IWSG December 6th group post: Looking Back On 2017
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[themify_box style=”orange question”]DECEMBER 6TH OPTIONAL IWSG DAY QUESTION:[/themify_box]
As you look back on 2017, with all its successes/failures, if you could backtrack, what would you do differently?
Narrow focus – Work on one project at a time until finished. If stuck, switch to another and stick with it until finished repeating until one or the other is finished. Allowing only two projects at any given time when my Muse needs a change or distraction to rest (time to regroup) when I have plotted myself into hole or life has stolen my words.
[themify_box style=”orange note”]This months ANGST[/themify_box]
Writing Angst:
Fear. To do, Not to do, fail or succeed, can I or will I? – all of it. Paralyzes. I keep walking into its trap and allowing it to keep me from doing what I know needs to be done, has to be done to achieve my goals and dreams. I am learning all the time. Educating myself reading, attending online workshops, webinars and bought a few courses over the last 6 years.
I see small movements forward. My website. My short stories and flash fiction although I have not progressed to the point that I am sending it out and being paid for it.
I started NaNo this year but life stepped in and I dropped it 2nd week in. I wrote just a little over 2500 words. This one does not bother me, because I have yet, since 2013 — writing as hard as I can — made the November 50000 words in 30 days. Once I do that I have a feeling it will bother me because I know I can do it.
However, I am not my own hero as I have failed to rescue myself in 2017 stopping the loss and lifting self above survival/poverty mode and using my writing skills and/ or non-writing-other life skills to do it. I have had the time yet little has changed to make a real difference in my situation except for a few micro-moments. Life has hit another crisis point and I’m at loss about what to do about it or change things in the needs of “right now”. All prayers appreciated as I try to figure it all out sooner than later.
My emotional turmoil hinders my ability to see clearly and evaluate in order to see the best solutions, fixes, changes, and choices to improve and heal the situation. The isolation does not help. I need to channel that emotion into unwavering determination-relentless focus- instead of paralyzing fear and self-disappointment and recriminations.
Life Angst:
Isolation. My world has grown smaller due to sudden unexpected and unplanned life changes with extenuating life situations, financials, and happenings, which I won’t explain, as I hate giving any of it the time of day for thought or voice.
Law of Growth –Whatever we think about grows. What we forget atrophies. STOP THINKING ABOUT IT, DANG IT! Let it go!
Sometimes a person just needs to give voice to a problem they can’t shake, put it out into the world, so they can let it go or at least move or see past it to find real solutions.
(7 Great Mental Laws–Lots of common sense of basic principals that involve cause and effect)
“You are today where your thoughts have brought you. You will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you.” – James Allen
My thoughts, my actions-choices need to change again. It is a continual growing and updating process of trial and error it seems. This is an ongoing situation with sporadic declines and occasional ups since the end of December 2013 until the present day. I am tired, so tired. Four years of crisis with ups and downs is wearing on me. I have never felt so alone or lost but again that is perception more than reality probably — as my logic pipes up. Dramatic much? LOL
Gets harder not to think about it in the middle of living it, but I am trying. I don’t know what comes next, how or actions to take to make a real difference. I’m just tired. For some reason, this holiday season “feels” harder than the previous holidays. It is hard when you want to go home and you realize it is no longer there even if you could go.
“I will persist until I succeed.” Og Mandino-The Greatest Salesman That Ever Lived.
“The future is inevitable and precise, but it may not occur. GOD LURKS IN THE GAPS.” — Jorge Luis Borges
Mike Murdock said, “The secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine.”
Aristotle said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
“ Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition” ~Steve Jobs
“It is well, however, to remember that while every effect is the result of a cause, the effect, in turn, becomes a cause, which creates other effects, which in turn create still other causes; so that when you put the law of attraction into operation you must remember that you are starting a train of causation for good or otherwise which may have endless possibilities.” ~MKE PART 11 intro Haanel
“Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent. ” Marilyn vos Savant
[themify_box style=”black highlight”]NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHTS WERE…[/themify_box]
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PS: Published a day early as I am having problems with scheduler not always working in WP since I switch to this new theme.
http://literatureandlatte.com/introducing-scrivener-3
March 13, 2020 @ 08:21
2017 is almost a memory. That got me thinking about our OPTIONAL IWSG Question for December: As you look back on 2017, with all its successes and failures, if you could backtrack, what would you do differently? Should I have slept in that extra hour? Passed on the suggestion to order pizza? Climbed all the way into the bushes to rescue all three tiny kittens instead of just the one I could reach? What would I do if I could turn back time?
December 12, 2017 @ 04:06
Sorry to hear things are so rough for you right now. That part about not being able to go home is heartbreaking. 2017 has been a rough year for so many, myself included (and 2016 was even worse!) I really hope that your life starts to turn around sooner rather than later, and that hope returns to you.
Hugs.
December 10, 2017 @ 20:37
2018 is almost here. Hopefully…no not hopefully…it WILL be a better year for you. Let me know if I can help with anything!
December 8, 2017 @ 14:07
My heart goes out to you, Juneta! One step at a time is how I’ve always walked through challenges, although I admit that some of the steps have been baby steps. The emotion of all you have dealt with and are dealing with saturates your post. Sending you a big hug and wishing you a better, happier, and more fulfilling 2018.
December 7, 2017 @ 20:55
I also work best when working on one project at a time.
May 2018 be a better year
December 7, 2017 @ 11:36
I hear you on fear and doubts – those crippling monsters – and hope, for us both, that 2018 eases their grip. X
December 7, 2017 @ 17:42
Thank you and the same to you.
December 7, 2017 @ 08:07
My prayers are with you, Juneta. 2018 will be better. Think positive.
For me, I need to be brave and send out my short stories. I obsess too much. I need to let them go. To take my chances. It’s always a no, if I never send something out. My children say I overthink everything. Yes I do. I just don’t know how to stop it. Any suggestions?
Thanks for all your insight on my Adventures in Writing blog, Juneta. Happy Holidays!
December 7, 2017 @ 17:44
No really, but I’m told to just do and you don’t have to think about it anymore, lol. Not so easy done for me. Happy Holidays to you too.
December 6, 2017 @ 22:41
Thinking positive always helps, not only in writing but in life too. Even smiling in the mirror at yourself helps a bit. Best wishes and many smiles in the new year!
December 7, 2017 @ 17:45
Thank you.
December 6, 2017 @ 16:57
I didn’t finish Nano, either, but I got a fairly good grasp on some characters and situations. They’re all sitting around long hand in one of my notebooks, though. I hope things get better for you soon.
December 7, 2017 @ 17:46
Thank you.
December 6, 2017 @ 16:04
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I like your plan for writing. I may adapt that for myself.
I’ll definitely keep you in my prayers as you face new life changes.
I wish you many blessings in the new year.
December 7, 2017 @ 17:47
Thank you.
December 6, 2017 @ 14:46
No one should struggle alone. Talk to a friend. I have a cute little sign on my wine bottle holder that says “Good friends and a bottle of wine are better than therapy.” I think it’s true about the friends!
December 6, 2017 @ 13:57
I’m sorry things are tough. But since I’ve known you, you’ve proved to be tougher, stronger and more determined. Tired I get. That happens when things suck energy. Wherever you land up, and whatever you do to get there, is a blimp in your life. You got this.
Anna from elements of emaginette
December 6, 2017 @ 13:49
I’m sorry things have been so rough. I hope you get the answers you need and things improve. As far as time management, I *know* how to manage my time; I just don’t follow through. :p
December 6, 2017 @ 12:29
I tend to hunker down as a rule. Probably not a good thing. I know I should socialize more. But really, the writing life keeps me busy. I’m either doing it or thinking about doing it. Will pray for you, Juneta! Here’s to 2018 taking an upswing!
December 6, 2017 @ 11:23
When my life felt really small, I did a lot of blogging. The blogging community really made me feel connected and a part of something. I didn’t feel lonely. Only when I wasn’t blogging or writing did I feel so alone.
I hope things get better for you!
December 6, 2017 @ 10:43
I have had a difficult year, so I sympathize, June. All I keep thinking is it’ll be over soon. And I actually feel bad for thinking that. But it will be over soon. If we put a timetable on it, life is bound to be better, don’t you think? It will. We have to believe that. So sorry you’re going through so much.
December 6, 2017 @ 10:41
Whatever’s going on, I’m send you a cyber hug and as many positive vibes as possible.
December 6, 2017 @ 10:18
I don’t think we’d be writers if we didn’t constantly fuss and worry about our progress and keep checking in on ourselves. It seems to be a symptom of creativity!
I hope your difficulties soon pass and there are brighter days ahead. May 2018 reward you richly!
December 6, 2017 @ 10:02
I love your quotes. They have much wisdom in them, especially the ones by Og Mandino and Mike Murdoch. What can I say?
The hardest thing to do is to stand up to your fear and say, buddy, you’re not going to paralyse me and keep me from doing that which I know I was called to do. There are so many writers who have made it that were not highly educated but they had the gift to write. Do what you can one day at a time and recognise that in that one day you have accomplished much, because you have.
Wishing you all the best and a successful crossover into 2018.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
December 6, 2017 @ 09:55
I forget who said, “It’s not falling in a puddle that kills you; it’s not getting up.” What you’re saying–and I so agree!
December 6, 2017 @ 07:48
Sending good thoughts your way. Here’s hoping that 2018 is a much better year for all of us!
December 6, 2017 @ 07:29
One of the tougher things for me about the holidays is comparing what’s happening now with what happened in the past. Children grow up and some traditions have sadly become things of the past way before I was ready to let go. All I can do is try to enjoy what’s happening now as this too will change as they leave middle school for high school and high school for college.
2017 had some rough spots and wonderful spots, so in that balance, I’ll consider myself lucky. I hope the best for you in 2018.
December 6, 2017 @ 04:31
It sure seems that a lot of people went through a lot of “stuff” in 2017. I wish you the best of luck in 2018, both as far as your writing life and your home life. My prayers are with you.
December 6, 2017 @ 03:43
Oh Juneta, sometimes life sucks 🙁 I feel for you and really hope things turn around for you soon xxx
December 6, 2017 @ 00:35
I’m not a big winter holidays person. I was at one point, but I prefer to try to avoid it now. It’s hard, because it’s EVERYWHERE. I really hope that this coming year is going to be a good one for you AND me, Juneta. 🙂
December 5, 2017 @ 17:07
May 2018 bring you sharper focus and renewed hope. There’s a lot of bad juju floating around this year–looks like a big blob of it fell into your lap. Wishing you strength and peace.
December 5, 2017 @ 11:35
Thinking of you! *hugs* 2017 has been a rough year. And I’m with you on the narrow focus when it comes to our projects.
December 5, 2017 @ 10:36
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sounds like a year of difficult change. May your season change and 2018 is a year of growth and peace.