One of the amazing things that happened to me at Superstars was a brunch with James A. Owen, writer and illustrator of Geographica Imaginarium books and so much more. He encouraged us to be our best, to do our best, and then to tell people about our products without undue modesty.

At the end of his talk, he gave each of us a random card with a stylized dragon and an inspirational quote from his talks. I keep mine in my wallet. I found it while looking for something else today, and I vividly remembered the moment he gave it to me standing in front of the room, hugging each of us. There is such courage and power in willing vulnerability and he was that for us.

Today’s image shows the card he gave me. “All of our choices are cumulative.” We build our lives choice by choice. So each moment the question is not what do I want to do right now? It’s where does this choice lead me? What kind of person am I building out of this choice?

It’s a profound question. Like many of you, I am rebuilding my life and habits now that I’m confined to the house. For me the transition is less drastic, than for others. But like my friends I’m having trouble adjusting.

In my case, not being able to just go to a coffee shop or the gym has been surprisingly hard. Whenever my brain felt dry, I went. Seeing and hearing people around me inspired my stories. In a way, I’m almost glad they’re closed. It’s easier that way to make the right choice, the one that protects others.

In addition to being unable to sit and write in coffee shops or the JCC to see and hear people is hard. I can’t even join in some of the video conferences writers are setting up using Zoom because my internet is under too much strain from everyone else’s need to work from home.

But these are minor problems. What they do is underline that I have to get better at making good choices that accumulate into a life as a good writer whose works are enjoyed by others. That’s the goal. Every choice I make brings me closer or draws me further from that.

It’s good to be reminded.

I hope you are are also making good choices that build up into the kind of person you want to be.

Be well, friends! And stay well.