It doesn’t matter how strong you are, how resilient you are or how determined you are, there are times when you need an arm around your shoulders or a pat on the back.
My subject today is just that…lending support to others.
Many think they are in competition with others, whether it be authors or music artists. But, the whole truth of the matter is that we are all in this together and when we realize that and offer a helping hand to another, the Universe automatically responds. It is an unspoken and invisible law. That is not to say your motivation for supporting someone else should be for a reward. In fact, quite the opposite. When you give freely of your time, your space, your words and your energy with no expectations of a return is when you absolutely get the most.
Here’s a good example. My late husband and I had an antique and collectibles store in the small town of Coleman, Tx.
The opportunity arose for us to purchase the property across the street, so we did. Then, we rented the building to a lady and her mother who wanted to put in another antique and collectibles store. Everyone thought we were crazy. Why would we want competition right across the street? Because we knew that if there was more than one store for folks to browse through, they’d more likely make the drive from the bigger cities to an out-of-the-way place. And it worked.
That was a lesson in support and networking that I never forgot.
I spend a good deal of my blogging time and space supporting other authors and music artists. And, I enjoy it. I love helping spread the word about a new book release, or a new music CD. I like to post reviews for books that capture my attention. Sharing new discoveries with everyone who follows my blog makes my heart sing.
I find a lot of this same support within the blogging community and I want to take this opportunity to say thank you!
Also, I belong to an organization of authors who offers support on so many different levels. The RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB not only helps spread the word about you and your books but becomes more like family and lifts you up through difficult times such illness or deaths. I have never found an organization quite like this one. Lasting friendships have formed around the globe and many members of this book club have read and reviewed my books. I can’t remember who first told me about this organization, but to whoever it was, I am forever grateful.
If you are looking for a kind of uplifting support you can’t get anywhere else, I suggest you take a peek. If you think it is a fit for you, join us! I’d be thrilled to help support you and your books.
Writing and Music 
Jan, your generosity knows no bounds – your kindness and open-hearted shines out! The friendships, support and community here on WP makes all the difference – always rewarding on so many levels. A beautiful post and reminder to us all. Your story about your store and helping your friendly competition is very touching and one that will stay with me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Annika. Thanks to the blogging world, I met people like you, Annette, Sally, Diana and so many more. It’s really pretty awesome! I appreciate your comment.
LikeLike
Right from the start, I’ve found Indies to be the most generous group of writers imaginable. For me, Indies Unlimited is still my spiritual home because of all the wonderful writers who live there and have become true friends over the years. We lose absolutely nothing by sharing. Instead, we gain community.
Great post. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful! I agree that Indies are the most generous group of writers. Writing can be such a solitary occupation and we need the empowerment of coming together with a group of like-minded folks! Thanks for leaving a comment, acflory!
LikeLike
Call me Meeks, please. It’s my favourite nickname. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
A marvelous post, Jan. Our world stands on the shoulders of all those that gave with no thought of return. My world has expanded in breadth and warmth since discovering #RRBC How lovely it is to be a part of such an awesome extended family. (((Hugs))) and gratitude to you, my friend.🌹
LikeLiked by 2 people
I couldn’t agree more, Soooz. And it does start to feel like family after a while. Even though I most likely will never meet you in person, I feel a genuine friendship. It’s really all pretty cool! 🙂 Hugs back to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊It’s probably just as well that you can’t see me, my friend. -6c Celsius here at the moment, I’m dressed like an Eskimo on steroids.(Not a good look) Trust me.😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve always believed in this kind of collaborative approach to writing and art. Each of us has a unique voice and point of view. If there is competition it is the competition of the market place which is not why the majority of the artists I know started to write and draw.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Well-said, Rob. I totally agree. We write or do any type of art because we are driven and have a passion. Your passion shines bright in your art creations!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. What a wonderful thing to say. I do feel passionately about my art and the making of art in general.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan, thank you for allowing me an opportunity to reflect on the wonderful RRBC members, past and present, who supported me from the very beginning. Hope you won’t mind if I mention Robin Chambers, John Howell, Jan Hawke, and John Fioravanti.They were right there reading and commenting on my lonely little blog and were probably the reasons I kept on writing. After I wrote and published, you and so many others pushed me, too. You are an awesome supporter! Thanks to Nonnie for RRBC!
LikeLiked by 2 people
A beautiful testimony, Linda!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Terrific post, Jan. The store photo is great. It is like I had in my mind when I read Home at Last.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Then I did a good job describing it. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment and for all of your awesome support!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😀 Your support is awesome as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I so love this, Jan. Beautifully said!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Marlena. I appreciate you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this post Jan! You have always shown what it is a to be supportive in the writing community and I am thankful for that. What a great idea to bring in another shop like yours to get more people to come, too. That is a great quote from St. Francis that nicely sums it all up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
True, Denise. St. Francis and so many others knew this way before social media or even a thought of social media. You are such a supportive member of my world and I appreciate the time you take to drop by and leave comments and share. Hugs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hugs back!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a great comment from St. Francis.
Terrific article.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it is, Patricia. Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment!
LikeLike
I couldn’t do what I do if it weren’t for the support of others. Your post is an excellent reminder that we are definitely all in this crazy writing whirlwind together, and a success for one is success for others. When I was a newbie, timidly venturing into the blogosphere and the writing world for the first time, there were so many others who helped, guided, and supported me—and still do. I am grateful when I can do the same for others.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Exactly, Mae, and you are a shining example of how to show support for others. I appreciate you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww, thanks. And that’s back at you, Jan!! {{Hugs}}
LikeLike
Fast food joints recognize your logic. We’ve a Wendy’s, a Burger King and a McDonald’s all within a stone’s throw of each other. makes it easy to grab your burger from one, fries from another and drink from yet another… But seriously, there is no such thing as competition, I believe that is something we feel we have to have to prove something. Love never needs to prove itself.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I totally agree, Annette. Such wise words, “Love never needs to prove itself.” Wow! My affirmation for the day. 🙂 Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. Hugs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan, this is a lovely, mindful, and encouraging post. Your attitude of gratitude shines through your willingness to support others. Hugs on the wing!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment, Teagan! You are such a consistent supporter of others and I appreciate you. Hugs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautifully said, Jan. We are not in competition with each other, and the more we help each other, the more we too grow. Have a wonderful day and thank you for everything you do for others. ♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true, Gwen. I can’t tell you how proud I was of you and John when I looked on Amazon and saw The Contract with the Amazon #! New Release ribbon and sitting at #2 in the Kindle store. I celebrated for and with you. 🙂 Thank you for all you do, Gwen. You are all over the place showing nothing but kindness and support for others. Hugs, sweet lady!
LikeLike
Good morning. I’m on vacation in Paris visiting my grandson Felix. So nice to read your blog instead of scanning–never enough time working, writing, keeping it all together. Thanks for your support from all of us!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my goodness, Lynda! Paris! How exciting. I am honored that you took the time to read and comment on this blog. I totally understand the scanning and never enough time. It is hard to keep it all together and I fail miserably, so I have no words of wisdom. Thank you for stopping in. Enjoy Paris for me too!!
LikeLiked by 1 person