John W. Mefford, Author
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Twenty Seconds of Courage

1/17/2012

29 Comments

 
“Who of us can say we’re truly committed in our most important relationship, or really anything? Fully engaged, faithful, devoted down to our core.”

I was inspired to write that introduction in a letter I wrote to a literary agent many moons ago. It related to my debut novel, COMMITTED, and to some extent my life.

My mind clicked on all cylinders as I sat down to write what I considered at the time was the most important correspondence of my life. I was energized and motivated by recent word that a friend of mine was a personal acquaintance of the well-known agent, and would personally deliver my letter and excerpt. I felt certain my big break had arrived.

When I finished the letter, I asked my wife to read it. Not an overly emotional person, my wife had tears swell in the corners of her eyes. It was another sign. This was fate. This was my moment. I believed that to attain great success, I had to open the window to my soul. I sealed the envelope, then paused. I had immense hope, but also a hint of trepidation.

A couple of weeks ago the family took in a wonderful movie, We Bought a Zoo. It was about a man and two kids who searched for something to replace their grief from the loss of a wife and mother. They looked for something to unite them, excite them, to set them free from the heartache and sorrow.

The boy had a particularly difficult time with the dad’s decision to buy a dilapidated zoo and make it their mission to re-build the place and open it to the public. The boy was going through all sorts of changes while growing up, including trying to figure out girls. One day his dad told him, “Just give me twenty seconds of courage, and I guarantee you something great will happen.”

As I look at my ever-evolving path as an author, I’ve thought about all of the apprehension at each hurdle. The first time I shared my novel with anyone other than myself. The first time I clicked “publish” on my new website. The first time I sent out a Tweet. When I decided I couldn’t—I wouldn’t—use a pen name associated with my book. Looking back, those were only tiny, almost insignificant steps, but for years being such a private person, not wanting to shine the spotlight on myself, it took a mountain of boldness to do all off those things. I’m sure many more hurdles will follow.

The agent never received my letter. And only one person understood the guts it took for me to write it and send it off...my wife. Until now.

Twenty seconds of courage. Something great will happen. Maybe not on my terms, but at the right time for me.

What about you? Have you given yourself twenty seconds of courage, repeatedly? I double-dog dare you to unleash your inner self. Something great will happen.

29 Comments
Bert Carson link
1/18/2012 02:22:11 am

John,
Terrific post - both inspirational and captivating - two pots of gold we're all searching for - and to find them in one place -
Thanks,
Bert

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John W. Mefford link
1/18/2012 03:19:43 am

Hey Bert, I'm glad the post resonated with you. I hope everyone can feel at least a little more empowered after reading this.

Thanks again!
John

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Mary Kathryn Johnson link
1/18/2012 03:28:24 am

Hi John ~
We have said that "20 seconds of courage" line to our sons repeatedly since seeing We Bought a Zoo, and I constantly say it to myself through the many stumbles in daily life.
Thanks for the wonderful, courageous, heartfelt reminder. Keep it up, and you know your 'great' will come - especially when you inspire others.

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John W. Mefford link
1/18/2012 04:03:43 am

Thank you Mary Kathryn. I really appreciate the kind words.

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Bridget McKenna link
1/18/2012 11:14:08 am

Sometimes the most amazing things of all are the simplest. Like this one. Thank you for both the public revelation of private courage, and for this remarkable post.

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John W. Mefford link
1/18/2012 12:02:16 pm

Thank you Bridget.:)

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Christina Carson link
1/18/2012 02:40:21 pm

I would say something great did happen, for in my world, anytime someone does what is right for them, particularly in an intense moment, they have achieved a victory that few others can claim, one that adds to their lives more richly than they might know at the time. Hats off to you.

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John W. Mefford link
1/18/2012 11:38:31 pm

You are so right, Christina. A victory unlike any other. Thank you for the support!

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Johanna link
1/19/2012 03:05:29 am

John, such a great post. As authors we're constantly taking those little baby steps that hopefully propel us forward to something bigger. Although baby steps is the wrong word because sometimes they are amazingly difficult!

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John W. Mefford link
1/19/2012 03:14:44 am

Hey Johanna. It is interesting to notice that some of the smaller steps are actually enormous leaps of faith, and also effort. Having someone read and appreciate my work -- blog post or book -- is one my greatest joys. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts!

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Tess Hardwick link
1/20/2012 09:12:22 am

John,
I've thought of this quote from the movie many times in the last several weeks. I, too, have had many, many 20 seconds of courage in the last five years. Some have brought a swift return, but most have taken years to germinate from that one moment into something tangible that I could experience with all of my senses. Regardless, I have to believe that our courage, no matter that it is often elusive in the immediate, cumulates somehow in the vapors of the universe and return in an explosion of dreams finally recognized. We must never give up. We must continue with these moments of courage. For what, truly, is our purpose but to be a force of hope in the world, of action, of courage, in this uncertain world. Cheers to you. Thank you for sharing your story. It matters.

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John W. Mefford link
1/20/2012 09:50:34 am

Hi Tess, your insight and poignant thoughts further exemplify how words on a screen can elicit emotion and positive action. Thank you for the supportive feedback.

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Miruna link
1/21/2012 09:21:15 am

Great post! It convinced me!
Thanks!

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Your Church St Friend
1/21/2012 10:29:53 am

I believe your 20 seconds of courage happened when you clicked "publish" and shared a part of yourself with your amazing story-telling ability! Thanks!

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Maurice DuBois
1/21/2012 10:42:30 am

Very inspiring. I will try and think of this the next time I am scared s**tless... So in like an hour or two
Great stuff, thanks for sharing!!

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Kathy Lynn Hall link
1/22/2012 04:18:21 am

Okay - you made me cry. 20 seconds of courage is not too much to ask, but sometimes so hard to give. It is those small steps that are in reality great leaps of faith. Thanks, John - for sharing that.

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Vanessa Finaughty link
1/23/2012 03:31:58 am

I have to give myself those twenty seconds of courage each time someone reads a new book I wrote, or each time a new reader reads my older books!

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Goram WIlliams
1/23/2012 02:31:25 pm

Great post. I loved the movie, and felt like the message was clear and in your face: take the chance! If you don't take big risks, you don't get big rewards. That's true in life, love, and all things business. :)

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Charlana link
1/29/2012 05:40:21 am

I could relate too those moments you shared first time you clicked "publish", first tweet those were also scary moments for me but so glad I did. Next time I am faced with a challenge, I will pause, take a deep breath and then go forward with twenty seconds of courage.

Thanks for sharing,

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Jim Parker link
1/30/2012 02:33:47 am

Wow John. What an amazing, soul revealing post. You have reminded me today of the importance of daring to dream but more importantly daring to ACT. Thanks for sharing from your heart, the deepest well any of us can draw from. The water there is truly sweet my friend.
Jim

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Douglas Dorow link
2/2/2012 11:31:33 pm

John

Terrific post. It's those twenty seconds, those decisions, that often make the difference.

Committed is on my To Be Read pile and new there's a movie on my To be Seen list.

Thanks for sharing.

Doug

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Jolyse Barnett link
2/17/2012 07:34:15 am

As a quasi-new writer, I empathize with your firsts. I'd add to that list...attending my first professional writers' meeting, pitching my first book, hitting send to enter my first writing contest, and saying, "I'm an author." Thanks for sharing your story of courage. As far as I'm concerned, big dreams require big risk. Enjoy the journey to success. :)

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John W. Mefford link
2/17/2012 08:22:48 am

Hi Jolyse, your comment made me think about my intent when I sat down to write that post. I never really thought I'd take that particular direction. But that's the beauty of writing on a blank canvas. I'm glad to hear you've cleared so many hurdles and can now share your experience with the rest of us. Thank you!

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Brenna Gee link
2/18/2012 08:22:05 am

Breaking resistance and fear down into managable bites. 20 seconds of courage. One of my favorite writers, Brenda Ueland, always said recklessly make mistakes and when you do make sure they are doozies.;) Writers have to be both vulnerable and fearless. Thanks for the courage reminder.

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John W. Mefford link
2/19/2012 12:02:35 pm

Vulerable and fearless. That perfectly sums up our mission. Thanks Brenna!

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T stallings
3/25/2012 01:48:13 am

Just read your book while on my oldest daughters senior trip! My husband and I are Harlen Coben fans, and I think it's that good!
Good luck with future books! Way to go!

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John W. Mefford link
3/25/2012 02:50:04 am

HI T, what a compliment! I really appreciate your kind feedback. You're making me eager to release book number 2. Thanks again!

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Palmdale Girls link
7/9/2012 04:06:46 am

Which template is this for your blog?

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HotelClub link
9/10/2012 08:11:30 pm

Woah, very good post, John. That's some really inspiring stuff, certainly a post I will read again when I'm in those situations--although I doubt I'll remembering anything when I'm in that moment!

Thanks for this,
Sohaib

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