Alisa (Lizzie) Walker

Are you a snob? Do you tend to judge a book by the cover? Size a person up or assess their worth immediately upon meeting them? Perception is everything...right? What would you do in the following scenario:

Mary Sue is in the public kitchen at her job putting milk into the refrigerator.

Bob walks in and sees Mary Sue putting a carton of milk in the refrigerator. He automatically assumes she is the one that has been using his milk because the carton looks the same. Mary Sue is not allowed to have the same milk, if she even bothers to buy milk because she is too busy stealing his. He's going to do something about it and decides to go to HR.

Jane walks in the kitchen and sees Mary Sue with a carton of milk and wonders if Mary Sue wouldn't mind her using her milk today. She ran out of her personal milk and could really use a cup of coffee this morning.

Joe walks in the kitchen, doesn't see Mary Sue, Bob or Jane, grabs a cup of water from the fountain and then scurries off to his desk because he's running late.

What actually happened: Mary Sue walked in the kitchen and saw someone had left their milk on the counter. She touched it to make sure it was not warm and kindly puts it back in the refrigerator so it wouldn't spoil.

It's important in your profession of choice to make a good impression but it is as equally important to not judge a person harshly based on a quick assessment.

It's also important to have a strong perception about yourself. When you are put in a situation where someone judges you without prior knowledge of your personality, you must learn to remain true to your ideals.

My personal quote for myself is: To thine own self be true (This above all: To thine own self be true, for it must follow as dost the night the day, that canst not be false to any man) - Shakespeare - 'Hamlet'

As a writer, your life can be solitary unless you write with a partner, and even then you are the sole writer of your part that is being contributed to the piece.

Family and friends may not always have an open mind to your creation. Other writers may censure you because you don't fit into their perception of what a writer should be. Finding support can be a lonely endeavor.

I am lucky that I belong to a group of writers who encourage growth, change and above all, individuality. Whether you are a new writer or a seasoned pro, having that support means everything.

The next time you see Mary Sue in the kitchen, why don't you give her a hand. You never know, she just might need it.

*reposted from Wednesday's blog: Bttrfliesz Are Free