Celebrate Your Balcony People
Updated: Dec 18, 2018
Joyce Landorf Heatherley is one of my literary heroes.
Her writing style is honest, yet kind.
She fearlessly tackles delicate, thought-provoking subjects with hope and grace.
Published in 1995, Balcony People is a quick read that confirms what we already know at our deepest level — we each need to have more affirmers in our lives than we have evaluators.
Finding genuine affirmation is as tricky as it is rare.
I’m not talking about the rah-rah “you’re doing a good job” or “good for you” blabbing even when you aren’t really doing a good job or when something good does happen. Empty, insincere praise just leads to frustration and confusion.
And, it is important to note that wholehearted encouragement is not manipulative. Balcony People are those rare individuals in life who unconditionally believe in your value as a person and know just when to thoughtfully apply the healing balm of affirmation.
They expect nothing in return and are not dishing out advice disguised as praise. Genuine affirmation is declaring what is true about you as a person and not based on outward accomplishments.
Balcony People bring out the best in us by discerning the good, the honorable, the noble, and highlight our individual giftedness, no matter how miniscule these positive traits may appear at the moment.
Balcony People help us see ourselves from a different view.
It is their attitude toward us and not just their words.
A Balcony Person is “someone who is hanging over the rail, cheering you on, encouraging you and letting you know that they believe in you.” They take extraordinary delight in honoring others, via listening from the heart and invigorating words.
Think of those people in your life who have made you a better person.
Celebrate your Balcony People today with a phone call, a note, or even just savoring a memory.
Check out my YouTube channel for easy Snail Mail ideas. You can do it. I will help
Blueberry Arugula Salad
by Broccoli & Muffins
INGREDIENTS • 2 Cups Arugula • ½ Cup Blueberries • ⅓ Cup Walnuts • ⅓ Cup shredded Goat Cheese • 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil • 1 Tsp Honey • ½ Tbsp Lemon Juice • ½ Tsp Oregano • a dash of salt and pepper
For the dressing,
Mix the lemon juice with the honey, stir well and then add the olive oil, slowly, until combined. Add the oregano, pepper and salt (not too much if the cheese is salty).
Put arugula in a salad bowl.
On top of it add the walnuts, cheese and blueberries.
Drizzle the dressing and serve immediately.