Speak Right On
A book is usually a one-sided affair: only the author reveals her thoughts and feelings. The airing of readers’ reactions typically is left to book groups. But not now, not here.
With this blog I want to hear what you have to say. Though I will use Speak Right On as a springboard and reference point for my blog entries, you don’t need to read my book to join the conversation.
Just speak right on, from the heart.
“He who does his best for his own time, lives for all times.”
African proverb
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A good road is walked on twice
I have been well-and-truly sick for several days, and it's been a blessing. The enforced hiatus has allowed me to realize that I've been pounding compulsively on a single track for months now—and for me, that's never a good or healthy thing.
The track I've been on is, as you all know, re-releasing Speak Right On. I feel loved that so many have been enthusiastic about my efforts and outcomes. And I'm proud of it, proud that it's back in print; I believe it's a good thing.
But I tied re-releasing the book to this holiday book sales idea, and that's where things went haywire and I came down with marketing fever, the symptoms of which include:
- Not quietly sitting and reflecting on my day, my actions, my interactions
- Not reading anything that isn't advice on marketing
- Not really listening to and participating in my husband's ideas and activities
- Not initiating a conversation that isn't task/goal oriented
- Not walking the dogs or taking a walk
- Not maintaining my afternoon time with the cats
- Not calling my friends and family, just to say hi
- Not taking a scenic drive to see our amazing aspens turn golden or even noticing the sunsets through the window
- Not filling the birdfeeders, no less bird watching
No wonder I got sick!
So what's my new outlook for the next, nearly two months remaining of the holiday sales season: Bah Humbug! I read an article today that convincingly asserted that all marketing is about getting a reaction. Hmmm. But the fine print was about getting a reaction that leads to sales.
I sat back and quietly asked myself: what reaction do I want?
I want:
- Ideas to be stimulated
- Voices to be listened to
- Conversations to be sparked
- Lives of all creatures to be exercised freely and joyfully
- Relationships to be strengthened
- Compassion to be buoyed
- Experiences to be shared
- Connections to be discovered
- Birdfeeders to be filled, and birds to be watched and admired
It's this experience I want to share now: don't make yourself sick. Stop. Just stop and take a moment to quietly reflect on your day, your actions, and your interactions. What questions have arisen during the day that you'd like to explore? Who comes to mind when you think of picking up the phone?
And don't forget to fill the birdfeeder. You'll be so glad you did.
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Comments 2
Thank you so much for your candid sharing! Many of us don't like to admit when things don't go right, when we get sick or fail at what we are pursuing. Your blog is a reminder of the importance of having balance in life. It shows how taking a time out, asking yourself questions and reflecting on the truth of what rose up in your consciousness indicate the true nature of a warrior/warrioress path in life.