Why I Love Writers

They say writers only need one tool, a seat-belt! A grimmer version explains how to write a book, "You just stare at a blank piece of paper until blood pours out of your eyes."

Thank you dear writers for:

• The hours you spend alone
• The courage to share your creation
• The joy and wisdom you have given us
• Opening our hearts and minds to new thoughts
• Explaining things I would never understand without you
• Helping me to make it through the night more than once -- a lot more than once
• Making me laugh out loud
• Allowing me to cry when I could not
• Getting me through my childhood
• Teaching me about compassion
• Helping me to learn the "how to" of so many things
• Daring to face the harshest, most snide criticism some people can dish out
• Sharing the secrets of your very soul that your words reveal
• Creating worlds of wonder for us to travel in and characters we remember for life
• Filling me with hope
• Making the would richer, finer, and more accessible to so many people
• Letting me to dare to join your ranks!

I love you so dearly. Thank you so deeply.

Surviving Valentine's Day or What Do You Want Instead?

Feeling kind of glum on Valentine's Day, no chocolates, no flowers no cards; I reverted to an old default state, unloved and unwanted. I did one thing I know to do when I feel that way -- be kind. I sent out e-cards and emails. Tweeted a link to a free talk I gave called "Beliefs About Love." 

While I took a shower and washed my hair I remembered the other thing. If you don't like the way it is, figure out what you want instead and focus on that. Kaboom! My son called from Costa Rica to wish me a Happy Valentine's Day and my dear neighbor left this wild and wonderful bouquet of flowers. 

My mailbox filled up with sweet thoughts and a dear friend called with a dinner invitation. 

You probably have heard me say it before, that bit about what you want instead. If you are anything like me, you could use a reminder now and then though. 

If you feel bad about something, figure out what you want instead and focus on that because what you focus on grows!

Wishing you love and happiness on Valentine's Day, the day after, and always, 

Mandy