Ever have those days where you wish you could stay in bed, Storyteller?
Yep. Me, too.
In fact, that's pretty much how I felt on Sunday. By 10:30 a.m., I was ready for my afternoon nap.
So I took one.
Did it cure everything that ailed me? Not by a long shot.
In fact, I woke from a horrible dream which only served to stress me out MORE.
But that nap DID give me the gift of awareness.
Mostly because my desire for sleep came so early in the day, I (finally) noticed how tired I was. How much I needed to just stop and BE.
To stop looking at Facebook and all the crazy news about the state of our world politics.
To stop doing the laundry, shopping for groceries, and paying the bills.
TO STOP DOING ALL THE THINGS.
So Sunday was me making zero decisions, cooking zero meals, and going zero places.
And today I feel a LOT closer to normal.
I've straightened my desk, showered and dressed, and made two phone calls already.
But beyond that? Well, I'm going to take it easy and focus on RIGHT NOW.
On being grateful for what I have and giving myself space and time to enjoy it.
The holidays are upon us and there's a good chance our lives can get even crazier.
Let's you and I make a pact to slow down a bit, breathe, and be okay with saying, "no."
Or at least, "not right now."
So instead of getting THREE things done every day, I'll be happy with ONE.
In the meantime, I have a SLEW of gifts I'd like to give away.
Different baubles and books and treats that I've been saving up for just this occasion: to say THANK YOU for being here.
Thank you for reading, for sharing your thoughts and words of encouragement.
Thank you for showing up and doing the hard work of building your business.
Thank you for shining your light on my little corner of the world.
As you know, I'm one of your biggest fans. <grin>
So here's the dealio. If you'd like one of the thank you gifts below, please reply to this email and let me know which one(s).
I'll pick names at random over Thanksgiving and send them out early next week. (#GivingTuesday!) Don't forget to include your mailing address so I know where to send your gift.
Here's what I have available (thanks in part to readers and colleagues who've donated knowing I love to give away stuff):
5 copies of Seth Godin's book, "The Icarus Deception"
4 copies of my book, "How to Attract and Feed a Hungry Crowd"
3 copies of the DVD documentary, "I'm Fine, Thanks"
2 sets of my stationery note cards (watercolors I did earlier this year)
And if you'd like to make someone else's day, nominate them for a Fiercely Human Award. Each person gets a fun care package that includes birthday candles, a heart pendant, a temporary tattoo, an official certificate, and other doodads as appropropriate.
Looking for Product-based Businesses
I would LOVE to help support your business this holiday season. I'm looking for products created and sold by folks on this list (YOU). Something you'd normally charge $15-$25 for. I'd like to purchase your product and offer them as part of a Story Bistro Gifty Box that would be resold by yours truly as holiday gifts for people who love to be surprised. If you have an item you think would be a good fit this project, please reply to this email with a short description and a link to your sales page.
Looking for Work: Book Cover Designer
This week's featured job seeker: Larah Leigh Ritchie
Got a book you need a cover for? Larah might be just the ticket you need. Find and connect with her here.
NOTE: the above link is an affiliate link which means if you sign up, I'll earn a small commission. If you'd rather not use the affiliate link, this link will also get you there.
Heads Up! My last batch of handwritten love notes for the year will be going out the first week of December. Please be sure I have your most up-to-date mailing address: https://storybistro.us2.list-manage.com/profile?u=6e0b5403ae5db13cce822d731&id=9c33ce9d44&e=[UNIQID]&c=1980b53cfd
Did you enjoy this Newsy Letter? If so, please share with your colleagues:
Get handwritten love notes from me once or twice each year when you share your mailing address: https://storybistro.us2.list-manage.com/profile?u=6e0b5403ae5db13cce822d731&id=9c33ce9d44&e=[UNIQID]&c=1980b53cfd
