurray! It’s important to follow the very latest guidelines on the publisher’s website. Does this publisher accept unsolicited manuscripts?  Do they want paper or online submissions? Are there certain months, they don’t accept submissions? My finished manuscripts beg me constantly to submit them, so I made a list of all the publisher guidelines (current as of today’s post).  I shared the results with you below:.

Adults

1. Baen Books

• Baen Books is a science fiction and fantasy publisher. It accepts unsolicited manuscripts for all books and prefers electronic submissions through its manuscript-submission form. Baen is very accepting of new authors and has a large e-publishing department.

2. DAW Books

• DAW Books is the science fiction and fantasy imprint of Penguin Books. It accepts unsolicited manuscripts and prefers them in paper form. It will respond in about three months and will not consider simultaneous submissions.

3. NCM Publishing

• NCM Publishing publishes all genres of fiction, non-fiction, self-help and young adult fiction.

Adults and Children

4. 4RV Publishing

• 4RV Publishing says no Picture Books until 2015. All other genres welcome.

5. Chronicle Books (Adults and Children)

• Chronicle Books were not recommended by Preditors and Editors. I think it wise to research the internet for complaints and decide  for yourself before placing judgment.

6. Dawn Publications (Adults and Children)

• Dawn publishes “nature awareness” titles for adults and children. Our picture books are intended to encourage an appreciation for nature and a respectful participation in it. We are seeking to inspire children as well as educate them. An inspired child is a motivated

7. Free Spirit Publishing (Adults and Children

• Free Spirit Publishing publishes high-quality nonfiction books and learning materials for children, teens, parents, educators, counselors, and others who live and work with young people

8. Peachtree (Adults and Children)

• For children’s picture books, send full manuscript.
• For all others, send either full manuscript OR table of contents plus three sample chapters.
• Peachtree does not accept query letters where no manuscript is included.
• Peachtree currently publishes the following categories:
• Children’s fiction and nonfiction picture books, chapter books, middle readers, young adult books
• Education, parenting, self-help, and health books of interest to the general trade

9. Peak City Publishing (Adults and Children)

• Peak City Publishing is a New Publisher

10. TOR Books (Adults and Children)

• TOR Books accepts unsolicited manuscripts on a variety of subjects. It is looking mostly for paranormal romance, mainstream and women’s fiction, science fiction or fantasy, chapter books for children and young adults and horror. Manuscripts should be mailed, no query letter required.

Children

11. Albert Whitman & Company

• Picture book manuscripts for ages 2-8.
• Novels and chapter books for ages 8-12.
• Young adult novels.
• Nonfiction for ages 3-12 and YA.
• Art samples showing pictures of children.

12. Boyds Mills

• Boyds Mills is a publisher of children’s and young adult books that accepts unsolicited manuscripts. It is looking for fiction, nonfiction and artwork submissions. It prefers submissions by regular mail, rather that email, and says it will respond within three months.

13. Charlesbridge

• Charlesbridge offers free activities and downloadable items:  http://www.charlesbridge.com/client/client_pages/downloadables.cfm

14. Curious Fox (New Publisher)

• Curious Fox does not publish picture books

15. Flashlight Press

• Flashlight accepts only picture books.

16. Lee & Low Books

• Lee & Low Books publishes books for children and young adults with a multicultural theme. All manuscripts must be aimed at children of color, with an authentic voice. Submissions are accepted from new authors through regular mail; no email submissions are accepted. Little

17. Little Tiger Press, UK

• Little Tiger Press has three imprints for children of different ages

1. Little Tiger Press, UK
2. Stripes Publishing, UK
3. Caterpillar Books, UK

18. Phoenix Yard Books, UK

• Phoenix Yard Books publish picture books, fiction, poetry, non-fiction and illustration for children of aged three to thirteen.

I hope this blog helps you. Feel free to share a link with your friends. Here’e s a shortlink to this blog post: http://wp.me/pFnvK-1Hz.

Join the 119 subscribers to my blog. To receive an email when I post my next article, click “Sign Me Up” in the left hand column. You’ll receive a link and password to download a free logo that says: Never Give Up Build It One Block at a Time. It’s my gift to you for subscribing to my blog. Thank you.

Author/Illustrator of Flip Flap Floodle,children call it a classic. Hear Flip’s Song.
Flip Flap Floodle, the happy little duck who Never Gives Up even in Mr. Fox’s belly
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Flip-Flap-Floodle-Joan-Edwards/dp/1594572852/
Barnes & Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/flip-flap-floodle?r=1

Joan’s Website: http://www.joanyedwards.com (Gospel related devotionals, puzzles, and skits)

Coming in June 2015: Joan’s Elder Care Guide 4RV Publishing.

Good luck with all your writing endeavors and your life.

Accept yourself as you are. Celebrate you every day.
Never Give Up
Joan Y. Edwards

Copyright © 2013 Joan Y. Edwards

Resources

Your Manuscript and Query Letter

• Laura Backes. Posted on George Angus blog. “How to Wow Them with a Perfect Query Letter:” http://tumblemoose.com/childrens-book-publishers-how-to-wow-them-with-a-perfect-query-letter/

• Laura Backes.  “Six Steps to Make Your Children’s Story Sparkle:” http://www.writing-world.com/children/backes1.shtml

• Mary Kole. Kid Lit.com. “The Early Reader and Chapter Book Market:” http://kidlit.com/2010/10/22/early-reader-chapter-book-market/

• Virginia Lloyd. “Australian Writers Think Twice before Diving into the Publishers Slush Pile:” http://virginialloyd.com/vblog/australian-writers-think-twice-before-diving-into-the-publishers-slush-pile/

Listing of Publishers: Includes two that readers recommended that I didn’t include in the above information.

Adults

Romance Publishers

1. Karen Fox. “(Romance) Publishers:” http://www.karenafox.com/publishers.htm (worldwide)
2. RTBookReviews. “Seven (Romance) Publishers Now Accepting Manuscripts:” http://www.rtbookreviews.com/rt-daily-blog/seven-publishers-now-accepting-manuscripts

Adults and Children

1. Missouri.org. “Book Publishers in Missouri:” http://books.missouri.org/book/export/html/394
2. Pauline Rowson. “(UK) Publishers Who Accept Unsolicited Submissions:”  http://authorsonlineworkshop.blogspot.com/p/publishers-who-accept-unsolicited.html
3. MuseItUp Publishing:
   • Romance - everything from: romantic comedy, contemporary romance, fantasy romance, historical romance, paranormal romance, romantic suspense, western romance, sweet romance, sci-fi romance, time travel romance
   • Paranormal – Fantasy -  we love vampires, ghosts, witches, werewolves and shape shifters…and dragons
   • Mystery – Suspense -Thriller - captivate us with the pacing of your novel. Hint: we love cozy mysteries
   • Young Adult - we’re big fans of the Potter & Twilight series but seeking a unique voice for this target group
   • MuseItYoung – this division is for our tween crossover chapter books for 10 – 14 year olds - NO PICTURE BOOKS
   • Horror & Dark Fiction - scare the living daylights out of us with your settings, dialogue, and characters – not with blood and gore and missing human parts. Use the power of your writer’s voice to draw images that will leave readers sitting at the edge of their seats.
   • Science Fiction - do you have a fantasy/romance/paranormal/etc. set in another planet? Fleshed out your otherly world? Then give us a shout.

Children

1. About.com. “Children’s Books: About Publishers and Getting Published:”http://childrensbooks.about.com/od/publishers/Publishers_and_Getting_Published.htm
2. L. A. Speedwing. “Children’s Publisher Accepting Submissions (in UK):” http://laspeedwing.blogspot.com/2011/10/childrens-publishers-accepting.html
3. Linda Williams. Webjunction.org. “Children’s Book Publishers:” http://www.webjunction.org/documents/connecticut/Children_039_s_Book_Publishers.html
4. Lou Treleaven. “Children’s Publishers Accepting Unsolicited Manuscripts:”http://loutreleaven.wordpress.com/2010/07/21/childrens-publishers-accepting-unsolicited-manuscripts/ lots of publishers listed – UPDATED MARCH 2013.
5. Saguaro Books is a publisher of middle grade and young adult fiction by first-time authors. They also accept unsolicited manuscripts. http://www.saguarobooks.com/query.php Please visit http://www.saguarobooks.com for more information.

And the Winner of the Giveaway Is…

“And the Winner of the Giveaway Is” by Joan Y. Edwards

Dear Commenters,
1. Linda Andersen
2. Becky Shillington
3. Maureen Wartski
4. Susan Hornbach
5. Dr. Bob Rich
6. Jean Hall
7. Christi
8. Sarah Maury Swan

At midnight, on April 5th, there were 8 people who left a comment. I listed their names above this paragraph. Random.org chose number 1 which was Linda Andersen.

Congratulations, Linda Andersen. You can receive a paperback copy of Flip Flap Floodle or a free logo about Walking 15 Minutes a Day to put on your email, on your website or blog. Please let me know your choice.

Hip Hip Hooray for all the people who leave comments on my blog.
I walked 15 minutes March 26-31st. I walked 30 minutes every day of April. Hooray for everyone who walked more than they did before March 26th. Reward yourself.

Celebrate you!
Never Give Up
Joan Y. Edwards

Walk 15 Minutes a Day and Reap the Benefits

“Walk 15 Minutes a Day and Reap the Benefits” by Joan Y. Edwards

Walk with Joan. Walk. Walk. Walk.

On January 4, 2013 I wrote “8 Reasons You Should Walk in 2013.” I told you I used to walk but I hadn’t been able to talk myself into it again. I blocked the idea of walking and fought from every possible angle. Once I told myself two things, it transformed my fight into fuel to help me walk consistently.

You say: “Tell us what those two things were.”

1. I could walk easily in my house for 15 minutes. No excuses that it’s too hot, too cold, too scary, too dark, too early, too late, or other excuses.
2. I could walk 15 minutes before I go on the internet and before I eat breakfast. For motivation, I know myself well enough to realize if I said, walk 15 minutes before you go to the Internet, it would work. I made that my rule. I don’t like to walk on a full stomach, so I added the idea to walk my 15 minutes before breakfast, too.

I walked 15 minutes a day for two months. I stopped for 14 days when I had a cold. When I went to the doctor, I had lost 5 pounds and dropped my cholesterol 100 points.

In November, 2012 the doctor told me my cholesterol was very high.  When I went for my checkup the last of February, three months later, it was 100 points lower. Part of that could have been because I’ve eaten more veggie plates when I go out to eat. I also cut down on the amount of ice cream I eat. I eat fewer eggs and use artificial eggs and link sausage with less cholesterol. When you look for ways you can do it, instead of asking yourself why you can’t do it, it’s a lot simpler and takes less energy. Fighting it takes much more energy than walking itself.

Since January 4, 2013, I walked 15 minutes 71 times in 82 days. I’m working on adding another 15 minutes in the afternoon or evening. I’ve done that 5 times. I’ll have to figure out a way to motivate me to do it consistently. Each time I walk 15 minutes I put the number on my calendar. The first time I walk I put a 1 for that day.  If I walk twice that day, then I put 1 and 2 for that date. If I walk 15 minutes the next day, I put a 3 for that date.

If you’re not walking, I hope you’ll try it. Walk 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, or more. Perhaps your stove has a timer. Below is a link for an online stopwatch timer. Set it for the time you think you can make it and go for it. Each little bit you walk, helps make it easier to walk a little longer. It sends those sweet, healthy endorphins to your brain. It helps your immune system. It make you feel good. It helps you solve problems. It increase your brain power. It gives you a feeling of satisfaction. It will give you a feeling of well-being. So go ahead, try it. Walk.

To celebrate my success in walking, I’m writing this post for you and me. If you’re willing to walk 5, 10, or 15 minutes a day for 10 days, leave a comment below. At the end of 10 days, please come back and reply to your first comment, telling the outcome. How much did you walk? Pat yourself on the back each time you walk.

On Friday, April 5, 2013 (I wasn’t specific here…so I’ll say after midnight) I’ll choose a random winner to receive a paperback copy of Flip Flap Floodle or a free logo about Walking 15 Minutes a Day to put on your email, on your website or blog. You can print a copy to put on your mirror. When you write down that you’re going to do it, you create a vision of you succeeding, and before long you’ve done it. It makes you accountable. Say it’s okay if you walk. And it’s okay if you don’t. That may stop the inner fighting. It worked for me.

Walk alone or with someone. Walk inside your house. Walk outside your house. Just walk.

Listen to music while you walk. Listen to a book on tape while you walk. Sing hymns while you walk. Recite your favorite poems while you walk. Just walk.

April 4, 2013 is National Walking Day. How appropriate and timely for us! Walk 15 Minutes a day and reap the benefits.

Related Resources:

1. Debra Ford. “Walking Just 15 Minutes a Day Can Have Profound Beneficial Health Benefits:” http://www.examiner.com/article/walking-just-15-minutes-a-day-can-have-profound-beneficial-health-benefits
2. Dr. Andrea Pennington. “What Are the Health Benefits of Walking 15 Minutes a Day?” http://www.sharecare.com/question/what-health-benefits-walking-15-day
3. Mayo Clinic Staff. “Walking: Trim your waistline, improve your health:” http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/walking/HQ01612
4. Nicole Nichols.”Reasons to Walk Yourself Fit:” http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=1199
5. Online Stopwatch.com. “Stopwatch – Countdown Timer:” http://www.online-stopwatch.com/countdown-timer/

Celebrate you.
Never Give Up
Joan Y. Edwards

Hear Flip’s Song. Flip Flap Floodle, the happy little duck who Never Gives Up, even inside Mr. Fox’s belly
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Flip-Flap-Floodle-Joan-Edwards/dp/1594572852/
Barnes & Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/flip-flap-floodle?r=1

Website: http://www.joanyedwards.com
Coming in June 2015: Joan’s Elder Care Guide 4RV Publishing.

12 Ways to Get More Energy

Copyright © 2013 Joan Y. Edwards and Her Licensors
Need More Energy?

“12 Ways to Get More Energy” by Joan Y. Edwards

1. Accept yourself as being okay,  if you’re tired. Also, accept yourself as being okay if you’re not tired.
2. Be open to more energy. Don’t keep saying, “I’m tired. I have no energy.” Those words themselves, zap your energy. Stand up. Hold your hands up high in the air. Hold your fingers apart. Spread your toes apart. Ask God to send you energy.
3. Drink a glass of water. Water hydrates your body and makes it work better. It grounds you. When you’re feeling edgy, nervous, or listless, drink a glass of water. Savor every drop.
4. Eat protein: peanut butter or nuts, like cashews.
5. Dig in the dirt. Garden. Get back to nature. Sit and watch the birds and squirrels. Walk around your yard or a nearby park.
   

   Copyright 2013 Joan Y. Edwards and Her Licensors
   When you’re tired, just a little exercise might be better or a nap.

6. Exercise for 1 minute of exercise, alternate with 1 minute of resting, for five minutes. It’ll get your pituitary gland in your body to send endorphins to your brain that give you a feeling of well-being and lessen your pain. We get endorphins from exercise, excitement, laughter, love, and orgasm. They said you get endorphins from eating spicy food. You can do yoga, too.
7. Breathe in deep through your nose and breathe out through your mouth three times. Relax. Then breathe in shallow through your nose 3 times quickly, and exhale through your mouth three times quickly. Repeat this until you feel calm. This is a good way to do it if you have trouble sleeping. At least it’s worked for me.
8. Complete a Task. Finish a task or work on a task as long as you set your timer. If you do as you say you’re going to do, you’ll build up an “I can do this” attitude. Next time set the timer for 10 minutes longer and see if you can make that. Completing tasks sends a level of excitement to your brain. It sends endorphins to your brain that gives you a feeling of well-being. Make an effort to finish any task you begin. Even if you have to break it down into only 5 minutes at a time.
9. Declutter, recycle, clean up, straighten, and Feng Shui. Even picking up only 5 things that are out of place and putting them where they belong, can make a difference in your mind and body.
10. Take a nap – a power nap or a regular nap, especially if you are sleep deprived. A little nap will rest your body and might give you renewed energy to last you four hours until you can sleep through the night. That has been my experience.
11. Be thankful. Write down or say aloud three reasons you are thankful. a litany of reasons you are thankful will fill you with more endorphins and a feeling of well-being. Meditate.
12. Celebrate you. Get a cupcake. Put a candle in it and celebrate you. Think about all the good things you’ve accomplished in your life. Get a big poster and write your name in big letters. Underneath it write good positive words to describe you: Loving, kind, talented in many ways, determined, etc.

If you’re without energy for a month or more, perhaps a physical checkup with your health care provider would help. You could be anemic and need iron or have a thyroid that’s not working full power.

If none of these ideas seem to work, brainstorm your own or try some of the ideas in the references listed below:

Related Posts on My Blog:

1. Joan Y. Edwards. “Why Is Sleep Important for You?” http://joanyedwards.wordpress.com/2013/01/18/why-is-sleep-important-for-you/
2. Joan Y. Edwards. “Eight Reasons to Walk in 2013:” http://joanyedwards.wordpress.com/2013/01/04/8-reasons-to-walk-in-2013/

References:

1. Amy Paturel and Sara Reistad-Long. “How to Increase Your Energy Levels:” http://www.realsimple.com/health/mind-mood/how-to-increase-energy-levels-00000000057511/index.html
2. Cathy Wong. “5 Tips for Energy:” http://altmedicine.about.com/od/optimumhealthessentials/a/5_Tips_Energy.htm
3. Dr. Oz “Three Things Give You More Energy: http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/3-things-give-you-more-energy
4. Frederic Patenaude. “Double Your Energy:” http://www.fredericpatenaude.com/articles/doubleyourenergy.html
5. Jim Karas. “Boost Your Energy.” http://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/boost-your-energy
6. Johnny Bowden, Ph.D. “11 Ways to Increase Your Energy:” http://www.nextavenue.org/article/2012-01/11-ways-increase-your-energy.
7. Napsoundscom. “How to Take a Power Nap:” http://www.napsounds.com/power_napping_tips.html
8. Qigong. “Open Your Energy Gates:” http://www.energyarts.com/energy-gates-qigong
9. Rodika Tchi. “Apply Feng Shui in Your Office:” http://fengshui.about.com/od/fengshuiforbusiness/tp/Office-Feng-Shui-Tips-Apply-Feng-Shui-in-Office.htm
10. Rodika Tchi. “How to Feng Shui Your Office:” http://fengshui.about.com/od/designbyroom/qt/homeoffice.htm
11. Rodika Tchi. “Feng Shui for Clutter Cleaning:” http://fengshui.about.com/od/clutterclearhome/qt/clear_space.htm
12. Tony Robbins. “Vital Breathing:” http://www.energiseforlife.com/tony_robbins_vital_breathing.php