Monday, December 31, 2012

The Resolutions

Here we are on the last day of 2012. I hope the year treated you kindly.

In the last post I listed out all my podcasts, publications, and major activities for 2012. Here's how it breaks down in numbers:

Submissions: 41
Rejections: 30
Acceptances: 8
Publications: 9
Podcasts: 27

So what does this mean for 2013? I'll spare you the suspense. It means more of the same. The three areas I need to work on are writing, health, and finances.

Produce more words. Submit those words.

Exercise. At least 30 minutes, three times per week.

Finances. Eat dinner at home. Be open to new opportunities.

I know resolutions aren't in vogue with many of my friends, and I do try to create goals constantly throughout the year, complete with milestones, but there's just something about the new year that feels like a fresh start--a chance to draw a line and reevaluate.

For whatever reason I've been holding myself back. I have not been writing as regularly as I should. I have not been completing projects. I sabotage myself with terrible television and make flimsy excuses. It's not fair to me and it's not fair to my husband, who has made sacrifices so I can have this time.

It's not in my nature to state that all of these issues will be behind me as of January 1. It would be wishful thinking, or worse: a fib. But I need to find a way to compensate for these natural inclinations. I simply hope that by acknowledging my tendencies, I can come up with strategies to thwart them.

But I don't delude myself into thinking there's a cure. It's just a matter of changing habits, and habits are stubborn and jealous things. I've always liked this quote best:

The chains of habit are too weak to be felt until they are too strong to be broken.
Samuel Johnson

None of this is to discount the last 365 days. 2012 was a pretty great year. I got to see many of my immediate family members, there were no major health issues, and I made many new friends and saw so much of the world. I'm grateful for the opportunities I was given, and for all of the support I've received in my writing career.

To sum up, I'd like to say thank you for sticking with me on this crazy journey. May 2013 bring us all good health, good times, and good news. And as I first wrote back in 2005: Happy New Year to you and yours; may it bring everything you desire and only some of what you deserve.

4 comments:

jillbertini said...

Wishing you increased focus for 2013!

Folly Blaine said...

Thank you, jillbertini! :)

Kristy said...

Just being aware of bad habits is the first step. Hoping you a better productive 2013. I need to do some of those things you mentioned on your list also:)

Folly Blaine said...

So true, Kristy. I hope you have a fantastic 2013!