Wednesday, June 1, 2016

IWSG: A Good Attitude and Better Focus


Click here for more information

I've been on a blogging break since mid-May, trying to get myself on a good track - emotionally, mentally, physically. Unfortunately, "life" happened, including a moment of feeling - once again! - like the kid no one wants to play with, like the only kid not invited to the party. This by the people who really shouldn't make you feel that way. I thought I was too old for hurt feelings like that. Sigh. 

And let's not forget the usual issues of writer's block, depression and anxiety. Oh, and the recurrence of a minor health issue. So, not quite the break I was hoping for.

BUT.

I am approaching June with a good attitude and better focus. I have a loose plan that includes throwing myself into writing stories - short, flash, etc - and getting them out into the world. I'm also making changes here on the blog, such as retiring Motivational Mondays. I'll still write the occasional motivational post, but it will be more as the mood strikes as opposed to on a schedule.   

Here's wishing us all a wonderful June! May it be the start of a summer full of creativity and good health and lots of fun!

62 comments:

  1. It's summer. Ease back into everything on a schedule that you enjoy.
    And who snubbed you? I'll go all Ninja on them...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw, thanks, Alex! I appreciate that. It does seem so silly to feel this way as an adult though. Will I ever grow up?

      Delete
  2. Here's to a creative summer packed FULL of cheese. It can be so tricky finding that sweet spot--and I get your inner hurt. I moved away from my family, but I kept reaching out. I think we're to the point where they're done reaching out to me. Or we're all just too busy. *shrugs* At least I've got my hubby and littles to keep me smilin.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I so hear you, Crystal. Believe me.

      My husband and the tortoises keep me smiling, too. :)

      Delete
  3. Great to hear you're writing again. I think we all have those insecure feelings at times, no matter what our age. Enjoy June. It's a new month. Wishing you sunshine and sunny days!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Donna. I'm looking forward to the start of the summer and a season of focus and fun. :)

      Delete
  4. I love your attitude. Your posts always encourage me. I'm sorry someone made you feel that way. You don't deserve that. Wishing you a wonderful summer filled with creativity and great health too. Don't forget all the fun:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so glad to hear my posts are helpful to you! That makes me smile, so thank you.

      Wishing you creativity and great health and fun, too!

      Delete
  5. You're retiring Motivational Mondays? Darn. I love those! But I know what you do with your blog next will be just as wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, I'm sorry! I thought long and hard about stopping those MM posts, but I needed the change. I will definitely do something similar sometimes though. I can use all the motivation I can get! :)

      Delete
  6. If it's any consolation, you're always welcome at my party! I've always been one of those people who people don't invite either. At least you have an attack plan for June! That's awesome. I hope you get a lot written and things look up with your health.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Loni! I appreciate that. :)

      I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a great summer all around.

      Delete
  7. Happy June! Wishing you a fresh new month that kicks May's bum. :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. I remember getting left out of plans even though I was standing right there while said plans were discussed. Not fun. (And this was twenty years ago, and yeah, I still remember it.) Hopefully June will be better for you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Definitely not fun. I'm sorry that happened to you.

      Wishing us all a great June!

      Delete
  9. Here is wishing you lots of writing for this month, Madeline. A good attitude and a better focus helped me achieve my goals.

    ReplyDelete
  10. If anyone ever makes you feel unloved, you need to take your ball and bat and find another playing field. There are others who would love to play on your team.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Happy June! Let's blast the last bits of winter/spring/mess away and enjoy this summer of life and writing!
    I'm excited to read more of your short fiction, Madeline!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeh on a summer of life and writing!

      And thank you! I'm still working on my Five Reasons post for you. Soon, soon!

      Delete
  12. I'm ready for a creative and productive summer.

    ReplyDelete
  13. You have had some terrific motivational Mondays. Plan your work, work your plan. Go get 'em.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Susan.

      I've always loved that saying of yours/your husband's. :)

      Delete
  14. I know that feeling you talk about here and I believe it happens to the best of us. I hope you can put those writing plans into action this month.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope so this is a summer full of good writing and creativity!

      Delete
  15. I was on a blogging break also. Unfortunately, I didn't get much done. Here's to hoping the both of us will improve in that regard.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I'm so sorry about what you've gone through lately. No fun. Good luck with your writing and submitting! And good for you setting your own schedule for the blog and what works for you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Jenni. It wasn't fun but it could've been worse. Here's to looking ahead! :)

      Delete
  17. That's a bummer to hear about life. I hope June is way better for you. =)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Love the positive attitude. It's the only way to go!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I'm sorry your break didn't go as planned. Good luck jumping back into things. It sounds like you have the right plan and the right attitude!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Doldrums suck, I hope you are feeling a lot better. Have fun with your writing.
    Juneta @ Writer's Gambit

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm feeling better, thank you! Now, I just have to channel that into my writing and the rest of my life. :)

      Delete
  21. Madeline, I'm glad to hear you're feeling better. It's sometimes pretty hard to pull ourselves out of the "down in the dumps" mood. I think the best advice we can give ourselves is to take a deep breath and move forward. Taking a different path is often the best way to speed the recovery process.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Patricia. Changing paths can definitely be a good thing. Scary sometimes, but it can be just the thing we need to feel better, to get better.

      Delete
  22. Our lives are never easy, especially when we need them to be. Sounds like you have a plan that you can stick to!
    Heather

    ReplyDelete
  23. Oh man, I still every now and then feel like the kid no one invited to the party! It's not just you. Life goal: give less f***s about the small stuff :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's funny because I usually do try to do that, and I manage it pretty well overall. This particular instance, though, just really hurt for some reason.

      Delete
  24. I'm so sorry to hear that, Madeline. I'll always want you at my party. Shame on anyone who makes you feel otherwise.

    You're a wonderful person. *hugs*

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, JH.

      I really do appreciate all the support from you guys.

      Delete
  25. Hi Madeline,

    I'm sorry people are making you feel that way. I think we all understand and have felt that way before. I know I do, especially in the writing world! Best of luck to you in the summer and keep that forward thinking and momentum going! With the Insecure Writer's Support group, you're in the right place!

    Thanks for visiting my blog!
    Jen

    ReplyDelete
  26. Shame there have to be people like that in the world. Safe to say you've got lots of us behind you here cheering you on! Here's to a productive month with a great attitude. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Nick! I hope you have a great month/summer, too.

      Delete
  27. Good for you for approaching June with a better attitude and focus...I think that is always the key to everything!

    ReplyDelete
  28. I'm so sorry you've had a rough time. I can relate to those types of feelings. But know that I will always want to play with you so you never have to worry about that one!

    It sounds like you have a great plan for getting yourself back into a good place. Can I steal it? :D

    I hope the summer treats you more kindly than May did. Take care!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw, thanks, Julie. I really appreciate that.

      And you don't have to steal anything. I will totally share. :)

      Delete
  29. Happy summer to you, Madeline!
    (It's winter my end of the globe...)

    By the way, I'm looking forward to reading more of your flash fiction in the coming months!
    Good luck with the new posting schedule. Whatever new format you decide upon, I'm sure it will be just as inspirational as your MM posts.

    ...and a toast to all tortoise writers!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Happy winter to you! :)

      Thank you for reading, Michelle, and for all your support! It's totally appreciated.

      Delete
  30. Here's to a wonderful summer for all of us! :)

    ReplyDelete