New Book Demonstrates Loving Loudly

The New York Times bestselling author and veteran media personality Robyn Spizman shares an inside view of her newest book “Loving Out Loud: The Power of a Kind Word.” Here, the Atlanta native, mother and grandmother and wife of Ed Gerson highlights the relevance and usability of her new book.

Jaffe: You’ve authored dozens of books. What makes this one extra special?

Spizman: “Loving Out Loud” is a tribute to my parents and embodies their love. Growing up as the daughter of Phyllis and Jack Freedman, I was loved out loud. My parents were devoted to making a difference for the greater good of the community and shared themselves abundantly. “Loving Out Loud” empowers readers to open up, deepen our relationships, and enrich our lives and the lives of others.

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Jaffe: World famous author Dawna Markova wrote your foreword and said she wished she had written this book. What did that mean to you?

Robyn Spizman is a New York Times bestselling author and longtime media personality known for her gift giving advice.

Spizman: Dawna Markova, the co-creator of the book “Random Acts of Kindness,” ignited a revolution of kindness 50 years ago. She’s a literary icon inspiring what’s right in this world. Her foreword is deeply inspiring, and I am truly grateful for her support.

Jaffe: Expand on the double meaning of LOL in the book.

Spizman: Most of us know LOL to mean laugh out loud or lots of luck. In my book it means “loving out loud.” Love is the most powerful emotion we can share. When we open ourselves up with a kinder, gentler way of responding to others, we have the power to brighten our lives and the lives of others.

Jaffe: If you had to summarize three life lessons from the book, what would they be?

Spizman: Lift up, show up and never give up.

Lift up: Bring joy to those you love. Don’t just wait to be uplifted; be the person who lifts up others.

Show up: Shift your “to-do list” to a “to love list” and notice friends, family members and activities you love and show up.

Never give up: Be the love you wish to experience and a positive influence on those around you.

Jaffe: What advice would you give to parents rearing children?

Spizman: Kids learn by your example, tone of voice and actions. Kinder kids make friends more easily. The chapter on kinder kids includes creative ways to inspire kindness. For example, be a kinder finder. Children love to play “I spy,” so how about “I spy kindness!” Or, appoint your child CEO of the kindness company, a pretend family company, and he or she can notice and hire all the nice people you meet.

Jaffe: Grandparents are more involved in families today. What do you have to say to them?

Spizman: Grandparents are a wellspring of loving-kindness. There are many ways to share that love. We have an “I love you library,” which is a toy closet filled with favorite books and love listening to the kids read to us. My husband Ed FaceTimes and reads a favorite book with our grandsons who live in other cities. When grandparents build a relationship based on a child’s interests, we connect in more meaningful ways.

Jaffe: The book reminds me of my all-time favorite, Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” What are the timely topics you bring to a new tableau?

Spizman: Since the early 1900s, Dale Carnegie taught us about building relationships with sincerity and interest in others. My book springboards loving kindness into all aspects of your life. Dale Carnegie had it right a century ago. I’m excited to share remarkable stories of individuals who are putting “loving out loud” in action.

Jaffe: Has the social media revolution affected your writing here?

Spizman: The social media revolution has reduced communication to a click. “Loving Out Loud” is about moving from rapid-fire emoticons to thoughtfully expressing your emotions and shares how.

Jaffe: Having appeared for over three decades on local and national television like the “Today” show, you are well known for your gift giving creativity. What in the book addresses that?

Spizman: From meaningful family traditions to unforgettable gifts that make others feel treasured, “Loving Out Loud” includes endless ideas for gifting and celebrating your signature style. “Loving Out Loud” is all about the little things we can do to make a big impact. In my book, “Loving Out Loud” is the ultimate gift.

Check out www.robynspizman.com to learn about “Loving Out Loud: The Power of a Kind Word,” available at www.amazon.com.