I recently had the amazing experience that my first book, One Drop of Kindness, was published. It was officially launched on Amazon on May 3, thanks to my amazing publisher, Sarah Thomas at EduMatch.
While I am super stoked and excited about the reviews and positive impact it has had, my skin has thickened with the umm, not so rave reviews and suggestions too. I have began to develop a thicker outer shell, because, as I know, I am in charge of how I act, react and respond to others. While I still am growing, it can be difficult at times.
It's a funny thing, writing. Those who have the courage and take the risk to write, be it; a blog, poetry, books, etc, really can take a "virtual" beating.
Now don't get me wrong, my Kindness book is not for everyone, (although it should be), but if the naysayers can do so much better, why don't they? I LOVE feedback, both positive, and in ways that I can improve. But, perhaps when people have suggestions, ideas, thoughts, considerations, and critiques, it can be spun in a positive (and even private sometimes?) way.
A week or so ago, my dear friend Melanie Korach, had someone poke some negative mojo at her poetry. Get this my friends, Melanie does not have a mean bone in her body. She created the #StarfishClub, writes about love, kindness, empathy, and about every other positive characteristic or idea there is. Why would someone rip on her? Well, maybe jealousy? self loathing? lack of confidence, and fighting their own demons? I don't know, but to put it out on Twitter, and the Social Media Universe is just downright unkind.
Another friend, who's name I won't mention got so many virtual punches after he/she Tweeted something, they had to finally take down the post, as people actually had the gaul to threaten her/him!
What?
Many of us put our heart, soul, mind, and more into our work. Writing takes a lot out of me, but I get a sense of light, power, energy and emotional octane from it. I don't write for YOU to bash, I write for me to perhaps improve myself, and maybe, just maybe, make life a bit better for someone else.
With so many amazing bloggers, podcasters, authors, vloggers, and more, let's try to read these amazing works of passion with a positive intent.
So, I ask this of you. If you want to write, Go. For. It. Write your butt off. Clean your soul, share your passion, ideas, love, and story with the world, or just a few friends. Do it with so much courage and faith, that it makes your fear run from success.
It will be great. It will be not so great. It will be a challenge. It will be exhilarating. It will be just what you need.
Now take out your Fred Flinstone slate, chisel and hammer, and leave your tattoo of awesomeness for all of us to read!
#OneDropOfKindness #Joyfulleaders #pushboundEDU #CompelledED