Now, after many years and many gray hairs, I've learned something about myself. I don't bounce back the way I used to. (Pft, nothing on me bounces back the way it used to....) I no longer want to hurtle down the road like a tortoise after a banana.
Don't get me wrong, I still have goals and projects for 2019 - two writing ones, some health-related, a few fun-for-me ideas. But instead of being all whoo-hoo as I approach the new year, I am cautiously optimistic. I can actually see the finish lines. I might end up moving them, but at least I can plod my way toward them. And you know what? I'm good with this new pace.
If you're all gung-ho for the new year, more power to you, and I will cheer you on and root for you as you fly past me. But if you're taking it easier, going a little slower, come walk with me. We can keep each other company until our paths diverge.
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What's your approach to the new year? Planning on doing anything differently? Have any big projects you're excited about?
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I'm both gung ho and cautiously optimistic. I'm excited about writing lots this year but also taking everything with a pinch of salt. I hope to enjoy the new books I'm writing this year as well as revise a few old books.
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Rachna - go for it!
DeleteHappy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI am glad you found the pace that is right for you. It is nothing more frustrating than trying to do everything just as fast everyone else does it. It is a sign of maturity and self acceptance when we learn to walk at our own pace.
Wishing you a successful journey as you walk out 2019.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
I don't really consider myself mature, but maybe I am getting there after all. Slowly but surely. :)
DeleteWishing you all the best for the new year, Pat!
This line cracked me up - "I no longer want to hurtle down the road like a tortoise after a banana." You have such a great sense of humor.
ReplyDeleteWishing you much joy and happiness in the coming year.
Aw, thanks, Ellen! But if you could see Larry hustle after a banana, you'd know I'm not joking..... :)
DeleteHoping you have a great 2019!
I'm walking with you! I feel good about the new year but I'm just taking it as it comes. Happy New Year, my friend!
ReplyDelete"...just taking it as it comes." - sounds good to me! :)
DeleteAnd happy, happy New Year to you, too!
Time races by so quickly now - I'd rather take a leisurely pace.
ReplyDeleteI feel like I spent a lot of time racing for ultimately no reason. Sigh. Hopefully this approach will work better.
DeleteEmbrace your pace! I'm glad that you can see the finish line and you like where it is, even if it has to move back a bit.
ReplyDeleteLove this phrase - "Embrace your pace!" :)
DeleteI really want to finish my WIP like soon. HAHA. It might be a turtle's pace though. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteMay you finish your WiP with the speed of a banana-hunting tortoise! Believe me, that's pretty speedy.
DeleteI'd like to see a completed first draft of my new novel in 2019. I don't care if it happens quickly or super-slow, as long as I make significant progress.
ReplyDeleteYou'll do it! You've got a whole year ahead of you. :)
DeleteI'm trying not to make any huge goals this year. I'm just gonna keep plugging along and hopefully things will happen along the way.
ReplyDeleteI think there are years for racing, for flying and years for plugging along. May we achieve whatever it is we're going after, no matter the pace! :)
DeleteI don't do much bouncing either. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
:)
DeleteAnd Happy New Year to you!
I'm taking it slower this year and will definitely walk with you.
ReplyDeleteGreat! You didn't happen to bring any chocolate with you? :)
DeleteI'm taking it step by step, so yes, I will walk with you. I have a project I'm excited about, but it's not "there" yet and I know it will take time, so it's okay.
ReplyDeleteI have a project like that, too, Tyrean. I also have another project that's on more familiar ground, but it will take some time, too. We'll do the work at our own paces and see what happens. :)
DeleteOh I am so with you Madeline. My goals consist of working on my book and short stories, move more, eat less, and drink more wine. I want to go at "mosey" pace and enjoy the journey a bit more.
ReplyDeleteYes on enjoying the journey a bit more! And the drinking more wine part. :)
DeleteYou make me laugh! Do you love tortoises? lol My 13 yo is crazy over them. So cute.
ReplyDeleteI am enthusiastically enthusiastic for the goals I've set this year. Sure, I can write and write and write. My mantra as I submit books to publishers is "The worst they can say is YES" because then it changes *everything*.
The thing that is weighing me down is having to rebuild my fanbase. I lost it when I didn't publish more books after my first one 8 years ago--it was a conscious but painful choice and I feel it's time to break out of these chains of silence. The question is, how do I bounce back from so much radio silence?
Happy 2019!
Elizabeth
PS: I've never once stopped writing
Do I love tortoises?! Just ask my two favorite ones - Larry and the Mrs. :)
DeleteAs for the bouncing back and rebuilding your fan base, I would say just keep doing what you're doing, keep writing, keep showing up, keep making an effort to connect. It'll take some time, just like it did before, but you can do it. :)
Although I only managed to achieve one goal last year, I still set crazy big goals for this year. I really need to try setting a slower and more relaxed pace. :)
ReplyDeleteMaybe have a few goals but they're huge and complex. Or try for more goals but ones that are achievable so you feel that sense of accomplishment. Do what works for you! :)
DeleteGoing slow - yes! That's the ticket, as opposed to not going at all, which was what happened to my writing all last year. I started writing again in December. So, slow is definitely a good progress.
ReplyDeleteOne step forward is still moving forward. Keep at it, Olga!
DeleteI've never held myself to any resolutions (when I made them) but I'm trying to set more. I'm kind of where you are: realistically optimistic!
ReplyDeleteGo for it, CG! :)
DeleteMy approach has changed in that I realize the progress I'll make partly depends on external factors. For instance, if my agent lands me a significant book deal (go, Rosie, go!), I'll be concentrating on that contract rather than my GhostWriters series or Severed Press creature features.
ReplyDeleteI always set plans for the New Year, but this time I'm going into it knowing that I'll have to be adaptable as opportunities arise.
All the best in the New Year!
Being adaptable is smart! So many things - good or bad - can knock us off the course we attempt to set for ourselves. Being open to new opportunities is a good idea, too. :)
DeleteGood luck to you, JH!
Thanks, Madeline, and to you, always. Wishing you the best in 2019.
DeleteI share your gray hairs and your slow and steady tortoise-like pace of life.
ReplyDeleteWelcome! :)
DeleteWhat a fabulous attitude, Madeline. You will go far. Having long-term goals can be daunting. Short-term ones are more manageable. Good luck and have a great month!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Diane! I hope you have a great month - and new year! - as well. :)
DeleteSusan, I'm on your wavelength--an acceptance that I have a lot I want to do but need a slow, organized, methodical method to tackling the priorities and a calm realization it may not all get done. Deadlines can be moved. Priorities can change. It's all good. This year I'm doing the Depth Year project that focuses on dealing with the undone and overaccumulated things on hand while avoiding any new purchases (or even free acquisitions). I'm tackling the stashes: books, print photos and albums, tea, yarn, etc. Oh, and paper? I'm slowing down, simplifying, and, oddly, getting more done. Good luck to you on your projects. Have a wonderful 2019.
ReplyDeleteHmm, I've been called Natalie a few times but never Susan.... :)
DeleteThe Depth Year project sounds interesting! I like to declutter and organize, but I have to watch that I don't wait to have all of that done and "perfect" before starting on a creative project.
All the best to you in 2019!
But you have to admit... Susan is SUCH a lovely name. HA!
DeleteThat it is! :)
DeleteSeeing the finish line is major. Don't let it get away! :D
ReplyDeleteI won't! Not if I can help it, anyway. :)
DeleteCautiously optimistic describes me, but my gung ho has been gone a long time. Happy IWSG!
ReplyDeleteMy gung ho has got up and went, but I'm learning to be okay with that. :)
DeleteI gave up on achieving goals years ago and maintain them as happy guidelines instead. Because life tends to take its own unexpected twists constantly.
ReplyDelete"Happy guidelines" - I like that! :)
DeleteI do have one lofty goal...one that I failed to achieve last year. But I think the rest of mine are on the casually optimistic side! :)
ReplyDeleteHere's to walking toward success!
I love that image of all of us walking toward success! :)
DeleteI'm old enough that even though I may make some long-term goals, I'm cognizant of the fact that I may not live long enough to accomplish them. But I'm okay with that. Really. I'm still a pathological optimist, and I'm happy taking and enjoying one day at a time. Slowly. So yeah, I'll join you on that leisurely stroll. :)
ReplyDeleteHAPPY NEW YEAR!
The world needs "pathological optimists"! I wish I was one, but if I can't be then I'm glad to know some - like you. :)
DeleteI like your philosophy :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! We'll see how it goes. :)
DeleteI think we need to approach each day afresh, not each year! We can make a change at any time. I like your approach.
ReplyDeleteExcellent point! Every day, we get a chance to do something different, approach something in a new way.
DeletePart of me is gung ho, but the other more reasonable part is yanking on the reins. I'm trying to be nicer to myself this year, especially for my health. I definitely do not bounce at all! Slow steady progress is good.
ReplyDeleteWhy is it so hard to be nice to ourselves?! And why is guilt often along for that ride?! Sheesh!
DeleteGood luck with everything, Christine!
Hi, Madeline! I was so sure I had read your post and written a comment, but now I realize I didn't. I'm taking it a little slower this year. :) Wishing you all the best with your slower pace and the goals you've set!
ReplyDeleteNo worries! Co-hosting IWSG is a lot of fun but also a lot of work. :)
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