50 shades of who gives a crap

This is not a post about the book 50 Shades of Grey itself. It’s about the author, EL James and how you can use her experience to create your own success.

Are there things you want to do in your life but don’t? What’s holding you back from following your dreams? Are you scared of the critics? What people will think?

I know I have in the past been prone to holding back in my blog posts and videos, not letting aspects of my true self shine through. What I have learnt is this:

When I let it all go and totally be myself and don’t think about what others will think or say, or just go ahead and hit publish despite these fears, it’s liberating.

I feel strong and powerful. I am doing my thing. Sure, there will be those who won’t agree with me or like me. But for each one of those crazy people (what’s not to like? hehe) there are lots more who get me and resonate with my rambles.

Here are some facts for you: Not everyone will like you. Not everyone will appreciate or even get what you do. Some people will think you’re crazy. Some will say you’re mad to your face, some will question you in a negative way.

There will always be people who don’t get you no matter what you do.

You have two choices:

1. Live in a box, don’t do anything, don’t say anything, don’t be anything.

2. Know that some will think you’re weird/odd/crazy/silly/wrong and do it anyway.

Back to EL James…

I have heard several talk back radio hosts say that 50 shades of Grey is: “terribly written” “drivel” such a “poorly written excuse for literature” and “boring”.

Do you think the author, EL James is crying into her pillow each night wishing she didn’t write it because of what the critics are saying? Because Mr Book Critic said it was crap?

I doubt it. According to The Guardian she has sold over 100 million books, earning her millions of dollars.

And a movie.

I don’t think she’s laying awake at night stressing about the naysayers!

What if she had this idea for a book and never went ahead with it for fear of being judged?

She’s a mum, just like you who loves to write.

What do you love to do?

Stop thinking about your dreams and start chasing them.

Go on,

I DARE YOU

” If any one were to ask me for my thoughts about this whole experience, I would say: life is not a dress rehearsal – seize the day and follow your dreams. I wish you the best of luck.”- EL James

Have you ever been scared of doing something but done it anyway? How did it turn out for you? Please SHARE with us below.

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55 Comments

- - 4littlemunchkins said
  - 09 Oct 2015
    7:40 pm
What an awesome article. Fear has held me back my whole life… but I don’t want to get to the end of it and have regret.

- - mom81879 said
  - 30 Sep 2015
    9:44 am
I am very shy, but I have kids, so every day I push myself to do something I find difficult, fir my kids!

- - dannsbuild said
  - 08 Sep 2015
    11:12 pm
Yes indeed, I really enjoyed reading it too!

- - mom81879 said
  - 03 Sep 2015
    5:18 pm
I agree totally. Too many people spend too much time wasted on what others think of them. Look after yourself, look after your family, love your life and live it YOUR way

- - mom152736 said
  - 03 Sep 2015
    2:51 pm
beautiful… true true..just cut the crap
- mom152736 replied
  
  04 Sep 2015 , 6:08 pm
  and yes..remeber to cut it and throw it… never keep it with yourself !
- - mom113055 said
  - 22 Aug 2015
    6:48 pm
50 shades

- - mom94378 said
  - 10 Aug 2015
    1:42 pm
Like the bit about stop thinking and start chasing your dreams. We need action to make this happen!

- - bubble6369 said
  - 06 Aug 2015
    6:58 pm
this was a great read! No one is crying after making all that money lol!

- - mom113055 said
  - 28 Jul 2015
    11:49 pm
dreams are important

- - mom67623 said
  - 27 Jul 2015
    4:35 am
Yes giving public speeches has and still is scary for me. But have been times when had to do them you see. On topics that I felt strongly about and had to get the message out. This was when after years of self doubt and feeling misunderstood, I remembered my abuse by a neighbour which was a hidden scar and did no good. Drove me to hospital in darkness and despair. Then realised was not alone and others this and other symptoms did share.. So under the guise of mental illness we went for healing as nothing else we could do! After leaving hospital and meeting others too, decided a group to start, doing art and poetry too. Getting pain out and starting anew. So did lots of speeches got government funding too. The group just had it’s 15th art exhibition this July… the name has changed the art work and craft items too.. More positive. beautiful and proactive too. Proud now off all those speeches 15 years ago that has allowed others and me freedom to unite and grow. I still get blue and feel sad too, but not alone and then sharing the laughter once again comes through

- - Mum of 5 darlings :) said
  - 25 Jul 2015
    9:42 pm
This is such a great article. I really enjoyed reading it. Thankyou
- julie_morrow replied
  
  27 Jul 2015 , 8:56 pm
  Thank you
- - deb_gs said
  - 24 Jul 2015
    11:07 pm
I can’t say that EL James is going to inspire me to become a better person. I think the message here is if you don’t care what people say about you and are not embarrassed to put yourself out there despite the quality of your work, and go for it. Put yourself out there to achieve your dreams.

- - tinakraja said
  - 20 Jul 2015
    9:12 pm
I left my home country and moved to australia 8 years ago, since then i’ve got my driving License, traveled back and forth and have two beautiful girls now 3.5 and 17 months, I have studied and received certificates and been through some horrid emotional times, but I did it and i did it all without Family. 10 years ago I couldn’t ever imagine leaving my family. Im about to start my own little business as I’m a stay at home mum and Im so excited. all things i would never have acchieved in the old country.
- julie_morrow replied
  
  27 Jul 2015 , 8:57 pm
  Good on you! I love to hear about women going for it!
- - mom113055 said
  - 17 Jul 2015
    11:45 pm
looking exellent

- - mrsdew17 said
  - 16 Jul 2015
    3:04 pm
Never read the book but get the philosophy. Recently took up bushwalking and I’m hooked! Always the first step that is the hardest but once you’re out there…

- - mom113055 said
  - 12 Jul 2015
    2:46 pm
very nice

- - ella12 said
  - 06 Jul 2015
    2:41 pm
Thanks. You hit the nail on the head.

- - meedee said
  - 06 Jul 2015
    1:36 pm
Im not very good with new things.
I always wanted to travel but was very nervous and scared when i did it alone for the first time. My first trip to the US. I thought of all these things that could go wrong….I made it though and now i love jumping on a plane and heading there.
- julie_morrow replied
  
  06 Jul 2015 , 8:45 pm
  That’s fantastic. I had a fear of flying and last year flew by myself for the first time – a huge milestone. Well done to you!
- - rovermum said
  - 06 Jul 2015
    12:54 pm
I went White Water Rafting in Bali. I’m not a risk-taker, but decided to take this one with my husband. I was so proud of myself, even though my legs were like jelly and shook for hours afterwards. It was liberating and something I can look back on with pride.
- julie_morrow replied
  
  07 Jul 2015 , 10:47 pm
  Fantastic! Sometimes we need to step out of our comfort zone – it’s always well worth the effort.
- - mom63229 said
  - 05 Jul 2015
    3:17 pm
Brilliant.. this article sums up a lot in life!