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| Allow others to Soar |
Every story has its main
characters, those interesting people that you’re either rooting for or
against. It’s because of them that the
narrative exists, at all. The writer has
spent a vast amount of time creating their histories, appearances, and an outline
for their future that the author hopes they don’t usurp too much. The story begins and from page one, they are center
stage ready to shine even when they are struggling.
However, every once in awhile a
secondary character steals the show, and for a time, all eyes are on them. This just happened in my writing of Surrender. The story belongs to Virginia Hart. However, in this scene, her best friend,
Jacklyn, steals the limelight and goes home with the guy. Actually, she goes home with three guys, but
you’ll have to buy the book when it comes out next year to find out why.
Virginia was happy to step out of
the spotlight for awhile, and you should be, as well. (Yes, she told me so. Writers talk to their Characters.) You’ve
written the script for your life and while it’s your story, be willing to allow
others to have their shining moments.
Life is not just about you, but about everyone around you. Parents may understand this better than anyone
and grandparents even better yet.
Parents are almost always working behind the scenes and in the
background so that their children will get the spotlight. Spouses do this for each other all the
time. The old adage, “Behind every great
man is a greater woman,” shows how one person steps behind the light and allows
the other to bask in the public glow.
Their stories are intertwined, yet one pushes the other to the
forefront. Hopefully, each of them takes
turns being the star performer, because everyone needs their moment.
Don’t be afraid to see others
succeed, especially a family member.
Ultimately, their success is yours.
However, even if it’s a coworker, a fellow student, or worse yet, an
enemy, don’t be afraid to allow them their own moments of glory. We should all take joy when others succeed
just as we want them to delight in our accomplishments. To celebrate other’s failures and belittle
their achievements only reveals a character flaw in ourselves that should not
make us proud. Being able to enjoy
another’s success, however, reveals a great strength of character and
confidence in oneself.
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| The best support group ever! |
Now, go a step further. Don’t just celebrate when they are in the spotlight;
turn the light upon them yourself. Help
them achieve success. As I said a few
weeks ago, the girls are great at this.
Not only are they my biggest promoters and editors, they’re also always
busy with sketches, working on my sites and book covers, assisting me with my
writing schedule and talking over future ideas while critiquing current ones. They keep me well stocked with coffee,
cigars, and pens. Even though the byline
is mine, the effort and reward belongs to all of us.
It works in reverse, as
well. As each one of them strives for
what they want, when it’s their time to shine, I have no qualm standing in the
wings applauding. I don’t mind building the
set, either. I get fulfillment from seeing
them succeed just as much as when I achieve my goals - more so, really. I would much rather say, “That’s my girl,”
than, “Look at me.” I would rather talk
about them or the kids than myself. I
find it sad when a person, especially a parent, would rather talk about their life
than ask the other person about theirs.
When I received a call from
Nathaniel while he was at college all I wanted to hear about was how his classes
were doing, how the show was coming along and how he was getting along with his
dorm mates. Then it was “How can I help,”
which of course, was followed with requests for money, food and a trip home. I’ve watched the girls get on the phone with
one of the children and all I hear is “Really, and what else is going on? That’s great!”
Your story will not be diminished
by another’s success. Quite often it can
be enhanced and turned into a stronger story, as with the girls and I. Be willing to share the spotlight once in
awhile and I promise that when it shines down on you, it will seem all the
brighter. There is enough success for
everyone, I don’t care what the naysayers mumble. Don’t be afraid to share. Besides, my mom says sharing is good for you. At least, that’s what she told me whenever my
sister wanted one of my toys.
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