Category: Thoughts & Insights

Good morning! How’s your new year going so far? Okay, okay, don’t laugh. It’s going to be fine, eventually, and we’ll all get into the swing of things here soon. Like getting this post up on time and writing. So, you ready? Good! Have you ever started a project, either exercising, or eating right, or a research project or even a novel, and just felt that no matter what you do, nothing is happening? No progress is being made? This is the way with most projects. They take a lot of work to get moving, often because you’re on a learning curve and trying something new. It’s like pushing a boulder. It takes a lot of effort to get it moving but once it is, the going gets easier. It’s the same with any project or endeavor. It takes a lot of start-up effort. Take working out to release weight and get your body healthier. At first, you don’t see much change except you’re more tired and there are muscle aches. Your clothes are still tight and the scale is givin’ you the stink-eye. But, gradually, it gets easier to get on the treadmill or the elliptical or the rower or the stationary bike, pick up those free weights, do those leg lifts and squats and crunches and lunges, and over time your body changes. It becomes stronger and the efforts become easier. Your clothes either loosen up or fit better and you can see the changes in the mirror. Once when I was whining about not releasing weight, a friend reminded me that the fat has to come off the internal organs before it comes off the surface. I had to burn that fat first before I could see the changes on the outside. Which totally sucks and helps sabotage our efforts when we see nothing. Here’s the thing. The ocean beats on the shorelines, many made up of hard rock geology, and slowly, the rock is worn away. It’s not fast. It’s not large bits at a time. Change is incremental. But the ocean never gives up and is persistent, and eventually the ground gives way. Whatever you’re struggling with right now – no matter what changes don’t seem to be happening – keep at it. Don’t give up even if you don’t “see” the changes, they are happening. Your focus, drive, and determination really do matter and do make a difference. Focus on your goal and don’t listen to the naysayers, even your own “eyes”, and keep going. You’re stronger than your doubts, you’re stronger than your fears, and you will achieve your goals. You got this. Be the ocean. What tricks have you learned that work for you to keep your determination alive?

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Good morning! Got your coffee or tea? I totally understand if you need it today. The first day back to the usual routine after a long holiday weekend is always rough at best. But it’s the last day of #NaNoWriMo and I know you got this. But here’s the best part. Tomorrow is December, and that’s when the lights and decorations come out. That’s when the trees go up and the holiday cards go out. That’s when magic happens, both in life and in writing. Yes, I’m choosing to find the good parts, but sometimes that’s all it comes down to – a choice to see the good parts. Glory knows, this year has been a trial from one end to the other. I grew up with the Transformers cartoons and Swoop was my favorite Dinobot, but “tell Swoop good part” was my favorite line from the movie. But Swoop wasn’t wrong. Focusing on the “good parts” actually brings about more “good parts” and reminds you of your own experienced good parts. The best thing to do is take some time to think about all the things you learned about yourself during this year. How has your writing changed? How have your routines changed? What strengths did you discover? What new skills did you develop? What have you learned about yourself that you want to cultivated and nurture? Tell Siobhan the good parts! And remember: you’ve survived this year and have found new ways to move forward despite the many hardships. That’s the best part. So what are your “good parts”?

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