"Chances are that you have changed someone's life. Chances are that you will never be aware of the magnitude of how many lives you have transformed. We go through life without realizing that, sometimes in simple moments, we give the biggest gifts. I have never met someone without value. In fact, I take something away from every single relationship. Whether it is a close friendship or passing acquaintance; each one leaves me a slightly altered person. Value yourself.  Be proud of your walk through life. Don't worry about what you haven't achieved, because there is so much more that you have achieved simply by being yourself."

I wrote the above, three years ago. At the time I was talking at great lengths with a friend who was struggling to see her value in life after a series of what she considered failed relationships and disappointing career outcomes. This friend had always inspired me to write. She did not gush over my writing, because frankly it is not gush worthy, yet.  But she did inspire, encourage, and challenge, me to make my passion, into something that could be a self-sustaining profession.

So there we sat. As she detailed what she had decided was a life that wasn't noteworthy, I stopped her.  I told her how she always made me think about how much I enjoyed being able to have one particular gift that came rather easy. Yet, she always reminded me that the easy part of writing was not what I need to focus on. Rather it was the hard, daily repetitive work, writing at all times, at all costs, that I must continue. In turn, I have encouraged my youngest daughter to write everywhere, every day; because she too has been blessed with the 'Dancing Words' gene.

Of course you know how this tale ends. My friend had been unaware that she had such an impact on my life; partially because I had not made the time to share this information with her. Like many, I get caught up in the belief that time is infinite; relying on the concept that thoughts of love and appreciation can... wait just one more day. There are people out there who thank you, who appreciate you, who feel changed by your walk in their world. They simply think they have time left to let you know this. Maybe they do. But don't wait to hear it from others. Instead, know your worth to others as a conviction deep down to your core. No matter where you are right now, where you have been, or where you think you are going; you are the essential part of this world. Keep on your journey with that in mind. If you know of someone you need to express your appreciation, tell them now. This is no certainty in time at all. In that, I am very certain.

Tell me a story every night of the week.

A writing exercise for writers and non-writers. Twice a week download a picture, write a story. This will help you find your creative voice and it serves as great practice for those experiencing writer's block. Here is my story.

"For months after the incident, Olivia was unable to write. She looked for someone or something to blame, other than herself. After a few days of blaming the temptation of Netflix, she settled on blaming the weather. She spent months opening and closing windows, adjusting fans, turning on both the air conditioning and heat. Often all in the same day. It was either too hot, too humid, too dry, too something. Somehow it was never quite right for writing. She blamed her eyesight, until she was fitted with new glasses with frames green as the forest. Within minutes of putting them on, she could see clearly but she still could not write. Finally, she decided to focus on something more productive; stalking him on Facebook and Twitter.