Author: LC White

For someone to candidly share feedback with you is truly a gift. What you decide to “do” with that “gift” is up to you. I am continuing to learn as much as I can, from as many people as possible. I experience joy from the learning and the collaboration with people. It’s not always been like that for me, and the delivery of feedback from some, made me feel like I was bleeding from the ears… but I smiled and accepted it, thought about it (sometimes too long) and looked for pieces of truth within it and how could I improve. I have learned of late, that some folks have an excuse for everything, why they can’t do this or that, how unfair things have been, negative, negative. Sometimes that was me! Wow, what an eye opener. We have all been there at one time or another. I don’t have time for the drama, and the negative energy around it. Truth is good for the soul, and being able to see it feel good. Someone really cares for you when they take time and energy to give feedback, and for that I’m grateful.

(Thanks Adam Grant for your insightful podcasts!) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worklife-with-adam-grant/id1346314086?i=1000525532675

Mean people are all around us as a way to practice tolerance and peace. Yes we all have our burdens or battles, but ugly is as ugly does. So when you come across that not- nice-at-all person, cross the street, go the other way. Don’t let that negativity suck away your joy. This is too long for a fortune cookie, but still a worthy piece of advice of which I am heeding after an encounter of the “meanie kind”. That’s all for now.

and what are you willing to do to get “it”? Step one must be defining the “it”. Sounding simple enough a task, yet my efforts these past two plus years, as flip flap floundering like a fish, out of water gasping and inching across the sand, water bound.

Until I wasn’t, swept up in everyone else’s drama which compounded my sense of dread; worrying what people thought, why did I leave a job, what do I want to do, accompanied by several near missed opportunities- jobs that weren’t meant to be. Taking a breathe, deep long exhale, and believing in the power of me…. wobbly, unsure, digging down deep to live with purposefulness. It’s still there- I have to be willing to sit with the feelings. They don’t last forever. Intake, glean and learn- surround self with positive attitude. We finished first, then cheers others finishing up their stories. JUST BE ME, I’m good at this. And more to come ❤️lwhite

The secrets we hide, and oftentimes don’t even realize we are hiding them. Here’s to peeling off layers and healing.

Sometimes, this gal can get so tripped up on trying to make the “right” choice, often not putting her own needs first, and just thinking too much, rolling around, around, and digging a hole to China! I have to thank the universe, powers that be, JC, God, Buddha, whoever or whatever you may believe in. I realize Mercury Retrograde really is a thing-thanks Kathi Lester, I didn’t know) full moons (thanks for reminders Tim Bryson) I sincerely love what I am doing at O.Henry and O.Hey. Somethings, things get backward- luck of the draw I guess. Communication. I thank people for the questions, the suggestions, the ideas! It’s a whole new time at O.Henry mag and we have so many things, which serendipitously fall into plan. YAY US! I want to promote our local businesses and if I can introduce you to a meaningful connection- DONE! I thank you dear folks, longtime advertisers for staying with us for 10 years! Because of your commitment- we have wonderful articles, writers, fresh content and creativity! Thank goodness for freshness with Ashley, Cassie, and Corrinne! PINCH ME! Happy to be on Team O.Henry mag and O.Hey guide! Thanks for believing in us! There’s no publication without you! ❤️🍀 #laricecan

I do admit it’s been awhile since American Lit class with Dr. Benjamin Wilson, a class I really enjoyed. The enlightening discussions around Mark Twain, Randall Jarrell, and O. Henry, took me to places I had never been before, reading selections I probably wouldn’t have chosen, were they not part of the class assignment. I held onto those literature books all these years, so beginning work at O. Henry Magazine, had me dust off a volume of short stories. After all, 10 years of a stellar local publication, and my new employer, I felt I owed it to myself to know more stories than “The Gift of the Magi”. Randomly, I selected my reading choice, “Best-seller” first, then “The Double Dyed Deceiver”. I find the writing interesting, in O.Henry’s ability to find a story in pretty much anything, everyday life, possibly boring or mundane to some. He was quite the writing machine, cranking out stories weekly of which I find incredible. Two stories down, 40 more to go- stay tuned on my O. Henry reading journey. I’d love to hear your comments on his work too. A new year and new insights with me! #ohenry #gsoauthor #readmore #williamsydneyporter

All is well and found out several folks I have been volunteering with also have DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS! And one January 1st gal! I sense a big old ZOOMING birthday party amongst us! One lady said she has been celebrating her birthday daily in December for 15 years! Her birthday is 12/25. I have found my tribe that understands! Today I helped a co- worker, shopped local for dinner at SCRATCH, and visited a buddy. So far so great and yay me! I feel happy and grateful, now where’s the cake? 🤣🧁

As I allow my mind to wander to past events, memories, holidays are hard- I’m determined to drop this feeling and keep pushing forward to me.

So far so great on the birthday countdown! I was able to make a dear friend smile by bringing her a chocolate advent calendar! And I shared Krispy Kreme doughnuts with the office and friends. Happy to celebrate smiles and help others 😀