Buck Up And Quit Your Whining
Today is the Insecure Writers Support Group,
founded by our favorite ninja, Alex “no hyperlink needed” Cavanaugh. The success of this
group is due to the overwhelming support of so many great people – all of you
who work tirelessly to help others and give encouragement or a helping hand.
I've been dragging my feet lately, watching my puny efforts
at time-management get sucked into the abyss. I think it's typical for this
time of year for many of us. We are pressed for time because of the holidays,
family obligations, and so on. I've been morose because my writing isn't going
as swiftly as I'd like.
Then I read a post on FaceBook about Michael's sister and her patchy hair because
of chemo treatments. I might add here that Michael is providing moral support
and driving her to and from the doctor, staying with her during treatments,
etc. He'd posted, saying he had trimmed her hair to even it out.
Reading things like that spins my perspective and tilts it on its head...or my head. I'm feeling a bit tilted now.
Anyway, I allow myself to get bogged down in trivial details, forgetting that each day is a wonderful gift in itself, one to be embraced and lived to the fullest.
Anyway, I allow myself to get bogged down in trivial details, forgetting that each day is a wonderful gift in itself, one to be embraced and lived to the fullest.
With that in mind, I'd like to point you toward some others who deserve a hug or three. Please visit the following people and say hi. They've been
through some trying times lately. The best way to forget about your own
insecurities is to provide a welcoming smile for someone in need. I'll
apologize in advance if I've forgotten to put someone on this list. It's off
the top of my head and with my last brain cell dangling.
You make my eyes leak. Hugs back to you - in quantity.
ReplyDeleteOff to visit those on your list that I don't already stalk.
Many hugs to you, EC! *hands you a tissue for leaky eye problem and a glass of punch*
DeleteThings like that do put life into perspective. Each day is indeed a gift.
ReplyDeleteIt is a gift, Alex, and so easy to lose sight of when walking on the hamster wheel. The bigger picture gets lost.
DeleteGreat post! I need to take this to heart. I'm sure we can all benefit from this wonderful advice. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Eric! I'm glad it touched you. :)
DeleteWhat a nice post, River. Thanks. As a matter of fact, the girl in the picture on my blog (the Disney heroine) has hair like my sis's...except sis's is blonde. Very thick and full. It was sad to see it come out. Thanks again, and off to go give the others a hug!
ReplyDeleteM.L. Swift, Writer
And hugs back to you and your sis, Mike! You really inspired me. Group hugs all around. :)
DeleteThanks, River. Despite the muck sometimes, I'm constantly reminded life is full of wonders, joys and blessings. And great friends sure make the journey easier and a lot more fun. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteFriends are everything, aren't they, Julie? I'm proud to call you one...even if you speak of wallowing in the mud. ;)
DeleteWe all need a healthy dose of perspective adjustment, River. Appreciated this one.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lee! I know I get so wrapped up in my "table for one" drama that I don't see all the other diners sitting alone at their tables! LOL We could all drag our chairs together and have a party!
DeleteWhat a great metaphor! I'm all for pulling those chair together.
DeleteWow, River! You really put things in their proper place. You're so right, we really need to sit back and take stock from time to time. This is such a sweet and endearing post. Thank you for making me think.
ReplyDeleteco-host IWSG
Elsie
Thanks, Elsie, and thank you for being one of the co-hosts for IWSG, too!
DeleteWe are luckier than we realize:) Every moment of health & happiness is a blessing. Every moment spent with those in need of either, even more so. Will visit all you've mentioned, thanks River:)
ReplyDeleteHi Sam! I think you're right - we are luckier than we realize. Thanks so much for visiting the people in the links!
DeleteHi River,
ReplyDeleteYour words, a gift. A gift that shares the ideals of understanding that we can see that there is hope. That we are blessed. The spirit of together, with hope, we cope, resonates in the ambience of your gentle thoughts.
And to those you have listed and so many more, I know that through adversity we find strength.
I'm touched that you noted me in your list. My gratitude to you and all those who embrace such ideals of this caring, sharing community.
Be well and keep smiling, dear friend.
Gary
You have blessed me with laughter and many great puns, Gary. Yes, I was seeking Gary again and I found him!
DeleteYou are a shining example of caring in this community. You reach out to others and lift them up when they are down. Yes, we cope, don't we? :)
Paw up, Penny!
Michael is wonderful for what he is doing her his sister. I am praying for both of them! And you are right. Sometimes we do need a perspective change.
ReplyDeleteI know I need the reminders, Chrys. But I see it all around me if I just remember to look. Michael is a wonderful person - kind and loving.
DeleteI agree with everyone's sentiments on Michael. I do like your nom de plume. How ever did you come up with it?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michael! I didn't...it picked me. Then it stomped its feet and threatened to eat my soul in the middle of the night if I didn't adopt it. If you see a car go by with a help sign in the window, you'll know the name finally kidnapped me and is taking me into an empty field somewhere. Send help.
DeleteWell, may the ghosts of Firefly forever be with you, River.
DeleteIt depends on the foma you fixate on :) If I let myself go dark, I may not find my way back this time. So I try not to. And it was three years ago in November that my sister suddenly lost her husband. Whatever my woes, I have many things to be thankful for.
ReplyDeleteTrue words, Mary! Pick a good soma...I mean, foma. ;)
DeleteOn a serious note, I remember that time when your sister lost her husband. We need to live each day to the fullest, don't we?
Sure puts things into perspective, doesn't it? We can only be grateful for what we have.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Diane. I think the trick is to stop and notice how much we really do have. :)
DeleteThank you for this post, River. We all need to look around and realize we're not alone.
ReplyDeleteExactly, Ron. And I count you as one of those wonderful friends who remind me that I'm not ever alone. I know you're only a click away for me. Thank you. :D
DeleteThank you for this. My heartache this year was a nightmare I hoped I'd never experience. But during these past months, I've seen the best of what people can be. Like this. Time is indeed a gift we should never take for granted. Thanks for the hugs.
ReplyDeleteWelcome, Jeff! Hugs are always free here. This community is extraordinary in the depth of its caring, isn't it? The outpouring of compassion is like a warm, fuzzy blanket wrapped around you. Be at peace, my friend. We are here for you.
DeletePerspective realignment. A worthy endeavor.
ReplyDeleteAs I've noted once before, my primary aspect is optimist. And, as also noted, when the optimist leaves town, things get very dark, very quickly.
Sometimes it's easier. Sometimes...less so.
I too like the "table for one drama" image. Not always applicable. But sometimes, yes.
A good post, River. Timely.
That's a wonderful gift you have, Kevin. The optimist is often absent in artistic people, as you well know in those moments when it flees. Cherish it. Sit on it. Hide its suitcase when it tries to leave. ;)
DeleteI guess I exorcise much of the darkness by writing my 'celtic melancholy' into story & verse.
DeleteAs I mentioned to Jon Strother once, I hope one day to write funny. Not quite there yet.
In the meantime, the hiding of suitcases is a great idea. :-}
You could feed it cookies, too. I hear optimism likes those. ;)
DeleteYes! Life is amazing when we change the way of thinking. We should always think in bilateral way and always meaure its pros and cons of whatever your are thinking or trying to excute.Nice Post River Ma'am.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sakib! Life is amazing, a fact we often overlook in the hustle of daily life. We get bogged down and forget to listen to that inner voice.
DeleteThanks so much for stopping by!
Smart girl, you. And nice. Will drop by and say hi to all!
ReplyDeleteIt's the famous Cathy of the Freezing Lake! :D Brrr...
DeleteThank you for dropping by the links and saying hi to all these good people. You are awesomesauce!
You put out books much faster than pretty much everyone I know, so you're allowed to slow down at times. Stop and smell the poinsettias!
ReplyDeleteLOL! Thanks, Jay, but it's not poinsettias I'm smelling right now. I'm thinking of a thriller so I'm smelling...dead bodies.
Delete*holds nose and runs*
Can't wait for your book to launch!
What a beautiful post, and you're so right - we often get weighed down with our own problems and failings and forget to appreciate the good things we have. Michael was a great example, and with everything he does, he always manages to stay positive. Thanks for the reminder to be thankful for our blessings and supportive to others who need it :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lexa! Your words are so true. :)
Delete