I just finished a book that has deepened my connection to humanity, and has made me want to lean over the Balcony to share this message.
It’s an easy read, 100 pages, yet powerful and impactful. It’s a small book but it has a huge message.
The book is about being supportive, loving unconditionally and being a positive light in this world.
It’s about non-judgment. It’s about showing up in this world as a better human being.
The book is called “Balcony People” by Joyce Landorf Heatherley
I resonated with this book because as a Life Coach and Fitness Professional, I am always encouraging my clients on all that is possible for them, even if they can’t see it.
Not to ruin the read, but here is the premise of the book.
You are either a Balcony Person, or a Basement Person.
*This is my intrepretation of the book, please conclude your own*
Balcony People care deeply from the heart and always try to raise you up.
Basement People bring you down, judge or belittle you.
There you have it, seems simple right?
Balcony People.
5 Questions to help you find YOUR #BalconySquad
1) Who loves you *Past or present with all they have?
2) Who cheers you on?
3) Who makes you feel better about you?
4) Who supports and encourages you daily?
5) Who in your life doesn’t judge you?
*Past…according to Joyce, Balcony People could be someone who has passed away as well. You know the one who you feel is looking down on you all the time; you can feel their presence.
I bet as you asked yourself this question, you thought of people right away. Now repeat until you find your tribe or #BalconySquad
Basement People
5 questions to help you identify the Basement People in YOUR life
1) Who puts you down?
2) Who makes you feel inferior?
3) Who do you feel judged by?
4) Who is constantly making sarcastic jokes at your expense?
5) Who makes you feel uneasy when you are with them?
To quote my favorite line in the book “It’s easy to slip into belittling our family members, mates or coworkers, and thinly disguising it by calling it humor or sarcasm”
You may remember the quote “With every bit of sarcasm, there is a bit of truth”
Basement people are often the most insecure. They joke or belittle because of their own insecurities. They usually gossip about others to you, you can be rest assured they talk about YOU to others.
Since the published version of this book in 1989, Basement people nowadays are referred to as Bullies.
Basement people are bullies. Bullies can be found in marriages, workplace, or even families.
Joyce forgot one area to explore, the human mind. Who resides in your mind more, a Balcony person, or a Basement person? Use this to your advantage moving forward.
Now that you know your #BalconySquad and you’ve identified the Basement People in your life, let’s do a little self-evaluation.
1) How can you be more of a Balcony Person to others?
2) How can you begin to avoid being that Basement Person?
3) How can you begin to use this to control your own inner dialogue/voice, in your own mind?
What to do if you are in the company of a Basement Person?
1) Just express that you are hurt or uncomfortable with their words or actions.
That’s it. Nothing else.
If they truly care, they should show up with either a retraction or an apology. They hurt you PERIOD. If it were your daughter or son, or a young child that was in the presence of a bully, you would immediately protect them.
Now start to protect yourself.
Share this post with as many people you can in your life, or the book itself.
It makes a lovely gift.
As Gandhi says, “Be the change that you want to see in this world”
Please use and share #BalconySquad when you post a pic of someone in your tribe or balcony squad.
Please share this post; the more people who get this message, the more people you might be able to add to your squad or tribe.
In health and happiness,
Maria Lorenzo