I’ve been back at school the past couple of weekends. First was the Wyoming Writers Conference in Casper, Wyoming last weekend and Wild Deadwood Reads this weekend. One thing is for sure: I’m tired of sitting on conference room chairs!
Both events were marvelous. The speakers were good and inspiring. I made new writer friends and got caught up with old ones. Only three years ago, I attended the Wyoming conference for the first and didn’t know a single person there. Same for the WDR conference four years ago. Both weekends, a bunch of fellow writers told me how happy they were to see me again which really cheered up this old soul. Like an elementary school kid, it was nice to have someone to talk to and eat lunch with.
Most of all, the conferences got me out of the house. If it weren’t for meeting friends for breakfast or lunch, conferences, or book signing events, I would never leave the house. Becoming a hermit would be very easy for me. Social engagements force me to interact with people and get reenergized at getting things done. Lately I’ve been in a slump, so this double weekend was sorely needed to help get me back on course and keep going.
As my beloved niece reminded me today, staying trapped inside yourself and your home isn’t good for you. No one can tell you how much they like/love you if you never make a move to see them or reach out to them. Nor can you have a positive influence on those around you if you never give yourself the opportunity.
Do an act of kindness for yourself and get out once in a while. Be a part of the world for a little bit and see if someone out there needs a kind word from you.
Fulfil you my joy, that you be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves. Philippians 2:2-3