Painting by Belynda Wilson Thomas

If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else. Booker T. Washington

Today is the day that school starts in earnest. I am happy this September to have new projects to work on, new things to learn, and new goals to accomplish. One of the things I haven’t done in my life enough is set goals. Not setting a goal when I started Secrets and silence in 2012 was probably the way to go then. I had so much to learn and my first novel sits behind me in a binder, too convoluted to do anything with, or so I tell myself.

We don’t have to put our first halting work out into the world. We can keep it safely stowed away and build on what we learned. It was fun to join our zoom Writers Group and be able to hold a copy of my published novel up to the camera.

Yesterday out for a walk I ran into a neighbor I’ve known her since she was four and she is the same age as my son. She finally got her bridal party together for the wedding she’s planning for next May. At the end of our conversation, I finally said, “I have some news, I published a book.” She said, “You should have led with that.”

It isn’t easy being our own publicity department. I’m glad I mentioned it or instead I would be thinking why didn’t I tell her what was new with me. We don’t want to be a braggart, but we also don’t want to hide our light under a bushel. Finding a balance between bragging and being humble may be hard. If we’ve accomplished something we have a right to be proud of it. Of course, this doesn’t mean someone wants us to go on endlessly about our accomplishments and act like no one else accomplishes anything.

Can we own our accomplishments humbly and give praise and recognition where it is due? This is one of the things I love about the Writers Group we have members who have published quite a few books, and members who have published none. We have spoken word artists who are very accomplished. It is a great group and encourages each of us to do our best work and take the next step.

If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself. Henry Ford

This is where some of the power comes from in groups. We are encouraged to do things we wouldn’t do if we weren’t in a group. In our book club we read books we wouldn’t choose on our own and we discuss them. As we see people a little farther down the path than us we realize we can do it too, if we just keep taking that next step. Some people are finding it hard to write at this time and being encouraged by the group and especially by our leader who has gone through many challenges and continues to encourage us to do our best is helpful. We can all use an encouraging word and a pat on the back.

Finding a group that supports us in our growth is powerful. Being part of a group where we can support others is good for us too. We can share our knowledge with people who are interested in how we did something, how they can adapt it to their situation, and how they can take the next step. Sometimes we are the ones getting encouragement and sometimes we are the ones giving it. One of the best mutual support groups is a good marriage. We encourage and are encouraged by our spouse to reach our goals and make our dreams come true.

If we aren’t part of a group can we find one that encourages our growth as we encourage others to grow?

It is literally true that you can succeed best and quickest by helping others to succeed. Napolean Hill

Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life. Amy Poehler

You need to be aware of what others are doing, applaud their efforts, acknowledge their successes, and encourage them in their pursuits. When we all help one another, everybody wins. Jim Stovall

Thank you for reading this post. I hope you enjoyed it. I hope you will come back and read some more. Have a blessed day filled with gratitude, joy, and love.

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Secrets and Silence: What if your biggest secret became public? Paperback – Large Print, Aug. 29 2020

by Belynda Wilson Thomas (Author)

 See all formats and editions