How to Stay Positive in Darkened World by Never Giving Up

Living each day the best way I knew how, I suddenly faced a crossroads. Raising the question, How do you maintain a positive attitude and not give up on writing at HubPages?

The answers have inspired me. Every person gave me a unique perspective.

As the song goes, "You raise me up to be more than I can be."

Making my life count is the reason I chose to write online articles in the first place. My passion in writing has produced poetry, fiction, and stories about the ups and downs of life.

Mother Theresa once said, “If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one.”

Was I trying to achieve goals of reaching thousands to make a bigger impact and was then left unsatisfied?

Was my dream to write just a passion pushed aside by the pure nature of attaining an income? I questioned myself.

Putting in long hours on the computer, I was neglecting my family. Looking back over the past couple of weeks, I was filled with fear and doubt.

Writing has long been a passion of mine. I write what I think, what I feel, what I want to convey in a message to the world. The spirit of journalism became an instrument for justice.

I watched the media for weeks endorse the rantings of Charlie Sheen. It created in me a sense of outrage. Shouting out his crazy antics on television, but I didn't want to write an article about Charlie. I didn't want to contribute to his popularity.

Because is it really funny or tragic to watch a man slowly die before your eyes?

The news turned a dramatic point when the disaster struck Japan. Forget about Charlie, nothing compares to the devastation and destruction that took place in Japan. I shared in their pain.

My heart became sick. My faith was shaken.

I started to reevaluate what I was doing. Did it really matter at all?

The news will report whatever they want to report. And no one is safe from natural disasters.

Facing the recent world news, the Internet of Google changes, the virus alerts, and the viewer drops, I faced my doubts of writing.

How can a person stay upbeat and positive in a darkened world? How will us as writers contribute to this impact -- positively or negatively -- while writing online journals or articles?

“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” – Robert F. Kennedy

Many of the comments I received from the question I posed, struck a chord in me.

I'm thankful for their insight. Here are just a few points I want to share with you, my reader:

barbergirl28 said, “ Write because you are passionate about it. Do it on Hub pages because you love the community feel. Don't stress over what Google has done... Just stay positive and do what you do best.”

DonDWest said, “Just keep writing because you love it and who cares about Google. The Internet is much larger than Google.”

This was a great way to put it all in perspective.

duffsmom said, “Look to the pros and what they do. How many submissions did Stephen King have before acceptance. Or Joseph Wambaugh? They wrote because it is who they are. A writer has little choice but to write. If money can be made, that would be a bonus. Don't give up; write because you have to --and if people enjoy it- even better.”

I wondered who I was trying to impress, myself or how much money I could make.

christ4ever said, “If each message you write only reaches but ONE person, it was worth it. Anything else is a bonus!”

This comment and the last made the biggest impact on my heart.

Cindy2011 said, “Why did you choose to join Hub pages? Was it not to practice your writing skills? How does one become a successful writer? Almost all great writers respond by saying, "write, read, write". There is no better place to practice your craft than on the Hub pages. Your responses will give you the best feedback - either people understood your hub or they didn't. Write to support your craft.”

Ultimately these comments forced me to believe in myself again, to trust in the bigger picture.

The fact is I should never give up.

When faced with adversity of any kind be it news media, weather reports, or online writing, it is important to stay positive.

For me it was an understatement. I went from caring for my aging mother and working a full time job in interior designer to nothing. My mom passed away and a month later I was laid off from my job. So I began to write. I wrote to stay positive, I wrote to make a difference in this world, and I wrote to express my passions in life.

Looking at the real reasons behind my motives and aligning myself with my established goals allowed me to remain positive to my calling.

Faced with the insurmountable odds of making it as a writer, I laid it all down at the foot of the cross. If this was my new destination, then I asked God, I would like to be reassured. We ask God to give us signs all the time. We want to know we are following the right path, making the correct choices. We want God to affirm us.

My soul searching is continuous. With a heart for worship and a passion for people, I'm on the right path. I’m on a spiritual journey of self-discovery and I realize that I will face trials and setbacks.

I just need to remind myself who is the real Giver of Life, the one whom I am meant to please.

Happiness depends on happenings, but joy depends on Christ. - Life Application Bible

I'm reminded to stay grounded, to get back to the basics of life, and to spread the light within a darkened world. I am staying true to myself.

Trust in God, be mindful of his promptings, and listen for God’s whispers in your heart.

I learned that to stay positive during these dark days is to lean on Him. The one who has brought me out of the darkness.

My God is mighty to save and He is still living within me. I can choose to either listen to Him or walk away. I chose to listen.

God remains my rock, my shelter in the storms, and although my faith may become shaking, I will never give up on HIM.