Happy Friday, RISERS! I hope this week has been good to you. The Rhines family has an extremely busy weekend ahead. I hope that whatever you are doing will include at least a little bit of what you want to do mixed in with what you must get accomplished.
Quote of the week: “The most important thing to remember is this: to be ready at any moment to give up who you are for what you might become.”
–W.E.B. Du Bois
Movie of the week: The film I want to recognize this week is Guardians of the Galaxy. It follows the exploits of a group of strangers who soon become, to their dismay, a group of friends. All of the Guardians contribute a special something to the dynamic of their friendship. An added bonus is that this movie has a thrilling soundtrack…so much so that once you watch the movie then hear the songs elsewhere, you think of them only in terms of Guardians.
Joke of the week: What is the best food to eat in January? Brr-itos!
Nugget of Wisdom for the week: People are important to me. In the early days of the pandemic lockdown, my job as an executive director for the Tennessee Foster Adoptive Care Association enabled me able to work remotely. I sat at home with my dogs and my computer, and I was lonely. I guess that’s how I wrote so many books. I got back into substitute teaching in 2021, and the rest is history.
Relationships are funny things. You only get out of them what you put into them. You will never know how much it means to someone who is lonely when you take a genuine interest in them. You can make a person who feels worthless suddenly feel they are worthwhile. We all make that difference for someone each day, whether we realize it or not.
The internet defines an acquaintance as a person you know on a minimal level. However, a friend is defined as a person you not only know, but also with whom you share some mutual affection.
We all have people in our “tribe” to whom we can vent, ask advice on how to handle particular situations, or meet for lunch on the spur of the moment. Then there are the people we just pass in the hall, nod to each other, and say, “Hello.” I want to challenge you this year to reach outside your “acquaintance” zone and pull someone into your “friend” zone. Not only will they be glad you did, but I bet you will be, too.
Shout-Out of the week: This week I want to give a shout-out to the people who do things for the friends in their lives. From watching each other’s children to going to the movies or attending sporting events and concerts—you name it, they show up. Thank you for having the back of your “bestie” and for making sure that person feels supported.
Have a great weekend. Remember, you are most awesome, and YOU ROCK!
Marion Rhines is a foster-turned-adoptive parent. She lives in Knoxville, Tenn., with her husband and five children. She has written and published two children’s books as well as two foster-care-themed novels. She has a Facebook blog, Tips from the FLIP Side, and enjoys working with children of all ages.