Last week, I had a little whine fest and shared my gratitude, all with the hope of explaining why I’ve been a little quiet on the blogs lately. I’ve realized, with another relatively quiet week, that it’s all about my feeling of being overwhelmed and the need to re-evaluate priorities and find balance. So I’ve been in a melancholy mood this week while I try to figure out what to do about the chaos.

Today, I share five things that have inspired me, with the hope that you can fall back on these when you, too, need a little kick in the butt:

  1. Writer friends – They ROCK!!! Regardless of what stage they’re in – from writing or revising their first novel to querying to writing or revising their next contracted book – they inspire me with their commitment, perseverance, passion and courage.
  2. Reader friends – Whether real-life or online, occasional or die-hard readers, book bloggers or not, their love for one story or many brightens a writer’s day. When they share their love of a book and its characters, it’s like the sun coming out on a cloudy day.
  3. Bloggers – Regardless of their topic or theme, they provide a connection to others with similar interests, challenges or accomplishments. They lift me up with their positive words when needed; enlighten me with their insights; broaden my mind with new perspectives and ideas; and give me new goals to shoot for. They often remind me that there is a whole world out there to be enjoyed.
  4. Family and friends – because I just can’t leave them out. They are my rock.
  5. And last, but not least, this one quote was exactly what I needed this week. I’ve been thinking about it for several days, since someone posted it on Facebook. I’ve decided it needs to be my new mantra (though I think I’ll paraphrase it for myself, to make it a little easier to remember). There are so many things to do all the time, but not all of them are truly important. It’s also easy to put off the ones that really are the most important. Here’s the quote:

“Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone.” – Picasso

One thing I can’t put off this weekend is my youngest son’s birthday. 15!! Yikes!!! He can get his learner’s permit now. Double-yikes!!! And now, for the next 6 weeks, my kids will be 15, 16, 17. How did we get here already????

 

Happy Birthday, bud! I love you! (No, he doesn’t read this…but just in case.)