It’s that time of year: from kindergarten to college, kids are graduating. And, as every graduating class must, students are sitting through speeches where chosen classmates or invited speakers share wisdom with them. Some of these speeches are culled for sound bites — words of wisdom that end up on quote boards for years to come. Like today’s quote by …
In Others’ Words: Reading the same kind of book as me differently
I have two favorite questions I love to ask my author friends: 1. What are you writing? It’s always fun to listen to their answers and to be amazed by their creativity. I usually walk away thinking, “I wish I’d thought of that story!” 2. What are you reading? Asking another writer “What are you reading” is a dangerous question. …
In Others’ Words: Superheroes and Identity Theft
We can learn a lot from an imaginary superhero like Elastigirl. “Your identity is your most valuable possession. Protect it.” Superheroes don’t want people to know their true identity. Superman can’t reveal that he’s Clark Kent, mild-mannered reporter. The Flash can’t admit to being Barry Allen, a forensic scientist. And Elastigirl can’t declare she’s Helen Parr. Their identities are vital … precious …
In Others’ Words: Change is … Changes
Every time I read Leo Buscaglia’s quote “Change is the end result of true learning,” my response is always the same. I read it and I think, “He’s right.” You learn something, you change. And then I start mulling over the words. And I ask questions like: Have I learned a good lesson … or a bad one? Have I learned …
In Others’ Words: Trading If Only for Next Time
It’s amazing the difference two words can make. If only … two words that hold you back, trip you up with regret, refuse to let you begin again because you’re still caught up in something that’s over and done with. Next time … two words that say “go ahead, try again!” and promise there’s more to life than your mistakes …
In Others’ Words: Playing It Safe
For too long I believed failure was only negative — something to be avoided at all costs. Now I’m more accepting of failure. It may take me down for awhile, but it doesn’t defeat me or define me. Don’t get me wrong: I like success just as much as anyone else. Bring it on! But I know to achieve success, …
In Others’ Words: Teams and the Power of Game Changers
Yes, I love football. And yes, I am a Denver Bronco fan — and a Peyton Manning fan too. And, in an exercise of full disclosure, I am also thrilled that Tim Tebow is getting another shot at the NFL. But despite the beginning of this blog, today is not about football. Nope. Today’s post is about teams and about …
In Others’ Words: Where Dreams May Go
Last night, I held a dream come true in my hands. My son Josh received the first copies of his debut fantasy novel, Forge of Ashes — a long-awaited dream, now a reality. Holding his book in my hands was every bit as wonderful as the moment I held my debut novel in my hands — possibly even more exciting. …
In Others’ Word: More Kindness Than Necessary
It is kindess that is so often remembered. Not necessarily the grand gestures — although those are appreciated and valued and yes, even marveled at. But the little kindnesses can often be just what is needed to get us through those terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad days. The kindness of: a card that shows up in your mailbox at just the right …
In Others’ Words: Ya Gotta Believe
I had a lot to learn when I became a mom. One way I learned was by watching other moms — seeing what they did, seeing if it worked for them, trying to figure out if it would work for me. Another way I learned was by reading books — lots and lots of books. I underlined, wrote do’s and …