Are You a Balcony People?
My sister, while cleaning out her bookshelves, found a book for me. A sweet little book, entitled, “Balcony People”, by Joyce Heatherly.
“You are a balcony people”, she said.”
Then added, “Someone gave me this book and when I saw it, I knew I needed to give it to you.”
So, as I sat at the back porch table, coffee cup in hand, I began reading that little book. It’s a wonderful read. And as I read it, I thought, I definitely don’t want to be a basement person.
Those who bring you down with criticism and judgmental comments. Who crush your spirit. Who bring about self doubt.
But, was I truly a “balcony people” or person?
One who affirms.
Who encourages.
Or who cheers others on.
Someone who sees the hurt and simply stands with you. Not trying to fix or give a solution.
One who truly listens from the heart? Goodness, we are mostly “talkers” in our family. Listening is an Olympic goal. Really listening. Not formulating a response while someone is talking.
Oh, my. Anyone else like me?
As I read this little book, I was honored that my sister thought I was a “Balcony People”. I fall short of that.
“Balcony People care from the heart”.
Yep. Can’t turn that button off. It can be to my detriment. It has caused me to give away much more than I keep…emotionally, physically. Learning to temper this has had it’s challenges to create balance in my life.
Balcony People also love from the heart.
I get it. I feel it.
“When balcony people love, they do take extraordinary delight in “honoring each other.” They are not in competition with each other, and they particularly do not keep score.”
Well, isn’t that what all of us desire to be? Not ever sure we always get it right, but we should strive to truly love each other.
Now, this line got me–
“We are intimidated by someone else’s gifts or talents. We become so busy climbing the ladder of our own triumphs that we resent taking the time to pay homage to someone else.”
Yikes. May I never be so focused on myself that I forget to celebrate others. Or without the thought of comparison.
“Loving each other, affirming each other, and being balcony people means there is no room for criticism and judgmental attitudes.”
Ouch. Some room for improvement for a teacher who was constantly evaluating and refining her plans.
Social media has unleashed a beast of this that can be so hurtful is true basement behavior. Not always do we have to comment. Judge. Correct. or Solve.
And, then she suggested that you write down who have been your “balcony people” in your life.
Affirming.
Encouraging.
Listening.
Cheering you on.
Next, the author said, “who have you been a “balcony people” to? What an eye opener.
So, how are you in the balcony department? Celebrating others from the balcony?
Or leaving them in a murky basement? no judgement from me. I’m working on my own porch over here.
Perhaps like me…trying to find that staircase to the balcony from the first floor? not the one to the basement?!
One last thought that this left me with was,
“I’ve wondered how we could change our world, the countless relationships we encounter, and the agony over a lifetime if…if, only we were balcony people to each other.”
Many barrier lines resolved. Much kindness unleashed. So much healing to be done.
May we all strive to be “Balcony People”.
You know the views are always better on the balcony. The air and thoughts clearer. Perhaps, the world better above all of the distractions down below. If only we could perceive all around us from that vantage point.
Enjoy some “balcony” time, today, friend. You and the world will both be better for it.
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34 Comments
Angela Norris
I want to be a balcony person!!!
Angela Norris
I hope to be a balcony person
Leslie J Watkins
Always an encourager, Angie!! It’s my goal, too.
Vickie
Every once in awhile, you make me laugh! This time you made me cry!
Leslie J Watkins
Well, sweet sister! Since you are the giver of the book, you now know how you and that sweet little book impacted me. I love you!!
Kim Waldorf
I absolutely love this post! What an amazing analogy! It makes me want to read this little book. I love to encourage others and so I would like to think I am a balcony person.
Great post, friend! Can’t wait for the next one.
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Kim. You will love reading that little book. It’s such a quick read and filled with such an incredible amount of wisdom. You are always the encourager, friend! Thank you for reading. A huge encouragement to me.
Linda
Lovely post!
I strive to be a “balcony person” but fall short many times. I just keep trying to do better every day.
Have a lovely weekend!
Linda
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Linda. I know! Right! I’m trying over here, too, friend! Hope your weekend was wonderful!
Rachel
Oh, I hope and pray I’m a balcony person. I try so hard to always speak positive and encourage. Thank you for sharing this.
Leslie J Watkins
Your comments are always encouraging, Rachel! I think it’s a struggle for sure for me to stay on that balcony. Thank you for joining me! That in itself is such an encouragement to me.
Diane
Perfect message!
Basements can be cozy and comfortable if the are all decked out. But can never ever beat the view and joy of a balcony.
That you wrote and posted it speaks volumes about you. I hope you’re enjoying your journey from porch to balcony!
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Diane. That little book was just simply a sweet reminder of viewing life from one of uplifting and encouraging others. A daily work, for sure, over here. Thank you for your sweet encouragement.
Claudia
What a great post! Love this! Thank you!
Leslie J Watkins
Glad you like it, Claudia. It’s so wonderful to read your comments!
Carol Karl
I strive to be a balcony person but I just can’t help myself offering advice. Thank you for the reminder, I’m going to try harder.
Leslie J Watkins
I get it, friend. I think you will love reading it. It’s a short read filled with so much gold and encouragement.
Kimberly Snyder
Great post, Leslie! I have that book, too! I need to pull it out and re-read it! Love your blog!
Leslie J Watkins
Isn’t it the best book? Thank you for reading and for your sweet comments!!
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Kimberly….I know. Such a sweet book! I think I could just read it over and over again….
Laura Ingalls Gunn
LOVE this post! You are an encourager! I am pinning this to my Peace board. Thank you for sharing.
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Laura. I have another book to share soon. We all need encouragement and especially now. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts…that’s such an encouragement back! Have a wonderful weekend!
Juliet
This is so good, Leslie. I’m striving for that balcolny. xo
Leslie J Watkins
Isn’t a great reminder? See, your encouragement to me has you already speaking from that balcony! I’m working on staying on that balcony, too. Happy weekend, friend!
Cindy Rust
Wow. That’s all I got. Other than to say and confess, I have been a basement person at times in my life. But God. He stepped in and is holding my hand while I walk the stairway upstairs to the balcony. I am certainly not there yet. And may never be this side of Heaven. He stands on the greatest balcony and calls my name (and others) to come to the balcony. There is such freedom living His way. O Father, bring me and those who read this post, to a deeper walk with you that I may be used by You in some small way in the lives you bring across my path. Father, help me to be a balcony person. Leslie, thank you so much for your words here. They reached into my very core.
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you so much, Cindy, for your sweet words. I am so thankful for the confirmation that you brought to me today. He has led me every step of this journey, It took me years to give birth to the blog and I am so thankful I was faithful to follow His leading. Thank you for speaking into my heart today.
Elizabeth@pineconesandacorns
Hello, I’m Elizabeth and in your mastermind group. I wanted to come over and congratulation you on your goodnews/colum what a wonderful accomplishment.
As for this post this is beautiful, I hope that I am always a balcony person or at least I try to be. I am off to order this book!
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Elizabeth! Love sharing life with you in the group. Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. SOOOOOO appreciated! And, do order that sweet book! It is so good to go back to as a reminder to stay on that balcony!! Have a great weekend!
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alda ellis
Your message brought tears to my eyes, and certainly tugged my heartstrings. You are definately a Balcony Person!!! I feel so blessed to call you friend…your posts are so enlightening and encouraging…what a beautiful inspiring post !
Leslie J Watkins
oh, thank you so much. My sister gave me that sweet book and I knew I couldn’t keep it to myself. So many good reminders and a precious read! Glad you enjoyed it and so thankful that you are here! Can’t wait to meet at Haven!
MissMacInTX
I would however say that “friends don’t let friends do stupid” ; if that makes me a “basement person” rather than a “balcony person ” , I understand.
When we see our family or friends heading for trouble, we don’t keep clapping while they are about to drive their life off a cliff! Love would require us to gently speak truth or perspective to that person…not ignore the problem, not to excuse it. It’s a tough position to be in! But…when we have shared our concerns…we must let go and let them run their own life and try not to foster codependency or enablement. If that person wants help then they will need to request that they want that from me.
It may come down to boundaries…sometimes a relationship will end. Sometimes the relationship will change, maybe permanently. It is okay. Not all relationships are for all seasons or stages in life; not all friendships will endure a lifetime. Acquaintances, colleagues, friends, close friends, family, and “frenemies”.
You still care about the person, you usually wish them well, but your journey is not theirs, and vice versa. You can be a balcony person by not being a gossip, keeping old confidences, and not engaging in snarky stuff. Let go, Let God. Your paths may cross again later, and maybe a new period of growth in the relationship may evolve. In the interim, embrace your best self for your own sake.
Leslie J Watkins
Oh, my goodness. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Don’t we all want to be the best we can, pray for those who simply don’t hear our perspective, and yes, let God control our relationships. This book is certainly not the end all, but has great perspective that I enjoyed. Not all God’s answers are found here…that would be found in His scriptures. Thanks for sharing your thoughts here.