Smart Quote of the Day

“Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.” ― Dalai Lama

Oh, man, is this ever true.

There were times when I wanted something so badly it was all I could think about. I'd dream about how my life would change if I got this thing I longed for–always for the better, of course. I'd plan for it, pour all my energy into willing it to happen, only to have it slip through my fingers. I'd feel crushed. But then some time would pass and I'd realize that I dodged a bullet. That I was far better off for not having gotten that thing I thought would change my life for the better.

I'll give you an example.

When I started writing my first novel I attended a writer's conference on the East Coast. It was my first-ever conference and the first time I met other writers (most of whom had published books under their belts.) I submitted the first 5 pages of my manuscript to a well-known author to be critiqued. He was generous and thorough (and I learned that I had a lot to learn yet).

One of the opportunities that conference offered was the chance to pitch my novel idea to an agent. At the time this was still the accepted way to get published. There were a half dozen agents and several hundred authors pitching their idea. We were given a list of the attending agents ahead of time. I did my research, made my choice, and set up my meet.

We had five minutes to sit with the agent of our choice and make our pitch. I was nervous as hell. I'd already had my critique and knew I had work to do, but I was also excited about my story. When my five minutes arrived, I entered a room with five other hopefuls and faced a long table with six hard aluminum chairs lined up in front of six people who already looked like they'd heard a zillion boring ideas. I found the name tag for my choice, handed her my synopsis (basically a one page outline for the story), and took my seat.

The agent liked my story idea and asked me to send her the full manuscript when it was done. I fist-pumped and did a little dance in the elevator on the way back to my room. I couldn't wait to take the recommendations from the critique and finish my novel. Once it was done I sent it off with a letter reminding the agent where we met and that she had requested the ms.

I never heard from her. I was devastated. By that time Indie Publishing was taking off, giving writers more control over their work and more money in their pocket. I joined the Indie movement and never looked back. Two years later I learned that the agent I spoke with was being sued for fraud and stealing royalties from the writers she represented. I had dodged a bullet.

This is just one instance when not getting something I desperately wanted turned out to be a blessing. I have learned to trust that things are always working out for me. I'll bet you have some stories of your own, that sometimes not getting what you want turns out to be a wonderful stroke of luck.