I hope these first few days of 2009 have brought with it a renewed sense of self for my wonderful friends who have longed to find their voice or determination to see certain writing challenges through for this next year. I feel like a new person, myself. That may sound like a bit of a cliche', but, it's true non-the-less. I mentioned some of these changes in my "life" blog, but for those of you who visit me here, this is what has happened within me as I ushered in the new and said "ta-ta" to the old.
It has become my choice to be in love with life. To change my outlook on things that have recently annoyed, irritated, and just plain stole my precious creative flow (whether it be in writing, painting, our simply planning my pre-k lessons). Things are not always going to be perfect, or even remotely nice. But, as long as we choose our battles and not allow ourselves to be sucked dry by the “fleas on the dog of life,” we should be fine.
I’ve seen friends lose much this past year, and have watched as they’ve coped. It has made me all the more thankful for what I’ve been entrusted with. I’ve learned more about what is truly important.
I’ve been very introspective lately as I've contemplated the new year. I hate to say that I’ve made resolutions. Most likely because the ones I’ve made in the past were rarely kept. I think because they’ve been more of a superficial type of nature, like promising myself I’m going to exercise everyday, or drink more water, or buy fewer shoes (just kidding), or... you get my point? This year it has been more of an in depth kinda thing. From the inside out versus the outside in. Maybe it came with age. I don’t know. I just know that it came. I’m more resolute, dedicated, and determined than ever in certain areas of my life and future endeavors.
And, what will come of all this? Enjoying life and how beautiful it is. That is my hope, anyway. Laughing when things are funny, appreciating the beauty in the small things, and crying if only absolutely necessary. Not worrying about things that are out of my control (which is just about everything), and continuing to smile at everyone. When hugging, really holding that person, and when telling “girlie” things to friends, snicker like a school-girl. Savoring my kids, and their precious moments that flit by like a vapor and become a distant memory all too soon. Re-investing myself in my family and friends. People is what life is all about.
On the writing front, I want to reach deeper than ever before and pull out myself from my toes. I want to soak up the wisdom of others and grow in patience and endurance. I truly want to meticulously hone my craft. I want to honestly believe in my voice, while remaining teachable and pliable.
Jayne Ann Krentz said, "Believe in yourself and in your own voice, because there will be times in this business when you will be the only one who does."
It takes a lot of "stick-to-it-tiveness" when writers are faced with loads of rejection. But, stick-to-it we must. If we do, this could be the best year yet.
I sure do love and appreciate you all! You have kept me going when I’ve wanted to give up. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for joining me on my journey.
XOXO CJ
It has become my choice to be in love with life. To change my outlook on things that have recently annoyed, irritated, and just plain stole my precious creative flow (whether it be in writing, painting, our simply planning my pre-k lessons). Things are not always going to be perfect, or even remotely nice. But, as long as we choose our battles and not allow ourselves to be sucked dry by the “fleas on the dog of life,” we should be fine.
I’ve seen friends lose much this past year, and have watched as they’ve coped. It has made me all the more thankful for what I’ve been entrusted with. I’ve learned more about what is truly important.
I’ve been very introspective lately as I've contemplated the new year. I hate to say that I’ve made resolutions. Most likely because the ones I’ve made in the past were rarely kept. I think because they’ve been more of a superficial type of nature, like promising myself I’m going to exercise everyday, or drink more water, or buy fewer shoes (just kidding), or... you get my point? This year it has been more of an in depth kinda thing. From the inside out versus the outside in. Maybe it came with age. I don’t know. I just know that it came. I’m more resolute, dedicated, and determined than ever in certain areas of my life and future endeavors.
And, what will come of all this? Enjoying life and how beautiful it is. That is my hope, anyway. Laughing when things are funny, appreciating the beauty in the small things, and crying if only absolutely necessary. Not worrying about things that are out of my control (which is just about everything), and continuing to smile at everyone. When hugging, really holding that person, and when telling “girlie” things to friends, snicker like a school-girl. Savoring my kids, and their precious moments that flit by like a vapor and become a distant memory all too soon. Re-investing myself in my family and friends. People is what life is all about.
On the writing front, I want to reach deeper than ever before and pull out myself from my toes. I want to soak up the wisdom of others and grow in patience and endurance. I truly want to meticulously hone my craft. I want to honestly believe in my voice, while remaining teachable and pliable.
Jayne Ann Krentz said, "Believe in yourself and in your own voice, because there will be times in this business when you will be the only one who does."
It takes a lot of "stick-to-it-tiveness" when writers are faced with loads of rejection. But, stick-to-it we must. If we do, this could be the best year yet.
I sure do love and appreciate you all! You have kept me going when I’ve wanted to give up. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for joining me on my journey.
XOXO CJ
Shoe Mood:
I'm walking on sunshine! Whoa!
8 comments:
I love the quote about believing in yourself, CJ. That's so true, and I suppose as with anything, eventually someone else will believe in us too. Let's hope so!
Love the shoes again! I love pumps, but due to some foot surgeries I've had, I don't wear them like I used to. Well, that and lack of having anywhere to go! Pumps look a little silly when you're shopping at Walmart or the grocery store. Well, on me they would -- LOL! Right now I'm stuck in my North Face snowboots, which I love. :)
You are wise and learning the lesson while you are still young enough to enjoy your life. So many seem to blunder along and "not get it" until they are in their 50's or older and then they might spend a long time regretting that they didn't get it earlier.
My parents used to say, "Don't sweat the small stuff, and remember, it's mostly all small stuff."
Hubby says, "Life is too short to be small."
My sister says, "It is what it is."
One of my uncles used to say, "Remember to have fun!"
My motto this year:
Everything fine
In 2009.
Rena - Thanks! I love that quote, too. You could say that I'm a collector of quotes. If I read something that moves me, I immediately jot it down.
Sorry about the foot surgery and the discomfort high heels give you. As far as Walmart goes, I have been known to visit there in my pointed toe mules. But mostly, my wedges. ;-)
Bish - I've still so much to learn. Thank you for the beautiful words of encouragement. It's funny, because I've thought of the same motto! You know what they say about great minds????
I love reading your posts--they are so inspiring. The holiday's been quite busy, so I have to yet sit down and really plan out my path this coming year. I hope to do so in the next few days as everyone heads back to work and school, and I can find a quiet moment. This time of year does feel empowering, with all the potential waiting....
CJ,
You have a great outlook. I probably think this because it has the basic sentiment of my own. I try to find reason to laugh about the things that make me want to cry. I hope the new year brings you & your children many blessings.
Happy New Year,
J. Aday Kennedy
The Differently-Abled Writer
www.jadaykennedy.com
http://jadaykennedy.blogspot.com/
Angela - Thank you so much for that! It means a lot coming from you. And when you said, "with all the potential waiting..." I got all excited again!
J. - I really try to change those things that are not working for me in my life, and more often than not, it's been my own stinkin' thinkin' that has served to bring me down in flames. Not this time! Thank you so much! And, I wish for you a wonderful new year full of everything your heart desires.
That was Beautiful!!! I'm glad you joined my blog!! I look forward to hanging with you more again!
*mwah!*
Chelle }}i{{
Chelle-Belle - Me too! You rock! XOXO
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