by Molly Jo Realy (@mollyjorealy)

IN THIS JOURNAL:
Don’t Tap Out.

Whaddya mean you haven’t read Molly Jo’s Journals in six months? That’s not creepy/scary/horrific at all. Even less more so when the reason is because I haven’t written. And the reason for that is … well, let’s not go there. Because there is no there to go. That is, I have no reason for not having a reason. That is … (*insert Bing Crosby/White Christmas voiceover here: “Nice out.”)

Speaking of Christmas (oh, were we?), I was watching my favorite Christmas movie on Christmas Eve. No, not Die Hard. That’s only my fourth favorite Christmas movie. My favorite-favorite is It’s a Wonderful Life. But you already knew that.

What you didn’t know is I found my new mantra in this wonderful movie I’ve watched a buzzillion times and sometimes in June when it’s not even Christmas. #sorrynotsorry.

Molly Jo’s Journals: Don’t Tap Out. Remain on the Floor.

It’s the scene where George Bailey shows up at his brother Harry’s high school Christmas dance. George meets Mary, they start to dance, and the Charleston contest gets under way. Harry announces the dance competition and the winning duo gets a Loving Cup trophy. [Can someone explain to me why a trophy is called a Loving Cup?].

“Those not tapped by the judges will remain on the floor.” 

How breathtaking, stimulating, and genius are these eleven words?! Did the screenwriters even understand the brilliance of this statement?

If you don’t get tapped out, you’re still in the game!

Anyway. I’ve decided, since this is my year of living with fierce motivation, that I shall not tap out.

Okay. But what does that even mean?
I’m so glad you asked. 

To tap out can mean to exhaust your resources. Energy. Money. Interest.
Or, if you’re a wrestler, it means you give up. You tap out when someone else is winning and you’re just done.

Look. This year is new. It’s a baby. So you get to be the bigger sibling and tell it what to do. Don’t let this year whiz by cheese in a can (see what I did there?). (And now I’mma looking for crackers.) Heck, no!

No matter what your passion is (and, it’s late. I almost spelled that p-a-t-i-e-n. Hey. Even writers are human. #truth), you can strive to reach it. Here’s the good news: you don’t even have to start over or try something new. You can just keep going with something you’re already doing.

Because as long as you’re not tapped by the judges,
you’re still on the dance floor.

So take that everyday-thing that you love and want to grow, and keep at it. Sure, you may lose your footing, get soaked, and have some struggles along the way. But if you keep working for your dreams, you’ll lasso the moon and have your own wonderful life.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some editing, writing, painting, and journaling to do.

Come alive, stay wild, and always, savor the journey.

~M.

I would love to share with you about God, writing, journaling, tea, and New Orleans. Drop me a comment or send me a message.

Author of the romantic location mystery novel, NOLA, Molly Jo Realy is an award-winning writer, editor  and author coach. Encouraging others to embrace their unique talents to come alive and stay wild every day is her cup of tea! Addicted to God, cats, caffeine, pens, and planners, in no particular order. Savor the journey, y’all.

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