It's the first Wednesday of the month, so it's time for The Insecure Writers! The IWSG is an online group created by Alex J. Cavanaugh for writers. You, too, can join us anytime!Happy New Year, everyone!! I hope you all had joyful, festive, delicious, cozy, and bountiful holidays.
I thoroughly enjoyed my two-week (sort of) media vacation, which was coupled with a one-week staycation from my day job as well. It was my first ever staycation, believe it or not, and it was wonderful. I was worried about it, because I kept expecting to feel obligated to do useful things around the house, and to bang out lots of chores and other onerous duties, but I can happily say that the week ended without my having done one. Damn. Thing. At least, not one useful thing. I read a ton of books, cooked and ate too much food, drank a little too much, spent time with friends, and vegged out. And that was it. It was glorious, and exactly what I needed.
Oh, wait...excuse me...I seem to have veered away from this week's topic, and gotten carried away with reminiscing. Ahem. It's IWSG, isn't it??
Ok, then: Happy IWSG!!! I'm not going to focus on insecurity today; instead, I want to talk about NOT being insecure. How about that? It's like I'm a whole new person. New Year, New Me.
I've mentioned before that I am not a fan of New Year's Resolutions, and someday I might bore you all to tears and expound on that (but not today; don't worry.) So instead of making a resolution, I decide things. See the GIANT difference??? Deciding is so much more, well, decisive that resolving. This year, I decided, is going to be the year of Big Good Things Coming to Fruition. This got started a little early when I got the world's best Christmas present, and it's going to continue all the way through 2015, because I say so.
All kidding aside for a moment, I am a big believer in the power of intention (no, I haven't read the book, but I do like the title.) I do believe - and trust, and feel - that the energy we put into the world is what comes back to us; like attracting like. So when I say that 2015 is the year of Big Good Things Coming to Fruition, I am (with a small bit of silliness, because it's me) setting the intention for all of those wonderful, powerful things to happen, and opening myself up to receiving them.
We all have different Big Good Things that we want. Mine are familial, as well as career-driven. One is to start making money from my writing. I believe I'll be able to make it happen this year. What about you? What's one of your Big Good Things?
Happy New Year!
My Big Good Thing will be finally finishing one of my stories. That was last year's goal too, so we'll see if I can do it this year.
ReplyDeleteThis year I've DECIDED to finish it. Thanks for the inspiration.
You will make it happen, no doubt. I love your New Year's Decision. :)
ReplyDeleteMy Big Good Things are family centered also. As for writing, I 'intend' to continue the productivity of the past year.
ReplyDeleteGlad you did absolutely nothing. Everyone needs a day like that from time to time. And, I'm with you. I'm not a big fan of resolutions either. You'll either do something or you won't. It's a matter of choice.
ReplyDeleteElsie
My one big good thing is to get in a routine with my graduate studies. I want to finish this program with flying colors. :D
ReplyDeleteCheers to all of this!
ReplyDeleteI love this--and thank you for always putting a smile on my face with your posts! What a great decisions you have this year.
ReplyDeleteYour staycation sounds lovely! I had a very low-key break, and it was just what I needed as well.
One good thing... That's definitely a direction. I'm all about goals, but this year I'm hoping to focus on my new addition (in March) and enjoy ever single second, because babies are only little for such a short time. =)
ReplyDeleteHere's to the best 2015 ever!
Deciding is definitely different. As Yoda says, there is no try, only do.
ReplyDeleteI love the new year. There's a feel in the air that makes everything feel prime with potential and it's a good time to reflect. Good luck in 2015.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, yes! To your blog. :) I am a HUGE believer of the power of intention. I speak my wishes out loud, I think of them often, and I daydream about them.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I love stay-cations. I'm in the mood for an exotic trip soon. Just need a beach and some cocktails...
Hope you had a wonderful New Years, my friend! :)
That staycation sounds like it was wonderful! I really like the attitude you have--I need to start thinking that way. Making decisions sounds a lot better than making resolutions.
ReplyDeleteI love staycations and I did the same as you and enjoyed every chocolate moment. I am so happy to hear about your new outlook and congrats to you! I want to organize my stuff-papers and crap. I love that word crap:) I want to create more cards and i hope i can walk a bit more than last year. Mind over pain!! Your attitude will inspire me:)
ReplyDeletestaycations are the best! and I am the same. I always write down my dreams. Power of intention all the way! This year, my dream is for a book deal but that's not in my control, so my main decision is to finish my WIP by spring and hopefully have it to my agent by April!
ReplyDeleteYay for not doing a single thing! I always feel super guilty when I do that.
ReplyDeleteHere's to making Big Good Things happen in 2015!
So awesome that you got to vegg out. I did a bit of that myself. It's good for the soul!
ReplyDeleteTotally believe you get what you put out there.
One of my big good things is to also start making money as a writer. I'd like to feel like I'm contributing financially to my family, even as I take the time to pursue my dreams. Good luck to you on your Big Good accomplishments this year!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed your staycation, Liz! I'm a believer in the power of intention too. I keep saying that this is going to be my year so of course it's going to be. I'll make an exception to that...it's going to be OUR year! :D
ReplyDeleteThis year I've DECIDED to set goals. teehee
ReplyDeleteThe year of deciding, I love this Liz. And I know you can make money from your writing because your talent lives and breathes through your blog and other works, I'm sure. This is YOUR year and I'm so happy you have this amazingly positive way of thinking. Positive doing and thinking breeds incredible outcomes:)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year and see you when I'm back towards the end of Jan!! Will miss you!
I love your attitude, Liz. I hope that you accomplish everything you set out to do. I think you getting your first non fiction piece published is definitely a sign that you'll be making money from your writing soon. One of my goals is to publish another novel by October. This is our year!
ReplyDeleteYou decide things. I like that. Looks like you've made some good decisions so far this year. I decide I'm going to finish the story I've been working on for 3 years. It's about time. Great post.
ReplyDeleteOoh! Your staycation sounds wonderful! Great idea!!
ReplyDeleteAnd I love that you "decide" things instead of resolving to do them. It does seem more effective, I think. What a big difference terminology can make! I hope this is indeed the year big good things come to fruition for you!
We did a week long staycation as well - got to know our city a little better. I myself have never been a fan of resolutions. Good for you, making them decisions.
ReplyDeleteMy Big Good Thing for this year is something I'll be talking about on my blog next week. ^_^ And I hear you on the staycation - half of my time off for the holidays was with family, half was just here by myself. Both were great for entirely different reasons.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Liz Blocker!
ReplyDeleteFor some reason, I wanted to use your full name...it put a little more oomph and sincerity into it. ;)
2015 seems like a year of wonder, at least at this point. The biggest cloud of depression now passed, I can concentrate again and really make some strides. By year's end, I plan on having at least a semi-polished draft completed. And of course, all the various other scribblings thrown in there.
You wrote of the power of intention. A friend of mine taught me the same. Speak no negativity into existence, only positive words.
And I'm glad you enjoyed your staycation. Breaking away for awhile to do absolutely nothing feels good, yeah?
Take care.
M.L. Swift, Writer
I'm down with this year being full of Big Good Things -- deciding is so much better than hoping, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteI wish you all the best!
ReplyDeleteI will finish my second novel and write two novellas this year! RAWR!!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with making money, Liz. I read your published article. It was great!