Michael Stipe was right

Michael Stipe was right, eh?

Oof. What a few days, eh?

It's the end of the world as we know it.

And I'm not being a doomy tin-foil hat person; the world as we know it has ended. Things are different. They'll never be the same.

But everything will be okay if we accept the new reality and decide that it will be okay.

I've learned a lot over the past couple of weeks about control: what we can control, what we can't control, and what to do about it.

Anxiety has always been a big part of my life... but I'm zen like a panda right now. I've surprised myself.

One of my favourite prayers is the serenity prayer (yep, atheists can love prayers, too):

Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot changeThe courage to change the things I canAnd the wisdom to know the difference

I'm not asking any gods for that. I'm asking myself.

And I'm extending it for myself, too: I can't control an awful lot of stuff right now, but I am fully in control of my reactions.

I also know I'm extremely fortunate, and I've never been more grateful for my life, my family, my friends, and my privilege.

So let me ask you, dear reader: what are you up to?

What are you controlling, and how?

And, of course, because I am a writer and I teach people to write, I'm gonna ask you this:

Have you thought about writing your book?

You might not have time, of course. I know some people are working from home AND homeschooling their kids and to them, I say "DUUUUUUUUUUDE. I am in awe of you. Be kind to yourself. And remember there is always gaffer tape."

(I AM ABSOLUTELY KIDDING DO NOT GAFFER TAPE YOUR KIDS! or anyone else)

But if you do have time, if you've found yourself at home, on much reduced hours, with time to fill... think about writing your book.

If you've always wanted to write your book, but have never had the opportunity... how about now? Hopefully, this will never happen again in our lifetimes – most of us confined to the house, unable to go out to work – now's the perfect opportunity.

And I want to help you get started.

Sign up for my 29-day writing challenge, for free, here...

p.s. no I'm not giving up selling. I'm not giving up on my business. But I do want to make sure I have free stuff available for people who are panicking about money (like this Q&A) and low-priced stuff for those with a little money. And, of course, my high-end services are still available if you're looking for a book coach!