That Certain Phrase

By Doyne Phillips, Managing Editor for Southern Writers Magazine

“I was so close to happy” was the phrase that caught my attention. In our writers group we were sharing in an exercise and one of the young writers, wise beyond her years, came up with this phrase. I am not sure if it was an original or something she had heard but it stuck with me.

Having had a long career in sales I know the importance of presentations using specific words and phrases. It can mean the difference in making a sale or not making one. You must use facts, open ended questions and with emotion tug the heartstrings. Make them think, question and feel. The same is true for writers and this “close to happy” phrase was something I could hold on to.

After hearing the phrase my thoughts were many. So close but yet not there. How sad. So close but I could see or feel what happy would be like. So close so I will continue to pursue. I could only hope that the phrase would not discourage the pursuit of happiness but it definitely could. This is a phrase, like so many, that can be taken in many directions. This is a phrase that writers can look to for inspiration.

Where do you get these phrases or quotes? I find them everywhere, daily conversation, books, movies, sports and the like. When I hear one that catches my attention I write it down. Many of them end up here as titles or catch phrases. Some just stay with me and I use them as I go through life. Some memorable ones are Don Henley’s. “Sometimes you get the best light from a burning bridge.” Also I like Henley’s quotes on the Eagles breakup, “It was a horrible relief.” Then there is the former President George Bush 41 when asked about a windmill on his property said, “I am greener than Al Gore.” Bush’s maybe not as inspiring as Henley’s but thoughtful. 

When you hear a phrase that strikes your fancy you should save it. Write it down or do as I do and keep it in notes on your phone. You never know when you might use it as a title or catch phrase in future material. Reaching back and finding these treasures may just get you close to happy.

If you have a phrase you would like to share put it below in comments. It may open the door for others to share as well.

Continual Success

By Doyne Phillips, Managing Editor for Southern Writers Magazine

Success brings to mind different things to different people.  Not only are the dreams and goals different but its limits varying from one person to the next. My idea of success may be limited by my experience and talent. But to reach my level of success is just as rewarding as the next person that reaches their success at a much higher plain.

Don Henley said, “Success can sometimes be just as disconcerting and frightening as failure, especially when you have questions about your own unworthiness and abilities.” 

Questioning your success is not unusual. Many doubt their worthiness and question their abilities. Many do so because they are concerned about the next step. Can we maintain our success, can we repeat our model for success or will my next attempt be received and accepted like the first. This can only be answered by continuing forward, just as Henley and The Eagles did. There were failures along the way but most are forgotten. 

The truth is once you reach what you thought to be your goal or dream you come to realize what you have done prepares you for the next big thing. Doors open and again it is off you go to the next level. You need to stop, take stock and make a decision on what is next. Your abilities and worthiness have lifted you to this level of success. Use what you have learned. Put the success you have with the abilities that are proven and continue on to the next level. 

There will be times of doubt or setbacks, hesitation or even failure but the key word is continual. 

Over the duration you will be a SUCCESS!