The other day, as I washed the eggs I’d collected from our energetic and chipper hens, a gentle wave showered over me. Not from the kitchen sink faucet; more like a wave of appreciation. The best part of having eggs is the opportunity to share this bounty with family, friends, and neighbors. Just about anyone. It’s a delight and a wonderful feeling.

Some of the best parts of life involve sharing:

– Sincere smiles
– Sweet words
– Pleasant experiences
– Delicious meals
– A helping hand

And so much more. Sharing opens our hearts to experiencing the joy of thinking of others. Of realizing the importance of extending a hand. This joy increases tenfold when no strings are attached. This writer experiences a bit of this joy every time a book I’ve completed is released into the world. Kind of like watching a flock of doves take flight into freedom.

Some doves will make it, some may not. Others will fly higher and some only as high as a telephone pole. But watching them soar or sit, the gentle fluttering and cooing gives me a sensation of peace. Just by being there, existing, may be enough. Writing a novel to completion, and then sharing it, is truly sensational.

To be successful is to be helpful, caring, and constructive, to make everything and everyone you touch a little bit better. – Norman Vincent Peale

Isn’t that what we writers aim to do? In our cases, we’re not necessarily making things better in the sense of upliftment (although we could be), but perhaps we’re making things better in the sense of providing adventures, escape, and relief from worldly cares and reality. When I need a break, that’s where I retreat to – deep inside a book. And when I emerge, I feel better.

My heartfelt thanks to all the writers whose words have carried me away to other places and situations, and thanks to all my readers who take the time to experience my words and adventures. Sharing can be a bit of a thrill.

In 2021, I picked up an issue of Woman’s World magazine (WW) and noticed the short stories: one romance and one mystery. My first thought? This is right up my alley.

The magazine is a colorful panoply of short and sweet articles, recipes with mouth-watering pictures, and tidbits of cheery writing. The short stories are in the same vein. Feel-good and breezy. There’s nothing of great substance or intellectual savvy; more like common sense and shared information between friends. What I find so appealing is the magazine’s simplicity. It offers ways to:

“Soothe joint pain”
“Find hope”
“Comparison shop easily”
and so on.

Notice the positive vibe?

Adorable, cuddly photos of tots and pets grace the back page.

So sweet! Comic relief is everywhere. Plus, there are seven days of inspiration in each issue. The upbeat attitude is what I found irresistible.

So I wrote a romance and contacted a Woman’s World magazine expert romance writer, Kate Willoughby. She’s not only been published in the magazine 14 times, but offers workshops and more to wannabes like me. She even created and moderates a private Facebook group just for WW writers (published and unpublished). A wealth of WW information is there. Kate read my first two stories and offered not only helpful suggestions, but encouragement. (Thank you, Kate!) That encouragement carried me all the way to January, 2025. I wrote a few stories, submitted three and, much to my delighted surprise, received the coveted email informing me my 5-minute romance submission was accepted for publication! Woo hoo!

The selected story was the one I wrote in the shortest amount of time (maybe an hour, at most) and edited the least. What does that tell you? When you find out, let me know! What I do know is how much I thoroughly enjoyed writing each of the stories. And that’s what matters the most.

I slow down to drive over speed bumps. Otherwise, the top of my head could hit the car ceiling, which is embarrassing, and slightly painful. I learned that lesson in my teens.

Have you heard of mental speed bumps?

Recently, I joined a virtual meeting on Zoom. I’d attended in the past, without incident. After joining from my laptop, I noticed a video delay in my words. I logged out. Oh-oh. Logging back in was not an option. A prompt asked for my password. It didn’t work and soon, I was officially locked out.

I called my local tech expert, and we agreed I’d bring my laptop in later. For now, I had another laptop to use. And another meeting coming up.

I set up laptop No. 2 prior to my next meeting. Then I noticed an email message from the host. A kindly message reminding me that she awaited my arrival. She must have mixed up the times, or so I thought. In fact, I was mixed up. The meeting had started ten minutes ago!

No worries – I’m getting to the part about mental speed bumps.

When I took my laptop to my tech expert, she found nothing wrong. It worked fine. What?

I drove home slowly, asking the Universe, “What’s my problem?” Two words sprang to mind: speed bumps. Huh? It took me a minute, but then I knew. My mind had been speeding with unworthy thoughts: “I’ve got so much to do!” “How will I get through it all?” “Do it faster!” “HURRY!”

Mentally, I’d reverted to my teenage self and raced everywhere, over everything, and practically ran over myself, causing my brain power to go haywire. Time to pause and reflect.

I slowed and edited my thoughts, asking, “Is this a constructive, positive thought?” Next, I implemented a calmness strategy: read something light and uplifting, bake blueberry muffins, walk in nature and take slow breaths. I worked at maintaining my tranquility and slowed my movements. I’m a work-in-progress, but I know the payoff is worthwhile. There is no going back because I’m keeping my mental speed bumps in place.