Happy Friday, RISERS! I hope this week has been good to you. Thank you for keeping your fingers, arms, toes, and eyes crossed this last week. My husband got the job! Although he has appreciated his four-month vacation, he is ready to return to work.
Despite the groundhog that last month predicted six more weeks of winter, we’ve certainly had lots of warm, rainy weather. I hope you and your family enjoy a safe and dry weekend.
Quote of the week: “Some people think that you have to be the loudest voice in the room to make a difference. That is just not true. Often, the best thing we can do is turn down the volume.” –Nikki Haley
Joke of the week: I’d tell you my dream about a Lion, a Witch, and a Wardrobe…but it’s Narnia business.
Nugget of Wisdom of the week: I want to talk about an idea I came across on Dr. Travis Bradberry’s LinkedIn page, where he wrote, “Do it today or regret it tomorrow.” How many of us have secret (or maybe not-so-secret) aspirations that we refrain from doing because of a fear of failure or ridicule?
Five years ago, I never imagined I’d have been brave enough to write a children’s story about foster care, select an incredibly gifted artist to illustrate it, and then share it with the world. The message it gives children in foster care is one of hope and reassurance that they are loved. After publishing that first book, the floodgates kind of broke open, and I have been obsessed with writing ever since.
I know I will most likely never hit number one on the bestseller’s list, but if the people who read my stories enjoy them and sigh at the end when the book is finished, then I am satisfied with my job as a storyteller. By the way, writing is the easy part for me. Editing and writing a synopsis…that’s hard.
But let’s talk about you, not me. You know that one goal that has been in the back of your mind? Don’t be afraid to step out and reach for it. As the English professor says in the film The Dead Poet’s Society, “Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.” You’ll never know whether it’s meant for you until you try it. And think of how fulfilling the result will be when you’ve accomplished your dream.
Shout-Out of the week: This week, I want to give a shout-out to the people who work tirelessly to run a restaurant. Last night, we had dinner out, and I took the time to watch and appreciate just how hard the staff worked to provide clean plates and silverware, clear away used plates, refill drinks, and attend to any other needs of the patrons. We have six people in our house, and it is a chore sometimes to take care of even that small number. I cannot imagine caring for hundreds of people every day. So, thank you for making mealtimes so much easier.
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.