You all remember this picture, right?
When life hands you lemons, make lemonade?
Well, after last week’s post on West Nile and having received some very kind and healing words from you all—thank you very much by the way—it made me think.
Uh-oh, I know that might sound dangerous!
I began to think about just how much everyone seems to be dealing with these days.
When we engage in conversation or a relationship via the internet, we tend to put our best foot forward. It, the internet, becomes a comfortable screen that we may hide behind. After all, no one can see us. What we say represents who we are. So we hope.
But what we don’t know, and cannot know because of this unique realm of invisibility is—how is the other person who we are conversing with? They may sound chipper and happy, perhaps even supportive. Yet, what things in their life have they experienced or are currently experiencing and how are they coping?
First of all, think about what you’ve all accomplished over a relatively short time.
There are a great number of you who are experiencing pretty amazing things in your life. Some have already published books and are on the road to success. Meanwhile, you’re Writing, Blogging, Tweeting and well, let’s just say that you’ve become very social. 🙂
Congratulations to you all!
And then there are the rest of us that are right behind you. This is such an exciting time!
However, some of you are pulling double or triple duty. You’re working, parenting, writing and publishing. You’re involved in the many extra-curricular activities that revolve around your children or aged parents. You’re also cooking, cleaning, washing, shopping and again, writing.
You all need an award!
But then there are the other things. You know, the things that we may keep to ourselves not wanting to share the burden with anyone else. Yes, the personal stuff. After all, we must keep up appearances, mustn’t we?
Let’s face it. Life happens. Yes life and the many things that happen out of our normal routine. Yet, how do we get through it? Ah, that’s the piece of the puzzle that seems to be different for each and every one of us. And because of that difference, that’s when we need to apply that little word from above—Respect. If we apply a little respect to the other person, it gives them dignity and makes it pretty hard for us to judge one another.
I want you to know that y’all are awesome about this! After last week I just want to give you guys a big hug!
Think about it. Had I not blogged about my experience with a life threatening virus, would you all have known about it? Probably not. Yet there are so many of you who have also dealt with serious issues such as the death of a loved one, a severe health issue, a divorce, a family crisis, a financial crises, the loss of a home, the loss of a job, burn-out, depression and the list goes on.
What, you thought that I was the only one who’s had problems?
So what can we do?
Show one another Respect. You know, what Aretha sang about. And no, I will not be singing to ya! Okay, maybe just a little bit.
Here’s a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T:
Relevant- Each an every one of us is important. Each of us plays a key role in another’s life besides our own.
Esteem- Admire and appreciate one another. We need to give ourselves value and overall worth.
Sense- If you get a feeling from someone that something is wrong, be supportive. Look for ways in which you can give added strength.
Prize- We are each exceptional, desirable individuals. There is no competition here. We all have something special to offer.
Enjoyment- Every one of us possess the ability to entertain and give others a sense of immense joy and happiness.
Cherish- Cultivate long-lasting affection and care to family and friends.
Tribute- Acknowledge others with generous gratitude and appreciation.
With much gratitude and affection I want to thank you all for your support!
So what do you think? Have you been overwhelmed lately? Has life thrown you a curve? Are you suffering from burn-out? What have you found helpful to replenish your energy and focus? What time do you make for the more important things in your life? What has helped you to feel grateful and full of appreciation?
Pingback: Missed Connections…can you spot the fake? – Natalie Hartford
Great post, Karen!
Laird Sapir recently posted..The Octopus Knows…The Finale
Thank you Laird! Did you show your kids the picture of the Lions from last weeks posts? They are sooo amazing. They would love them. 🙂
Thank you for this great post. I’ve been so self involved this week that it’s good to be reminded to think more about the people behind the tweets and updates. Some time the words on the page seem very important when it’s the faces behind the words that are. Stay well.
karla Darcy recently posted..Wow What a Debut!
Hi Karla! Welcome and so glad to personally meet you! “Some time the words on the page seem very important when it’s the faces behind the words that are.” Couldn’t have said it any better Karla. You are one busy author. Let me know if there is anything that I can do to help, okay? Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
I’m coming to this post a little late, but I wanted to say thank-you. I’m the kind of person who keeps a lot of her struggles extremely quiet, and I’ve had a very rough summer (starting in May). Many days I feel like I can’t handle anything more, and I hope that on those days, I don’t come across to everyone online as short-tempered or harsh. I loved the RESPECT acronym.
Marcy Kennedy recently posted..5 Basics About Dialogue You Need to Know
Hi Marcy! How are you? I can’t believe you’re here when you just suffered a death in the family. I want to extend my warm and sincere condolences to you and your family at this time. And with all your other struggles, I’m sure you really didn’t need this on top of everything else. And I would have to say that there’s been a lot of people who’ve had a ruff summer Marcy. A lot of us are suffering from burnout. It’s so hard to find the balance in our lives. May I just say that you have always come across genuine and kind. Short-tempered or harsh doesn’t even come into the picture when I think of you. I have so much Respect for you and all your talent. Please take care and give yourself time to heal over your loss. {{Hugs!}}
Thank you so much for your kind words. When I saw the link to your blog, I had a feeling I might find some encouragement and a much needed distraction here today.
Marcy Kennedy recently posted..5 Basics About Dialogue You Need to Know
Thanks for the fabulous, uplifting post, Karen! Sometimes we have to fake it until we make it, but it’s also important to remember that it’s okay to let people in, to show them our warts and all. My friend Gayle likes to say that if life gives you lemons to make lemon drop martinis. Me? I’m up for a martini and maybe some lemon bars. Yum.
Hi Tameri! What are you doing here so early in the morning on a holiday weekend? You have gone above and beyond the call of duty. LOL! Would that not be why everyone has so much Resect for you? Ooh, lemon drop martinis? That does sound refreshing! Yum, is right! I hope you enjoy your holiday Tameri. And thank you so much for all your support and for coming by! 🙂
Karen, you’re a sweetie-pie! I don’t think I’ve met anyone more supportive than you are, toots. 🙂 I have a ton of respect for you, hunny. Thanks for this post.
I try to be as upbeat as I can – I figure no one wants to listen to a Debbie Downer. The big bad stuff I’ll share, but then there’s little bad things…you know, the stuff that piles up and weighs you down after a while…well, that stuff I keep to myself, but you’re right, sometimes you just need to unload and get that off your chest.
Usually, the way I help myself feel better is to serve – when I can do something for someone (even though it’s small), it makes me feel a LOT better!
Have a fab weekend,
Kathy
K.B. Owen recently posted..HE wrote mysteries?! Isaac Asimov
Aw now Kathy, thank you girl! I can atest to the fact that you are definitely not a Debbie Downer. Nope, that would not be you Kathy. But what a great attitude you have. You are so right. When we focus on others, it makes it pretty hard to focus on our own problems. And when doing so, somehow our problems don’t seem so big anymore, especially when we learn what others are going through. And that’s why I have a ton of Respect for you girl! Thank you so much for all your support! Have a great holiday weekend Kathy! 🙂
Full RESPECT to you for this post 🙂 I came here from Susie’s post and Coleen’s Facebook page! And you are so right, we are putting our best foot forward here…but there’s a whole lot more behind it. Thanks for the reminder.
Hi Alarna! It’s very nice to meet you! Welcome! That Susie throws a great party, doesn’t she? And Coleen is a sweetheart. Am I following you Alarna on Twitter? Are we friends on Facebook? I’ll check on that and make sure we are. Thank you for putting your best foot forward by stopping by and introducing yourself. And for your very kind comment! Have a great holiday weekend and be safe! 🙂
Such a great reminder Karen and I love the photo! That is amazing and so are you!
Susie Lindau (@Susie recently posted..Use Me and Abuse Me Day – Time to Party!
Well Susie, I have to say that you sure know how to throw a party girlfriend! And you are very generous indeed. I just want to thank you for all your support. You too are an amazing person Susie! Take care! 🙂
A beautiful post, Karen. I’m so glad you’re back. I don’t often post personal stuff. between my day job and my work as a therapist, I don’t feel that would be appropriate, but I do know there are people I can chat with and share with and talk about things. and when burnout laid me flat, I did post. it was too important to keep hidden.
stay well, lovely lady.
Louise Behiel recently posted..Given that You Have One, Do You Know How it Works?
It’s good to be back Louise. You and I are on the same page with writing about personal stuff. It really isn’t my comfort zone. Although I do have to thank you for writing that wonderful post about burnout. I think it was awesome that you shared your personal experience since your professional take on the situation was very enlightening and well needed. Thank you for the compliment Louise and for dropping by today! Take care and have a great week! 🙂
Lovely post! You are such a kind souI. I like the part about “there’s no competition” It’s so true. We each have a unique voice and different things to offer the world. “T” could also stand for Tribe! I don’t know what I’d do without you all, writing was a much lonlier place before WANA!
Hey there Shannon! Why thank you very much girl. And may I say the same to you. There’s a lot of kindness that is sprinkled over the WANAverse! But I do like your version of the letter “T”. Tribe is a great discription of our WANA community. We all do a great job of looking out for one another, don’t we? Thanks Shannon for stopping by and for all your support! 🙂
Karen, wow. Just WOW. You are an amazing person with a heart bigger than Texas. RESPECT. Boy, do I have respect for you. I have been awed and touched by you and all my WANA friends. Thank you. You are an inspiration.
Lynette M. Burrows recently posted..A Home Grown Power Plotting Weekend
Hi Lynette! Okay, now this is when I say to you how much I RESPECT you and all that you’ve been through lately. And yet, you’ve been a wonderful support to everyone Lynette. But may I just say thank you from the bottom of my heart for your very kind words. I don’t know how much of an inspiration I am, but don’t we belong to a wonderful community of writers? It IS very touching and I am in awe. Thank you Lynette for all your support and for stopping by. Have a great week girl! 🙂
Thanks, Karen. You are very kind as well. We do belong to a wonderful community of writers. But breathe, girl. Take in that there are a lot of people online (and I suspect your personal friends as well) who adore and respect and are inspired by you. That’s it, breathe. Take it in. You are one of the stars. (Funny how close I can feel to someone I’ve never met, but I do). You deserve all the support here and luv. Let it make you walk a little easier this week. (I’m gonna have a terrific week – it’s vaycay time, staying at home and getting writing done!)
Lynette M Burrows recently posted..A Home Grown Power Plotting Weekend
Okay Lynette, I’m breathing. Now what? LOL! Just kidding! Listen, according to Jenny Hansen’s post on Friday, we all can make our own star shine bright. So enjoy your holiday. I hope it is productive and relaxing. Take care. Thank you Lynette! 🙂
Oh my Gosh, I suffer from all of those things. I just chalk it up to living a rich and full life! You have to take the bad in order to appreciate the good.
Thanks for sharing your story, Karen so we can all appreciate you a little more.
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
Well see there Patricia, you are one of the reasons why I wrote this post girl. We are all living as you put it, “a rich and full life.” Perhaps even too rich and full sometimes. But yes, once we work through the bad moments, it does help us to appreciate the good ones. And to appreciate one another just a little bit more. Thanks Patricia for coming by and for your support! Have a great week! 🙂
Karen this is so beautiful–I’m teary. Yes, I’m overwhelmed. I really do like blogging, especially the creative aspect and being able to make it my own, but you’re right there are some things that I feel cannot be talked about on my blog. So then sometimes it’s hard to feel like I’m being genuine.
But I love what you’ve said here, because whether or not we talk openly about our problems, we still want to be understood and feel connected and respected. Thank you Karen!! You rock. 🙂
Coleen Patrick recently posted..There is No One Right Answer, but Decision Determines Everything
Oh Coleen, I am sending you personally a great big hug! Okay, now I’m teary eyed. Thank you. We share similiar feelings Coleen. I understand overwhelmed. Overwhelmed IS my life. And you make a great point. We all still want to be understood, feel connected and respected, yet we need to maintain a certain amount of privacy. We walk a fine line, do we not? Now see, I think you rock! Keep writing those fabulous posts! You come across as a very honest person Coleen. Love that about you. And thank you so very much for your very kind words and for all your support! 🙂
A truly beautiful post, Karen. You always brighten my day. I’m so grateful to have you as a friend. Wishing many sunny blessings upon you!
Alicia Street recently posted..Tale of Two Keyboards: Mystery/Suspense Author Tamara Ward
Hi Alicia, how are you and Roy? I hope you’ve had a wonderful summer. You sure have been busy! Lot’s of great things happening in the Street household with your new release. Congratulations! Thank you so much for your lovely compliment. I hope you have a bright day and a great week! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Karen, you are such a ray of sunshine every day. Thank you for all you do for all of us, from the bottom of my heart.
Diane Capri recently posted..Diane Capri Reveals Karla Darcy (Shhhh! Secrets!)
Now Diane, you’re gonna make me cry! Seriously, I think you all are a great group of amazing people, let alone writers. So thank you for all that you do, from the bottom of my heart! Now get to work on that new “Jack” novel! Take care and have a great week! 🙂
Um…are you reading my mind? : )
I was reading all of your questions at the end of you post and answering “yes!” to the first four of them at least. The rest of the questions you posed at the end are the ones that I know I need to work on even more. Thanks for this lovely post. It was like a spa visit or a therapy session. Thank you!! #loveit
You’re a very generous, giving soul, Karen. I wish I was more like you. Note to self: must try.
Best,
Katherine Owen
Katherine Owen – Novelist recently posted..Who does it work out for, Kit?
Hi Katherine! How are you? Me, a mind reader? Well, don’t ya know that’s one of my many talents? No, just kidding. “It was like a spa visit or a therapy session.” LOL Katherine! I should be a therapist or go into therapy is more like it. I’m right there with you girl. And thank you so very much for that compliment. Please don’t be anyone but yourself Katherine. We like you just the way you are. 🙂
Karen, you are the absolute best. I’m so glad to see you posting again because you shed light and joy, always! As Pat said above, a *fist bumb* and *respect*. 🙂
Ginger Calem recently posted..WritersButt Wednesday – Back in Action!
Hey Ginger! So glad you had a great vacation! Moi, the best? Naw, just try to do my best. But thank you for your lovely compliment. And a *fist bump* right back atcha girlfriend filled with a whole lot of respect! Thanks for coming by and have a great week Ginger! 🙂
Beautiful post, Karen. You have such a kind spirit. I’m blessed to call you a friend. My main struggle right now is just trying to get it all done. There’s so much! LOL But that’s a good thing too, isn’t it? I’d rather be too busy than not have enough to occupy my time and mind. For now, I’ll take it one thing at a time and hopefully make some progress. {{{hugs}}}
Rhonda Hopkins recently posted..Week 10: The Next Big Thing
Wow Rhonda, thank you! I totally understand your struggle. You my friend have a lot of irons in the fire. I know, that’s an old one, but appropriate. Something tells me that you’d be in all sorts of trouble if not kept busy girl! LOL! Seriously, you are a great support for so many in the writing community. So excited about your upcoming release. Take a deep breathe and slowly let it all out. There, you see. It’s all going to work out. You wait and see! Take care Rhonda and thank you so much for coming by! Have a great week! 🙂
Karen, you’ve got such a sweet heart. Very glad to know you. Lovely post.
Myndi Shafer…one stray sock away from insanity. recently posted..Countdown to SHRILUGH: 1
Hi Myndi! Well may I say ditto? Right back atcha girlfriend! And are you not so excited about your book release tomorrow? One more day Myndi! We’ll all be doing the “Happy Dance” with ya! 🙂
You are an amazing, compassionate woman, Karen. It’s wonderful peeps like you who help me deal with the curve balls life throws at us. None of us is exempt. Nope, we all deal with rough patches. Some more so than others. You’re a pro at making lemonade out of lemons! Wonderful post, Karen.
Lynn Kelley recently posted..Mean Cats Ban C. Lee McKenzie’s Children’s Book
Well thank you Lynn! May I just say that you have had your fill with many curve balls lately. I do hope that you get a reprival soon. Sometimes I think that we need a vacation from our life. LOL! Yet, I know you make a sweet lemonade yourself Lynn! Take care and have a great week! {{Hugs!}}
I’ve actually never seen that photo of lemon monuments before. Umm, wow…what an impressive array of well-placed lemons.
Things are pretty good for me these days. Life threw me a curve in late 2010 when I got laid off from my job of 12 years, but I’ve decided to use it as an opportunity to prepare myself to do something else. I loved the work I used to do, but I had doubts that my previous career was sustainable into my 50s, 60s, and beyond.
Mike Schulenberg recently posted..The Algebra of the Damned
HI Mike! You never saw that photo? Ah, well, you see, that’s because it was on a post I did before you joined WANA. Actually, there were several photos of those lemons on the post from a smal town in France that has a yearly festival to celebrate their lemon crop. There might be some lemoncello involved too. Yum! Glad to hear that things are going well for you these days. I think that it’s kinda groovy how those Math classes are affecting you Mike. But, you are not alone in having to learn a new trade. It’s seems that most are in that predicament. May the force be with you my friend and thank you so much for coming by to see me! Have a great week! 🙂
Thought-provoking post, Karen. I’m sending you a virtual fistbump and “Respect.”
Hey there Pat! Well, you know me, thought-provoking. I did say that it could be dangerous. LOL! And I am sending you a fistbump back, though you know you always have my respect! Take care and thanks for coming by to see me. I always look forward to your visits Pat! 🙂
Great post! All so true. I’m one of those who’s been toying with burnout. Taking some time to just ride my motorcycle and a couple weeks of reduced social media and writing helped a great deal. I have chronic headaches, but I don’t usually mention that – if I did, I’d be writing about it all the time and who wants to read me whining ? I sure don’t LOL. I know sometimes it seems like my day job takes up so much time, but every time that thought sneaks into my head, I really do remember how much of a blessing it is. Not only does it provide me with a nice paycheck and enable me to pay the bills, I like what I do, and I work with wonderful people – some of whom even read my books!
Jennette Marie Powell recently posted..Misfit Monday: Running with the Big Dogs… or Not
Hi Jennette! I know you had said on your post that you were toying with burnout. You and a couple other people inspired me to write this post. I think that everyone is so busy trying to do it all. And from time to time we need to take a step back and catch our breathe, regroup and take some time for ourselves. Hey, you can write about your headaches. There are a lot of people out there who suffer from that malady. We’ll listen to ya! Don’t ever think that you’re whining. At least you appreciate the blessings that you do have. It helps to be grateful, even for the small things. And keep pimping your books at work! LOL! Thanks Jen for stopping by and have a great week! 🙂
So beautifully said Karen. It’s so true especially with our online friends that we often don’t know everything that’s going on behind the scenes and being open, respectful and supportive is a good standard to have. I love your RESPECT acronym and meaning…
Profound and so thoughtful!!!
Natalie Hartford recently posted..Urban Word Wednesday: When Jesus Comes
Hey, you’ve been doing a lot of reading this morning girl! Thank you Natalie for the nice compliment. I’m a sensitive person and wanted to acknowledge that others are dealing with so much lately. They deserve our love, respect and support. Thanks for your comment and for all your support. Have a great week Natalie! 🙂
Beautiful post, Karen. I love your blog and writing voice. You’re like human lemonade. LOL
It’s funny… I feel like we can sense one another’s moods and feelings, regardless of how we present ourselves. Then again, I suppose it depends on how perceptive we are, and how skilled we are at “faking” it. 😉
I hope you and your readers know that they can share the tough times and feelings, too. Big hug right back at ya!
August McLaughlin recently posted..“Am I Happier Single?” Learning to Love and Hyper-Sensitivity
Why thank you, thank you, thank you August! I’m like human lemonade? I hope I’m sweetened up a bit with a natural sweetener of course. I like the word you chose to use, perceptive. I think that if one is perceptive they are sensitive to other’s feelings and needs. That skill is pretty hard to fake. And I think you are one perceptive, sensitive gal August or you wouldn’t be able to write the post that you write. Your sensitivity draws people to you. It’s a gift. Take care girl and have a great week! 🙂
What a wonderful post, Karen. You know what the best reward in this venture has been for me? It’s the quality of the friendships I have been blessed with since first setting foot on this path. Truly I am bless with rewards aplenty.
Prudence MacLeod recently posted..Shrilugh
Well Prudence, you are bless aplenty! Especially after the jolt you received from that horrible accident yesterday. So glad that you came out of it in one piece. That certainly could’ve had a different outcome. And yes, we belong to a wonderful community of supportive writers. Thank you for coming by and take care of yourself Pru! 🙂
Karen, this post was awesome. A great reminder that behind the computer screens sit real, live people. I’m so fortunate to have a chance to connect via this medium. It’s added more to my life than anything this past year.
Hi Stephanie! Get to see you! LOL! I’m so glad that your life has been enriched by your association within this unique writing community. We’ve connected with a special group of genuine people. Please stay in touch! And have a great week! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂