I = INDIVIDUAL

Everyone is an individual. What that means is that you are unique. Just because people dress alike or eat at the same place, does not mean that they are all the same. Though I do understand that some people will do anything to try and fit in and be like the norm.

Well, the truth is that there are just some people out there that don’t fit in. They are who they are and they are not ashamed of it. It is okay to be an individual. I know that many people may make you feel like it isn't  but you are allowed to be yourself. It is okay to walk to the beat of your own drum, it is okay to dress in a way that makes you feel comfortable, it is okay to listen to the music you want to listen to and it is okay to think the way that you do (as long as you are not hurting anyone or anything, of course).

I have had people try and change me all my life and to be honest, trying to please everyone all the time is not worth it and you waste far too much energy in the process. Just be yourself and those people who are worthy, will give you a chance and will accept you for who you are. Those who don’t, well, don’t worry about them, as their opinion or acceptance is not worth wasting your time on anyway. 

H = HELP

Asking for help may sound like a simple thing to do when you find yourself in a tough situation, but it can also be one of the hardest things to do. I know that I myself am a very proud person. I must probably have failed at the same thing at least ten times before I would ask for help. But that is just because I am a stubborn person who will always try and do something myself first.

There is no shame in asking for help. If a situation becomes too much to handle, it is okay to ask someone for help. It is okay to admit that you need help and it does not mean that you are a failure or that you are not a competent and capable person. Everyone needs help at one point or another. So do not let anyone make you feel bad or unworthy just because you are asking for help.

G = GRATEFUL

To many people who read my blog I may come across as the type of person that likes complaining and that I am never thankful for anything, but there is so much that I am grateful for.

• I am grateful for the higher power that has created me and that helps me get through every day. I am also grateful for the wonderful imagination I was given and for the ability to put into words the many things my mind comes up with. 

• I am grateful for my beautiful family who help me through everything. 

• I am grateful for all the friends I have, whether they are my fellow blogger friends, or the few I have around me. 

• I am grateful for my health. 

• I am grateful for the fact that I have a job and that I am able to work. 

• I am grateful that I am breathing. 

 What are you most grateful for?

F = FAILURE

When it comes to failure I always tend to feel a little self-conscious, because I have failed at many things in my life and it is not a thing that I like to share. But do you know what? I might have made many mistakes and failed horribly at many things, yet I am stronger for it. I can’t say that any of it is a wasted experience. It might not always seem like it, but we need to fail in order for us to get better. Yes that cake recipe didn’t work out and the end result was closer to a brick, but the next time you bake it, you will improve.

E = ENOUGH

There comes a point in everyone’s life where they have reached a certain limit and feel like they need to blow their lid or just go crazy. I know from experience what this scenario feels like and because of this, I would like to mention that it is okay to know when you have had enough of a certain situation, relationship or even a certain experience and take the necessary steps to prevent yourself from ever reaching your breaking point.

D = DETERMINATION

I love to read the success stories of all kinds of people. I especially love reading the “How I got my agent posts”, that is on so many websites and blogs. I think I like it because when these various people succeed it makes me feel better about my chances of succeeding.

C = CRY (IWSG)

It does not matter whether you are happy or whether you are sad, it is okay to cry. It does not symbolize weakness, but rather the expression of emotion. I know that for many of us showing too much emotion can seem like we are giving away too much of our pride, but every now and then, I don’t care who you are, you need to cry. It is okay to break down every now and then, have a good cry and just move on. You will feel better afterwards.

The Insecure Writers Support Group was created by the wonderful and talented author and blogger, Alex J. Cavanaugh. You guys can visit Alex over at http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com.