Christmas

I got lazy over the holidays and didn’t blog much of anything. Even Six Sunday shut down, which usually keeps me an honest blogger. 😉

I was thinking yesterday that New Year’s is around the corner, but it’s pretty much just another day at my house. We’re much bigger on Christmas, and it signals the end of the year (for me), which is why I believe I turn to mush around this time. My Christmas cards are full of “I love yous” and “thanks for being in my lifes” that sort of thing.

Sometimes, you would be amazed by how one small act of kindness affects another person. They view it differently, possibly because they needed it, while you might not even remember, possibly because it was such a simple thing for you to do.

I spoke with another author once, who told me it meant so much to her when this more established author read an excerpt of hers and said, “You should get this published.” It was a revelation to the newbie writer, and validation as well, because someone who knows what they’re about said she was good enough and should submit her work.

That’s all well and good. That’s how the new writer remembers the exchange.

Fast forward a few months, and a conversation about mentors and people who have impacted your writing/career pops up. The new author chimes in about this life-changing exchange. A day or so later, the experienced author chimes in about who influenced her and the like. Then she sees the post by the new author, and she is more than a little surprised. She gave a few minutes of her time, said the first things that came to mind, so no big deal for her. Yet, to see how her comments resulted in the new writer submitting, made her take a step back and think about the power of words.

I’m going off on another tangent, but the point is this–use your words and use them well and kindly. No matter what the reason or the season, it’s always welcomed to hear how much someone loves you or what they think of you. If you want to use Christmas or wait for New Year’s, it’s all good. Just put in that little bit of extra effort to make sure those around you know how much they mean to you.

I’m sure there are some people (read editor) who will think my burst of “I love you-itis” is bizarre, but it’s no more strange than the rest of me. (Yes, I realize that’s not a ringing endorsement.) This is when I feel the need to thank people, to close out my year on a note of gratitude, and that’s how I do. 😉

So, people I have much love and mushiness for this year (in no particular order): Cait, Melanie, Jennifer, Dee Carney, Annie, Vic, Victoria, Joanne, Andreea, Jodi, Ella, Riley, Cheryle, Lana, Debbie, Cathy, Lis, Sasha and Jess.

Then, of course, my family is a rather large lump. I appreciate and love them all. Even my daughter, who is playing in snow without me as I type this blog.