Journeyer, as many of you might have noticed, I missed my first Happy Happens post ever.
Though some have been late, I haven’t actually not posted to this weekly column in years…
As my long days progressed and the calendar pages flipped by and a few problems at work seemed to balloon, I did what so many of us do when we feel like we are failing at something.
I started feeling all angsty…
When I feel that way I eat.
And eat.
And eat…
And then I feel guilty and bloated and ashamed and saddened and afraid that I’m never, ever going to get my life together and…[fill in the blanks]
I worried that if an agent or publisher does agree to look at my work, they will consider that one missed post as grounds to fire me even before they have the chance to know me…
And then, well, you know, my writing career will continue to be nothing but my love for words and storytelling and connecting with people…
And maybe, just maybe the universe is telling me that I shouldn’t be writing at all…
Those are the places we go to when we’re feeling inadequate and overworked and afraid…
And then we sleep, we take deep breaths, we pick ourselves up, dust off the despair, and put one foot in front of the other…
That’s what I did day in and day out these past two weeks…
Step by step…
Though I didn’t finish last week’s post, this is how it started:
Music is a bit like milk…it does the body good…
It can soothe our nerves, rev us up or rejuvenate…
Last week, I couldn’t help but feel the pull of those lyrics, “People who need people are the luckiest people in the world.”
Whether I’ve known you for years, hugged you IRL or in spirit, you are an integral and vital part of my life.
I am constantly inspired by those whose lives intersect mine, regardless of how we’re connected.
As I looked out over the moments that brought me peace or joy or comfort last week, people were there in the midst of it all…
I won this barbeque basket at the benefit for a co-worker’s granddaughter, an event that was standing room only.
I found this great winter project puzzle at the opening of a friend’s gift shop.
Big Guy and Warren and I are going to love hunkering down with this bit of fun on the upcoming cold nights!
A friend and I surprised Beauty by showing up for her parent’s weekend game; a ten-hour trip I’d have been hard-pressed to make alone.
After sitting in the cold rain, we went to dinner at this fabulous restaurant that was originally a late 1800’s train station!
I could have sat in front of this brick pizza oven for hours!
Warren and I had another productive counseling session, where I found this inspirational décor a most poignant reminder that each day is a new beginning.
This photo might leave much to be desired but the sentiment of the quote is very uplifting…
I felt pride and excitement while decorating for Big Guy’s senior night recognition for his soccer team.
I adore this ceramic pumpkin Warren brought back from his trip to New Mexico…
I had a blast picking out these window decals to decorate for my students….
And my girlfriend and I had so much fun trying to pick out Halloween costumes for Warren and me!
She and her husband are always joking about how much Warren looks like the guy from Ghostbusters so this one really intrigued me!!
This past week has also involved people and connections…
The owners who let me love on this precious pup during a soccer game…
Preparing to help a friend celebrate her 50th birthday.
I loved the surprise my mother did for my 50th so much that I did the same thing for my friend!
Helping Big Guy gather the ingredients so he and his girlfriend could make a double layer cookie cake for a surprise birthday gathering for one of his friends warmed my heart.
They are the most fun loving and genuine group of young men you might find and the thought of them always draws a smile from me!
There was the fun of watching my friend and her two grandchildren open the fifty little packages I’d assembled…
Playing a few rounds of pool with Big Guy was fun, even if I did lose all three games…
I managed to catch up on some paperwork…
And tomorrow’s holiday means I have one more day to tackle even more projects I’m behind on!
What about you, Journeyer, what Moment(s) brought a smile to your face these past two weeks?
Until we meet again, yours in healing, hope, and happiness…
~AE
2 Comments on “People Who Need People…”
Annah…as a spokesperson for the Universe, I can say for sure that we definitely want you to keep writing. ;). Great week – cute costumes (yes, Ghostbusters) and I love the pumpkin.
Liv…you sure know how to make a girl feel good…
You and your presence are always bright spots in my week! I so appreciate your being here and every comment you leave is like turning on a light bulb for my spirit!
The only thing about the Ghostbusters costume is that I’d either have to be a vinyl blow-up ghost or Sigourney Weaver. I’m not sure I could be that enclosed for an entire evening and I’m lacking the lady’s long, sinewy limbs… 😉
I might have found something EVEN better. *smiling!* Just wait til you see…