Come On, People, Now...

Sing it with me!

"Smile on your brother! Everybody get together; let us love one another right now!"

Sadly, I must admit that although I'm a child of the 70s, I got to know that particular song from the TimeLife infomercials that are just too enjoyable to turn off, especially at 3 in the morning when you're rocking a baby back to sleep. Good song, though...and it lends itself perfectly to my post tonight.

So many writers have an internal competitive spirit. Been there myself, in fact. It's something I often hid behind a smiling exterior as I beat back the ferocious beasts of comparison and jealousy. I say "hid" because I no longer give in to it. I've made a choice.

When I attended the Pikes Peak Writers' Conference, I was fortunate enough to volunteer. We were encouraged to keep up the reputation of the conference--friendly and helpful. It would be easy to steer someone the wrong way and make them late for their pitch appointment. One little word in someone's ear could tear down another writer. Harshly critiquing someone's work could tear them down.

That's just plain mean. And there's already way too much meanness in the world.

So back to my choice. I'm choosing to help my fellow authors. I've read some pages. I've made some connections. It's really the least I can do. And I would hope someone might someday do the same for me. I don't do it to get something out of it. I do it because it's the right thing to do.

Don't you think the world would be a much better place if we helped each other instead of fought each other?

I do.

I'd like to challenge you. You've already heard about the random acts of kindness thing and the pay it forward campaign. I just want to challenge you to find little ways to help out someone else. Where you are right now. What you have right now. What can you offer someone that would bring joy to their lives? Something selfless and kind.

It's that simple. And you won't believe the rewards you'll heap, simply in the good feeling of making someone's day. It's so worth it!

Love one another. It's a beautiful thing.