Let me read to you!
In this Edition:
Quote
Update: Holiday sprint.
Motivate: People and the gifting season.
Short Story Narration is Available!
Final thoughts.
Make it stand out
Update:
This was written the week before Christmas…
Over here, school’s out, the presents are nearly wrapped, Garland (our elf on the shelf) is up to no good, and peep (the Easter “Peep on a Perch”) has put on his Christmas hat, joined Garland the Elf, and they are sure to get into trouble.
My writing is nearly non-existent right now, but I continue to read when I can, which is also less right now.
Though, I have narrated my short story for those of you who were waiting for me to read to you! More info below.
Motivate:
Cheers to the New Year!
I’m a homebody. I’m also an introvert in that I recharge best when I’m alone. I’m not shy, and I enjoy interacting with people, don’t mind leading, being “in charge,” or speaking in front of an audience. But I do need my “me time” later to feel like myself.
We’ve had more get-togethers this year than any other time. We’ve met and interacted with a lot more people, and it’s been pretty fantastic.
We’ve changed churches, which has increased our friend count. Oddly, I always thought church wasn’t a friendly place. For most of my life, I’ve felt on the outside at church, like everyone else was a part of a human clique I wasn’t. I got used to it, established my own relationship with God, and didn’t really think anything of it after that. For the most part, my friends weren’t at church, and I didn’t care that much.
However, this congregation has been extremely welcoming, and to be honest, it was weird at first. When people ask how I am, it seems they really want to know. It’s refreshing (while simultaneously being sad), and I think I like it.
Also, my writing career has forced me to be more social. I’ve met some amazing people through writing groups, conferences, and general bookish events/endeavors. Writing is a field where you ”network,” get to know other writers and support each other. People going through the same types of life experiences create bonds without a ton of effort. Lots of my writing acquaintances have become friends.
I was shockingly invited to a party at J.T. Ellison’s house last night. She’s a NY Times bestselling author who lives in Nashville. Awesome.
My kids starting school and extra-curriculars has also increased my friend count. More lovely people in the same phase of life. Parents of my children’s friends are now my friends.
And then there are the people that have stuck with me for years. My oldest friend, and one of my best, is someone I’ve been in touch with since 7th grade. We’ve done all the big life moments together. Marriage, babies, and the small things in between. We were actually supposed to get together this weekend, but one of her precious kiddos got sick. I’d be there if she needed me, and she’s always been there for me. (She saved me when I had my internal medicine rotation in Chattanooga. I don’t know if she knows how much that meant to me.)
All these friend moments got me thinking about how we interact with others, and what shows people we care, and why we choose some over others.
Last week, I wrote about purchasing a plush Groot to sit by my desk. My friend Julie read my newsletter and proceeded to send me a Groot notebook and live Groot (a plant that now sits on my desk.) She didn’t do it for Christmas. But she read the tone of my newsletter and was pricked to give me something she knew I’d enjoy. It was so thoughtful and made an impression on me. I even did spur-of-the-moment social media post about it. “How to give gifts that makes people cry.”
You can see that post: here.
It wasn’t the physical items (though, I love the items a lot), but it was the thought behind the gift, the time she spent searching, all for me.
I’ve talked about “giving” a lot this holiday season. I’ve talked about friendship too. But as we head into Christmas and we potentially gather with families, I am thinking most of how I can show others that they mean something to me.
There is hardly any better way to show someone you care than by giving them your time and attention, showing them that they matter. That could take the form of a thoughtful gift, but it could also be checking in on someone, asking thoughtful questions, paying attention to what makes someone else happy and acting on it.
You can love someone with all your heart, but if you don’t show it in one way or another, then they’ll never know (at least not how much). Actions matter so much more than words. Small actions. Because BIG reactions frequently come after small packages. And some of the best gifts don’t come in packages at all.
In the holiday rush when we’re worried about what to get who, it might be a good time to remember three amazing gifts: time, attention, thought.
As you might’ve seen in my other blog posts, I’m offering a free short story. Just Desserts, for my newsletter subscribers. The narrated version is now available!
Listen to a sample here, and if you want more, sign up.!
Have a Happy Holiday!
Until next week, much glitter,
Melissa
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