All Paths Lead to . . .
Happy New Year, blog friends . . . .
I sit here listening to Al Green on my iPod, a little sad the bustle of the holidays is over. Mine were wonderful. And now it is the time I always turn especially inner as I contemplate a year gone and a new one starting.
I always set goals for the New Year--and write them out. Most of them are private and inner . . . a few are for book sales and career things. But ultimately, ALL goals and paths lead to one thing--or start from one thing. I have to have the energy, determination, and sometimes courage to do them. Every single one.
Whether it's finish a beloved manuscript, send out more proposals, sign up for that university course I have been longing to take, up my walking to five miles a day, make sure the children get up to Washington, D.C. to a museum once a month (BIG goal) . . . it all requires energy and determination, and sometimes a dash of courage. Take the museums. I want them to visit one major museum a month--an overnight trip . . . arrive and see monuments day one and see major museum day two, come home. It's a two-hour drive (with no traffic). It involves making sure the dogs are cared for, that my work is done enough that I can get away, that I pack for six people, including a baby . . . you get the idea. But in my most inner world, I know it is a gift I am giving my children for a lifetime. So many people are culturally bankrupt in this country. I don't want my kids to be like the masses of sheep in America. I want them to visit the National Gallery, so see the Picassos and the Goyas. To know what it means to have a creative spark. But it takes energy.
Finishing a book--despite the chaos and the kids and the pressures . . . energy. Getting over the fear sometimes that it will fall apart in the middle. Pushing through.
Walking . . . well, I go at least four times a day now, even when it's 25 degrees out. I actually like it a lot more in the dead of night when it's cold. But it takes energy, that initial push to get out the door.
You get the idea. No matter what it is I hope to accomplish, all paths lead to (or start from) . . .
So, as regular readers know, I gave up coffee this year. I'm now a vegan. I eat right, exercise . . . and hope to ride the crest of feeling good to all my goals.
Anyone else care to share their hopes for the year?
I sit here listening to Al Green on my iPod, a little sad the bustle of the holidays is over. Mine were wonderful. And now it is the time I always turn especially inner as I contemplate a year gone and a new one starting.
I always set goals for the New Year--and write them out. Most of them are private and inner . . . a few are for book sales and career things. But ultimately, ALL goals and paths lead to one thing--or start from one thing. I have to have the energy, determination, and sometimes courage to do them. Every single one.
Whether it's finish a beloved manuscript, send out more proposals, sign up for that university course I have been longing to take, up my walking to five miles a day, make sure the children get up to Washington, D.C. to a museum once a month (BIG goal) . . . it all requires energy and determination, and sometimes a dash of courage. Take the museums. I want them to visit one major museum a month--an overnight trip . . . arrive and see monuments day one and see major museum day two, come home. It's a two-hour drive (with no traffic). It involves making sure the dogs are cared for, that my work is done enough that I can get away, that I pack for six people, including a baby . . . you get the idea. But in my most inner world, I know it is a gift I am giving my children for a lifetime. So many people are culturally bankrupt in this country. I don't want my kids to be like the masses of sheep in America. I want them to visit the National Gallery, so see the Picassos and the Goyas. To know what it means to have a creative spark. But it takes energy.
Finishing a book--despite the chaos and the kids and the pressures . . . energy. Getting over the fear sometimes that it will fall apart in the middle. Pushing through.
Walking . . . well, I go at least four times a day now, even when it's 25 degrees out. I actually like it a lot more in the dead of night when it's cold. But it takes energy, that initial push to get out the door.
You get the idea. No matter what it is I hope to accomplish, all paths lead to (or start from) . . .
So, as regular readers know, I gave up coffee this year. I'm now a vegan. I eat right, exercise . . . and hope to ride the crest of feeling good to all my goals.
Anyone else care to share their hopes for the year?
posted by Erica Orloff at 8:59 AM
10 Comments:
I hope to sell my book that's been on submission for a month. Other things that are personal. Happy New Year.
Hi La:
Fingers crossed for you!!! That's exciting that you're out there.
E
My writing goals are all about improving my skills as a writer. I try not to set any goals whose outcomes are not in my control.
I'm also trying not to rush everything.... my motto used to be 'why let accuracy get in the way of speed' (okay, tongue in cheek, but there is an element of truth here) so now I want to accomplish just as much but at a different pace (for my own wellbeing)... it remains to be seen whether that is achievable.
Btw.... Al Green... that takes me back.
Besides the standard write a few proposals this spring(it's hard for me to think past that), I'd like to write one non-erotic book and revise my first manuscript.
I think it's wonderful you hit the museums with your kids!
Some time this week, either tomorrow or the next day, I will type THE END on my wip. After one thorough rewrite and a polish, I'm hoping to gain representation. If all goes well, I hope to have a book deal by year's end.
Other than that, I plan to start and finish the second book in the series this year.
I have a good feeling about it, like 2007 will be the year I change from writer to author.
Inspiring post, Erica! Thanks! Your kids are lucky.
Walking at night! Ohmigosh, I used to treasure that nightly indulgence. I've been wanting to do it again, but DH hates the idea. I've been feeling worried, too, after a rape was reported in our quiet little town.
But, but, but ... maybe I will start it up again. We can't live in fear, can we? And I'm not taking TKD lessons for nothing!
sara:
As someone who always wants things done pronto, your words are inspiring. Going at your own pace is great!
E
Amie:
Proposals seem to be everyone's goal!
E
Jude:
Here's to a wonderful 2007.
E
spy:
I know . . . I sometimes think about that. But I live in a commnity with sidewalks and keep thinking that if I screamed, a house is "right there." And I adore it so much . . . it makes a difference in my sanity walking in the cold, night air.
E
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