Hello, 2023! I still can’t believe the way the years are flying by and I find myself wishing I could hold onto the days and slow everything down. But forward we must go and January has definitely been a busy one already filled with lots of, mostly, good things.
Something I’m Loving
I remembered recently a goal I had set for myself three or four years ago, that I would publish my Lenten devotional and finish the first draft of my novel before I turned 40. As it happens, the end date for that goal is less than two months away. While it’s been lingering in the back of my head I’ve been suddenly very disappointed in myself.
I may still not make the goal. There is no chance of getting my devotional published before the beginning of Lent this year but there is still a shot to finish the first draft of my novel, or at least get close. So I’ve been trying. I haven’t been abandoning everything else in favor of writing, but I have been trying to prioritize ideal writing time instead of letting other activities take precedence. Waiting room at the therapist: writing time. Hubby running errands while the kids are at youth group: writing time. Sitting in the car while the kids at doing gymnastics: Writing time. I don’t know if I’ll be able to maintain this pace forever, but completion does feel possible for the first time in a long time. Do I wish I was already done? Yep. Do I always enjoy the process? Nope. Am I loving the building feeling of confidence that I can actually do this? Absolutely!
Something I’m Reading
After reading the article, 16 series to read after you’ve run out of Louise Penny novels, I decided to try a few new mystery books. (Even though I’ve never actually read Louise Penny). I fell in love with the Ruth Galloway Mysteries by Elly Griffiths. But I had also set aside In the Bleak Midwinter to try closer to the holidays, and I was surprised how much I liked it. I’m reading the second one in the series now, and while I don’t like it as much as the first, I’m going to stick it out and probably try the third. It’s nice to know there are more already out there when I’m done this these.
It wouldn’t be January if I wasn’t also trying to read some self-improvement books. I’m starting Atomic Habits, again, hoping to actually finish it this time.
Something I’m Learning
I should probably call it re-learning but I’m learning the power of regular practice. I’ve written more words this month than I usually do in several months. Partially because I’ve been writing on as many days as I can manage, frequently sequential days. As a result, it takes less time to get into the flow and I’m also writing faster. I’m finding the same is true of sequential days of playing piano. I know the power of practice in theory but it’s nice to see it prove true in reality, even when I do it imperfectly. (Now I just have to convince my kids of this).
Something I’m Eating
I’ve gotten into a bit of a rut when it comes to my regular breakfast and lunch, often grabbing a protein shake or not eating much at all which makes me tired and cranky in the afternoon. So I’ve been trying to add in more fruit and some other healthy things. I’ve started eating an apple and peanut butter for breakfast most days, and that has been working for me. Lazy guacamole has been my go-to lunch. (This is what I call an avocado quickly fork smashed with some taco seasoning, some cheese, and tomato and pepper if I have it. Either with chips or just by itself). I often settle for leftovers for lunch, and while there is nothing wrong with this sometimes there aren’t any and I find myself scrambling. Having some avocado and grape tomatoes in the house makes sure I have something handy that will actually fuel me for the rest of my day.
So that’s January 2023! Not a bad start. This is a big year for my family in several areas, it’s going to be a wild ride.
I first joined Share Four Something Saturday in 2020 (what a year to join) and I appreciate Heather Gerwing for being so inviting with the community she built. I’m also grateful for Jennifer at All4boys.blogspot.com who has taken up the hosting duties for this fun monthly blog link-up.
Best of luck getting your novel done!
I need to pick up the regular practice of playing piano. Thanks for reminding me.
Practice is good for all sorts of things. I need to practice my ASL. An apple with peanut butter sounds super yummy!!:)
I used to try and learn piano but I fell away from it. I think often I should try again but don’t. It’s so hard once you’ve stopped to restart. Good luck getting your devotional finished!
Such a pretty post, new here, I might join in!