How does it feel to wake up on the other side of Christmas this morning? Doesn’t the tree look bare? All of those pretty packages have been opened and you have large plastic bags and dented boxes filled with new socks, electronic gadgets, scarves, kitchen utensils and maybe a few toys. The cookie plate is bare and your recycle bin is filled with soda cans, champagne bottles and Christmas wrap. Sure, you have a mess to clean up, but hopefully, each crumb you sweep from the floor, every gift you put away and every dirty glass you wash brings a rush of good memories with loved ones.
I had a wonderful holiday season. It was so much fun. I especially enjoyed seeing the gifts my adult grandchildren created for everyone on their lists. This year, we decided to make our gifts—well most of them. And the kids really came through. There were framed photos of loved ones and a few scenic shots shared. There was a handmade birdhouse and lovingly made jelly that didn’t set. (We’ll use it as pancake syrup.) One granddaughter gave me a handmade coupon booklet with gifts of time. Can’t wait to cash them in with her. Another one, a jewelry-maker for a famous jeweler, made me a pair of earrings.
Probably the most thoughtful and heartfelt gift was my 26 year old grandson’s gift to his 27 year old sister. He chose 3 words that, in his mind, describe her. Then he asked his brother and their parents to come up with 3 words each. He wrote the words in a circle around a large canvas and gave it to her to hang in her room. She was sooooo touched. Now, when she starts feeling blue or life seems to be crashing in on her, she can look at this gesture of love and feel a sense of strength and renewal.
I so believe in writers surrounding themselves with uplifting, feel-good reminders. We are so vulnerable. Anyone who puts themselves “out there,” is. As writers, we are opening ourselves up to rejection, criticism, editing and other challenges. We sometimes beat ourselves up when we’re trying to produce an article, write a story or perfect a paragraph in our book. Writer types seem to need a constant supply of kudos—lots of positive feedback. To that end, here’s what I suggest: Fill your work area with warm fuzzies, complimentary items, reminders that you are loved, appreciated and talented… Here are a few examples:
• Pictures of your treasured family members—those who love you.
• Photos of your pet.
• Shots of you involved in a memorable or prestigious activity or event.
• Awards.
• Items that warm your heart or make you laugh.
• Implications of wealth.
You might laugh or even giggle, but here are some of the things I have in my office: lots of photos—of my family, my cats and me sharing special moments with friends; a trillion dollar bill; artwork depicting cats; a large cat calendar; some of my artistic photography (wild horses, cat close-ups and ocean scenes); and mementoes from special activities, travels and events (my trip to Dubai, covers and signatures from my first self-published book) and I have a few stuffed animals, including a stuffed cat I sent to a friend who was having brain surgery. She did not survive. I inherited this cat along with her four live cats. (Read this story in my upcoming ebook, Catscapades, Tales of Ordinary and Extraordinary Cats.) Let me know if you’re interested in this book and I’ll be sure to contact you when it is completed.
Looking around this office, I see that I’ve listed only a portion of the warm fuzzies, etc. that I have. What is in your office? What keeps you writing? I’d like to know. PLFry620@yahoo.com.
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