“What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?”
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
What a gift! David, one of my writing group buddies — and a primo critiquer — just sent me a wonderful note about karinwritesdangerously. He’s actually decided to go back and read lots of my earlier posts — which really makes me feel great. He’s even suggested that I think about pull them together in a book, an idea my creative and super-supportive sister Stephanie floated a while ago.
I’ve also received some kind comments and writerly tips from a group of regular readers: Steve, Ciaran, June, and Mike among others. I always get a thrill when I see these comments flagged in my in box. It just makes me feel so happy that some of the ideas I’ve shared are proving helpful — and so grateful that people take the time to let me know they’re enjoying my posts. I may not have a million readers, but the readers I do have make me feel like a million!
As we all know, writing can lonely — and we all need support. We never know when a kind word of encouragement will fall on fertile soil and help someone. That’s why it’s so important to exchange ideas and offer genuine praise and helpful feedback other people whenever we can. Doing this is also a way of keeping ourselves excited and hopeful about the work we’re doing.
And that brings me to the most important person we need to encourage — ourselves. So often, we are hard on ourselves when we’re struggling and just can’t seem to get things right — much harder, in fact, than we ever would be with a friend. Let’s remember that while our writing is a labor of love, it’s also challenging. When I’m facing a demanding day on the page, I often close my eyes for a moment and say, “My words flow like honey in harmony with my needs and desires,” a few times. Somehow, it helps me focus and gives me heart. Why not try it today — or come up with an upbeat mantra of your own?