“It’s never crowded along the extra mile”. Author Unknown.
Who knew?
I received this saying in a fortune cookie the other night, and I can’t think of a better way to begin my post about Positivity. Whether you’re hoping to bring joy to someone experiencing sorrow, or a smile to a person who is angry, how else do you go about achieving your goal, but to walk the extra mile?
Case in point and personal: My best friend’s birthday was today, and I forgot. Joe’s medical issues have scrambled what’s left of my brain, but still no excuse. So, when I did remember, I called her up and invited her out to her favorite restaurant tonight. Her kids are away at a bachelor party in Vegas (3 boys), and only one other friend stepped up to the plate, regarding my bestie’s evening.
What I did wrong, besides forgetting: I got a tad offended because she didn’t readily agree to join me for dinner. I apologized for being a nasty old ~ see photo ~ and then received a text saying she was down in the dumps and, didn’t want to do anything at all.
I should have run the extra mile for her, not walked it. So I’ve come to this conclusion: Sometimes it’s difficult to know what to say to someone who’s suffering with their own demons, but I think it’s best to leave that person alone for a while to reboot. Then, perhaps touch base later, and ask, “How are you NOW?”
What I did right: Attitudes are fickle whether they’re nice ones or troubled. My bestie’s problems were all too familiar to me, before I married Joe. She’s single, looking for love, and hasn’t found the right guy yet. She wants to play for her birthday, with her single friend, and I don’t blame her for not wanting to frolic with a married woman.
Thank God she had time to reboot and rethink her options. I just want her to be happy with her choices. What I’ve learned: Leave your own emotions out of the equation – only then will you be traveling the extra mile, where Positivity reigns.
Oh, wait, I almost forgot! Tonight my hub and I experience a ‘friendly’ rivalry regarding the NY Giants versus the NY Jets preseason football game. This particular eve either leaves us wildly making love, or having an impersonal duel.
Let’s Go Giants!
Speaking of thinking positive, our most recent collection Sweet and Sassy at the Beach has been selling fantastically, and it’s no wonder. The authors in this set are amazing, and I’d love to share my offering Sharing Sea Glass, as well as the entire anthology with you, our faithful readers.
Pretend the ocean’s tickling your toes with these great beach romances to sweep you away! #KU or $0.99. Find your perfect story with Sweet & Sassy at the Beach, twelve titillating tales of love & 2nd chances! #MGTAB @mimisgang1
Wishing you all a positively, wonderful rest of summer, with many surprises to come in a few scant weeks for the Christmas season, from The Authors’ Billboard.
YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE IT!
Stay tuned and see you next time!
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A USA Today, Award-Winning Author, Susan Jean Ricci is best known for her Cindy’s Crusades Series, starring the hilarious duo Cindy and Jay DeMatteo. These characters were first introduced in the multi-award winning novel Dinosaurs and Cherry Stems, and return to entertain you in its sequel The Sugar Ticket. Look for the soon to be published, and final saga Don’t Bruise the Bananas 2020. Cindy and Jay’s mischief making lives on in these shorts: A Sweet Snafu, Christmas With Niagara, His Sacred Vow, Passion’s Secret Ingredient, and Turning up the Heat. Please also consider the other stand alone works of fiction and short stories in Ms. Ricci’s collection, with more to come later this year.
A member of the RWA, The Authors’ Billboard, and the Independent Authors’ Network, several of Ms. Ricci’s titles have been recognized as the Women’s Outstanding Fiction Winner or Finalist in the IAN 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018 2017, 2016 and as a Readers Favorite Gold winner in 2020, as well as a Bronze in 2015.
I’m sure your friend loves you dearly, Susan. What you also do very well: be real, be kind, be brave about saying sorry if you think you’ve screwed up. Thanks for such a positive post. It’s a good reminder. 🙂
Sometimes it’s tough to know just what to do. Just letting those we care about know we’re available and we care may help more than we know. You’re a good friend, Susan. Hope you and Joe enjoy your football rivalry tonight. Whichever way it goes, you’ll both win.