“How many of us have them?” Yeah, I’m quoting Whodini. “Ones we can depend on.”

Today, I have been thinking a lot about personality types and being an introvert and all that. Why? Probably because I had so much fun yesterday and am still riding that high. My mood is greatly affected by my sense of accomplishment, and yesterday I got a lot done.

This week, I’ve been making good progress on my writing goals, creating things I am proud of and excited to return to each day. That’s a rare and beautiful thing for me. I’d written a post about my excitement but got interrupted and somehow lost it. Technology… *shrugs*

Anyway, yesterday’s agenda was F-U-L-L. I had a bit of editing work, then I drafted a
couple of blog posts (that I lost). Then I worked on an idea I will submit for consideration in an anthology. After that were errands and dinner prep and more writing before I had to jet for a meeting.

Usually, I try to talk myself out of this bi-weekly commitment and relish in the quarterly hiatus, but it had been so long since I fellowshipped with these women who had helped me through a dark time that I actually missed them. Surprise! They missed me too.

For two hours, we laughed. And laughed. And laughed. We also learned a bit more about each other and an opportunity to help families in need. It was a great time. Then I went to Baker’s Square with my Mister for a snack and free pie. Free pie will make anyone smile, right? If it doesn’t, I’m looking for your plug because you are not human. Pie is the perfect food. You’ve got chocolate cream pies, mince pies, chicken pot pies, Quiche, apple pie, cherry pie, shepherd’s pie… You get the picture.

After such a glorious time last night, I could not stop thinking about how very grateful I am to have people in my life I can act a fool with and ugly cry with. For a long, long time I truly believed that no one but my father got me, and definitely, no one got him. I was doomed. But here I am with a family of my own and an ever-growing network of friends I can depend on. Human interaction is important to our individual health, no matter how well things seem to be going in our lives. Being embraced releases calming hormones. Don’t believe me? The Huffington Post wrote about it using scientific evidence and all that good stuff. Doctors say hugging is literally good for your heart.

One of my goals for the year is to make a new connection each month, so far, I’m off to a great start even though I have to put on clothes and leave my house and give people my attention when I’d rather be doing something else, preferably alone. It’s worth it, though. I joined RWA, and a couple of weeks ago my local chapter welcomed me with warmth and encouragement. Now I have a group of writers who have seen my face and heard my struggles and will hold me accountable.

It isn’t as scary as I thought, but it is uncomfortable. But, you know what? Nobody ever succeeded by being comfortable.

Get out there and get it! Recognize yourself in others and embrace them. Make a new friend.

Blessings, y’all.