Thank you to all that reach out

Have you ever thought about how much we all need each other?

Oh, we spend a Lot of time denying it, rejecting it, decrying it, but I don’t think we are meant to be alone all the time. Yes, I think we all need to take time for self-reflection, for musings, to do things that make us who we are. But there is still the underlying need to have a hug, at least here and there, verbally as well as physically. Is there anyone that doesn’t need to hear they are doing good, are needed, are appreciated? I’ve found so often that what we might think is not always the case. Watching a stranger stride along confident and together-looking, and following my impulse to tell her how nice she looks, even though feeling obviously she already knows that already. And probably gets told that a lot. And having them turn and about break into tears in a public place because she needed to hear something good so badly. Don’t be afraid to follow your intuition, your impulse, as long as it’s not going to be detrimental or harmful to you or to someone else, you never know what is going on in someone else’s life that they need to hear a cheering word of some kind. Or just have a smile from someone.

What is the worst that can happen? They think you a fool? Like That hasn’t happened before. ;)

And might happen again. You might be rebuffed when you reach out. Don’t let that stop you. Their loss, not yours. Do not let it be yours. Do not let it become your loss.

Reach out to someone, even if it’s just a smile. Who knows when the reverse will come about and there will be someone there to reach out to you when you really need it.

And if you believe in something or someone, tell them. I do believe in myself. Mostly. Most of the time. But sometimes it is a constant watch to keep the demons of doubt at bay, to keep them from slavering all over me like some overeager dog dripping icky saliva all over the place.

And if you believe in an organization, tell them, and do more than tell, reach out a hand. You might not be able to have money in that hand to give them but that hand can do something. Whether you are a professional or an amateur dabbler at something, you do have something to offer. That empty hand can be filled with an envelope to stuff, a stamp to put on, or a myriad other things that will help, and in whatever time can be given. Even if you only have a few minutes here and there that might help with research, or a phone call, or a contact.

We are all so much more talented than we realize. So much more blessed than we realize. So much more interconnected than we realize.

I realize I owe a lot of who I am as a writer to James River Writers. To all the people involved in it. Being able to connect with other people, ones that don’t look at you like you are an alien and speaking some kind of language they don’t understand, and don’t want to understand, is immeasurable in itself. But also being able to meet and talk with such wonderful writers, that are such wonderful people. From the wonderful people that are brought into Writing Shows and Conferences, Adriana Trigiani, Diane Mott Davidson, Kirk Ellis at the recent Conference, to Tiffany Trent, Jeff Sypeck, Maggie Stiefvater at recent Writing Shows, to the local writers that show up to mingle around at Writers Wednesdays, Emyl Jenkins, Lee Gimpel, David Robbins, and all the fledging writers in the same working process that I am.

To all that offer me a kind smile and a kind word, Thank you.

Yikes, December Already!!!

I can't believe it's December already! Yikes! And not only December but already barrelling into December's first week. Just sliding right on in, even without any of the slippery white stuff of snow. Which in Richmond, Virginia, doesn't usually come around until January. Which is really good for those of us that have to travel for the holidays. Especially those of us that are already frazzled when it comes around to time to travel. Is there anyone out there that isn't frazzled this time of year?? How do you do it?

Ah well, I keep trying to find the balance of the decorating, the gift shopping, baking, cooking, etc..etc... with the real reason of the season. Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.
And really taking the time to feel that.
May all of you find it also.
And if I have a little more difficulty finding that balance this year maybe I should go ahead and wish everyone a blessed holiday season and the happiest of NewYears!