This post is a bit late but I tend to reflect over a period of time, not just on New Year's Day. I almost didn't post this since it is the fifth day of February, but I'm hoping to post more frequently this year. For me 2015 was a pretty good year...except for writing, a fact that I'm accepting as just that and not a reason to beat myself up.
That should make me frustrated and sad, and on some level it does a little bit. Except that my year was full of many highs, memories that I will treasure, a tragedy that still doesn't seem real, and a birthday that made me reflect on where I am now and where I'd like to be in the future. I made decisions about my down time that felt right for my mental well-being. That included more relaxing, spending time with family and friends, reading (however, no YA for months) and yes, less writing.
I had my doubts about whether I could return to that state of sitting down at my computer and loving the process of creating characters, setting, and a plot. Or if I even wanted to again. But I did.
So here are some of the highlights of last year...
My oldest daughter (2nd child) graduating from high school with all the activities involved (prom, award ceremonies, graduation, etc.).
That same daughter being accepted to many great universities and choosing the one which she is currently attending. Very time consuming but wonderful process. I'm so proud of her!
My son working abroad last summer. He's a senior at the university he attends and will graduate this year. CRAZY!
My second daughter receiving her Confirmation (on the night of her sister's graduation! how's that for a "what are the chances" kind of thing). We're now focusing on the college process for her.
My dad's health remaining stable through this past year. *Thank you, Lord!
Work responsibilities changing again. About the same hours, a bit more responsibility from last year.
Deciding to participate in NaNoWriMo as a total pantser. I'll share more about this in my next post.
Here's hoping that 2016 will be kind, full of happy times with those I love, and that my writing goals will be met. I wish all the same for you!
*I don't think I've ever alluded to my faith on my blog, but I have to mention here, that it's my faith in God that grounds me. If not for my love for and trust in God I can't imagine staying sane during the ups and downs of life.
Showing posts with label 2015. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2015. Show all posts
Friday, February 5, 2016
Saturday, January 3, 2015
It's 2015! How'd That Happen?
I want to wish you all a very Happy New Year. It's been an embarrassingly long time since I posted..
since I've written...
since I've read.
My last blog post was in August and I can honestly say that from that time forward, I've had an intense schedule. Last fall, my hours increased at work and my position/responsibilities changed. My day began at 5:15am and ended between 9:30 and 10:30pm. I kept it up through the end of October with a slight break during the month of November. Fall sports ended for 2 children and we managed to sit down to dinner at 6:30 rather than 7, 7:30, or some nights, 8:00. I also have a high school senior who has been writing essays and applying to colleges, so a lot of reading, visiting schools, interviews and meet ups, offering suggestions, rereading, checking the Common App what seemed like a billion times before she pushed Submit. Whew! It's finally done, and while she's still waiting for 3 schools to respond, she's been accepted to a number of great schools. Well worth the late nights and hard work.
Instead of questioning my commitment to writing and reading at every "failure," because I was too tired, I decided to just drop these two aspects of my life for the time being. That "time being" stretched out for 4 1/2 months. The only extra I allowed myself was running, usually twice a week at the soccer field. This was essential for my mental well being, not to mention the physical benefits. Exactly what I needed during my down time, because it required no thought, just motion. I promised myself that at 10:00pm, I was done for the day, no matter what. No dishes, no laundry, no prep for work, nothing. I promised myself that I would not feel guilty about my time away from writing or reading. I would not view it as a failure because I didn't reach my projected goals. Situations change. People change. Priorities change.
Sure I could have pushed myself harder. Could have sacrificed my weekend time. Could have slept less. But I'm learning a valuable lesson.
Being present for my family is priority.
Taking care of myself is priority, too.
Now that the holidays are over, I declared to my husband that the day after Christmas is perhaps my favorite day of the year. The stress and activities are over and I have a week off to do whatever I want, guilt-free. For me this has meant cleaning, resting, learning to crochet, and re-watching season 4 of Downton Abbey in preparation for the new season (I can't wait!). I've started reading again and have peeked at my WIP. Actually, the winter months are usually productive for me and so I'll recommit myself to reading more and writing again.
As far as resolutions go, I will continue trying to live the lessons I've learned from above:
Take care of my family.
Take care of myself.
Happy 2015 everyone!
Any thoughts as to how you will approach this new year?
since I've written...
since I've read.
My last blog post was in August and I can honestly say that from that time forward, I've had an intense schedule. Last fall, my hours increased at work and my position/responsibilities changed. My day began at 5:15am and ended between 9:30 and 10:30pm. I kept it up through the end of October with a slight break during the month of November. Fall sports ended for 2 children and we managed to sit down to dinner at 6:30 rather than 7, 7:30, or some nights, 8:00. I also have a high school senior who has been writing essays and applying to colleges, so a lot of reading, visiting schools, interviews and meet ups, offering suggestions, rereading, checking the Common App what seemed like a billion times before she pushed Submit. Whew! It's finally done, and while she's still waiting for 3 schools to respond, she's been accepted to a number of great schools. Well worth the late nights and hard work.
Instead of questioning my commitment to writing and reading at every "failure," because I was too tired, I decided to just drop these two aspects of my life for the time being. That "time being" stretched out for 4 1/2 months. The only extra I allowed myself was running, usually twice a week at the soccer field. This was essential for my mental well being, not to mention the physical benefits. Exactly what I needed during my down time, because it required no thought, just motion. I promised myself that at 10:00pm, I was done for the day, no matter what. No dishes, no laundry, no prep for work, nothing. I promised myself that I would not feel guilty about my time away from writing or reading. I would not view it as a failure because I didn't reach my projected goals. Situations change. People change. Priorities change.
Sure I could have pushed myself harder. Could have sacrificed my weekend time. Could have slept less. But I'm learning a valuable lesson.
Being present for my family is priority.
Taking care of myself is priority, too.
Now that the holidays are over, I declared to my husband that the day after Christmas is perhaps my favorite day of the year. The stress and activities are over and I have a week off to do whatever I want, guilt-free. For me this has meant cleaning, resting, learning to crochet, and re-watching season 4 of Downton Abbey in preparation for the new season (I can't wait!). I've started reading again and have peeked at my WIP. Actually, the winter months are usually productive for me and so I'll recommit myself to reading more and writing again.
As far as resolutions go, I will continue trying to live the lessons I've learned from above:
Take care of my family.
Take care of myself.
Happy 2015 everyone!
Any thoughts as to how you will approach this new year?
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