Beginning Again

January is well under way.  By this time of the New Year, we've begun separating those dedicated to their "resolutions" and those who were making them just for something to do December 31st.

I didn't make any this year.  I always have goals, but those are monthly, weekly, and sometimes even daily.  This year I am doing The Firm Express workout, because I got it for Christmas, it's fun, and I have to do SOMETHING healthy.  I have been successful halfway through the program.  I plan to finish out strong.

I plan to write more books this year.  I don't give myself a number, because I don't want to A)Limit my brain to anything it could supersede and B)I don't want to disappoint myself by over reaching.

I started a new book this last weekend - I hope to finish it by the end of February. That's a goal. My editor has the first book I wrote last year, and when she's done with it, I will send it in for another round of queries. I also need to edit/rewrite book 2 from last year.

See what I mean?

Goals or Resolutions can be deceptive.  If you focus too much on the quantified outcome, you can miss the joy of the process.  I love writing. I set goals so I don't write aimlessly (and because I'm competitive with myself), but I don't want to focus so much on finishing the books that I miss writing them.

I once knew someone so competitive he couldn't enjoy the game being played.  Everything came down to winning - to the point of rage.  What fun is it to play a board game with friends if you're going to blow a gasket when someone knocks you off the board? (Sorry. I'll show YOU sorry!)

Life can be like that. Not the board game. Actual life.  We're always clawing to get to the top, but in the end, we all reach the same fate.  Everything on this Earth with a beginning has an ending. That's how we were created.
So instead of shoving everyone and everything out of my way to meet my goals, I'm trying to remember one thing this year.

Every person you meet is an eternal being.  They matter.

It's harder to push someone aside when you really look at them.  It's harder to focus solely on your goal when you take a breath to look around and see the world you're in.

That's just my observation.  As always, you're welcome to disagree :).

Tell me your goals - and tell me how you'll enjoy the process of getting to them.
P.S. Wondering about the pictures?  Two of my favorites from the blog last year.

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Don't forget! Neon Monkeys Fly out the window often enough.  There are still some up for grabs. All you have to do is follow my blog and comment below and people will randomly be chosen for every five new followers!