Resolute

I've been away from the blog since Thanksgiving, but I haven't been far from my computer. I offered an Advent devotional; if you enjoyed that, let me know! I'm contemplating a Lent devotional. It will be available on Melissa Zabower, Writer facebook page, and you can also sign up to receive it via email. I've also been working on my second novel. I've finished the first edit and am excited to hand it off to a few Beta readers for their input.

But let's get back to the routine. Wednesdays will continue to be Writers' Wednesdays, focusing on new books, curated articles from other writers, and ways to improve our craft. Mondays and Fridays will be a little bit of everything: Life and Thought ~ The Stuff You Think About! I'm looking forward to sharing reviews of new books I've read, but let's start with a look at New Year's Resolutions.

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Last year, I wanted to be more productive, specifically in my writing. To that end, I took up the hobby of Bullet Journaling. I bought three journals, with dots instead of lines. That allowed me more freedom to create columns and boxes for long term plans and a TBR book shelf. I was feeling quite creative that day. I also bought markers and washi tape; washi tape has become my new obsession. Always something new!

Alas! The new hobby didn't last. While I do create a new calendar page each month, I don't use it regularly, which somewhat defeats the purpose. I record the books I've read, but I don't think I've looked at the long term planning pages or birthday pages since last spring.

Have you ever started a hobby that you were gung-ho over, only to find your enthusiasm faded?

Some people choose a Word of the Year, or "One Word". One word that defines and guides your year. Perhaps diligent or overcome or courage.

I find this works better for me after the fact. I won't pick a word for this year; I can look back at last year and realize one word that describes 2018 is perseverance. Last year was rough. But by God's grace and with some perseverance, I was able to finish the year with joy.

Do you pick a word for the year?

Of all the times I've made resolutions, of all the times I've thought about a word for this year or last year, I have found the resolution that lasted the longest -- all year, actually -- was the resolution that allowed me to change it up each month. In 2015, I vowed to try something new each month, and I did! I learned to crochet, I took up yoga, I traveled on my own. I even kept a plant alive for 30 days. That was quite the accomplishment. No kidding.

So that is my suggestion as you come up on that day in the second or third week of January where the resolution breaks like a vase on a kitchen floor. Make a resolution, that can turn into a series of resolutions, that only requires a short commitment. Or think of it another way: create smaller goals. Want to lose 80 pounds? For January resolve to cut out dessert; for February cut out bread; for March cut out caffeine, etc. If you want to read a more varied list of books, either digitally or on paper, make a list like this: 5 non-fiction, 2 memoirs, 4 classics, etc. You can add specific titles or authors, as well. Every August I commit to a Fiction Fast, and you're always welcome to join me!

January is always a great time to try something new or resolve to change. Don't be discouraged. Right now, bulbs are underground, and we can't see them, but one day in March or April, we'll suddenly see green shoots and then colorful petals. Change doesn't happen all at once, and sometimes we regress like a sugar snow in March, but stick with it, and like flowers in spring, you'll suddenly see your life beautifully changed.