Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Positive changes

I was speechless when I saw this in my E-mail. I am honored to have received this private newsletter, Chicken Soup for the Soul Communique, distributed only to multi-published Chicken Soup writers. My story, Two Little Words With a Big Impact, (but/and) was published in Chicken Soup My Resolution in 2008. Six years ago! And my words are still circulating and impacting others. We never know how far a reach our words will have or for how long a time our words (good and bad) will last.

I received an acceptance on my story for the Chicken Soup Alzheimer's and Dementia book to be released in March. Humbled is what I am. If it makes final round selection, it will be my 21st Chicken Soup for the Soul published story.

Have you ever been unable to forgive someone for something they did or didn't do? Sit down and write about it as though you are talking to me. Then wait a day, edit your story and send it off to Chicken Soup for the Soul on Forgiveness.

A Note from Your Publisher 2014

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We

are going to put words on them ourselves. The

book is called Opportunity and its first

chapter is New Year’s Day.

~Edith Lovejoy Pierce

A N E XC LU S I V E M O N T H LY C O M M U N I QU É F O R O U R W R I T E R S

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4
 

People tell me that I’ve changed (for the better), and they seem to attribute
it to my work at Chicken Soup for the Soul. I guess you can’t help but be
affected when you read thousands of revealing, heartfelt stories every year,
submitted by people who are selflessly sharing their best advice, wisdom,
and experience with readers (and editors) they don’t even know.
All this advice from contributors comes in handy at this time of year, when
it gets dark early and there is plenty of quiet time to think about the
changes I want to make in my life. I have learned so much about making
resolutions from your stories and re-reading Chicken Soup for the Soul: My
Resolution. It contains many resolutions you can implement easily,
simply by deciding that you will.

 
So here’s an easy New Year’s resolution that you might want to try: Have you ever caught yourself saying something negative and wished you could stop? I certainly have. Well, we can stop ourselves. We are, after all, in charge of what comes out of our mouths.

 
One of the resolution stories that has stuck with me was by Linda O’Connell, one of our regulars, who made me think about the negative power of the word “but.” She wrote, “I’ve been listening to myself lately, and I don’t like the way I sound. As a veteran teacher, I know that praise can be a huge motivational tool.” Linda went on to admit, “My daughter called to tell me about a house she was interested in. I listened to her. I said, ‘Honey, I am glad that you’ve found something you like, but don’t you think, with the gas prices, you might want to buy closer to your work?’” As soon as Linda said the word “but” her daughter’s excitement faltered.

 
Thank you, Linda, for a great reminder. It’s amazing how many positive changes we can make in our lives merely by deciding to change. And one of those decisions can definitely be what we say or don’t say.

Your publisher, Amy Newmark @amynewmark

12 comments:

Sioux Roslawski said...

Linda--Yes, "but" is big whether it has one or two t's.

Congratulations. I predict in a year you'll be celebrating your 30th story.

You are definitely the Queen of Chicken Soup...

Southhamsdarling said...

Hi Linda. First of all, congratulations on having yet another story accepted for publication. I loved your piece, where the word 'but' appeared. It is so true. When people, especially our children, are excited, it is all too easy for us to use that little word. It's a good reminder for all of us, and one I shall try to remember!

Shelly said...

Congratulations! Your words are so true. A timely reminder, and one I hope to remember for a long time to come~

Susan said...

No "buts" about it, your news was wonderful and a great way to start out the new year, 2014.

You GO girl! Thanks for sharing. Susan

Connie said...

This is so exciting, and what a wonderful letter to receive! Congratulations on your latest acceptance! That's fantastic!

Val said...

Looks like there's another feather in the future for your Chicken Soup cap!

River said...

I could write a story for the forgiveness book, but it would be very short and were would I send it to?

River said...

P.S. congratulations, what a wonderful letter to receive.

Kathy's Klothesline said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Kathy's Klothesline said...

Remember when we were children and our parents would tell us "sticks and stones will break your bones .... BUT, words will never hurt you." So untrue, BUT they meant well ......

Kathy's Klothesline said...

Remember when we were children and our parents would tell us "sticks and stones will break your bones .... BUT, words will never hurt you." So untrue, BUT they meant well ......

BECKY said...

What a thrilling piece to read by Amy Newmark with YOUR name in it! Congrats, Linda! I have to tell you a funny story about the word "but" in our household. When my youngest son, Mark, was a little guy, he LOVED the movie, "Pee Wee's Big Adventure." That was back in video rental days and we rented that movie over and over and over. Husband Ron and I could utter the dialogue right along with the actors! The following quote is from that movie, and every single time I hear the word "but," it pops into my mind! ~~~
~~~~
Simone: I know you're right, Pee-wee, but...
Pee-wee: But what? Everyone I know has a big "But...? C'mon, Simone, let's talk about *your* big "But".