Objective: Relax

Everyone knows that New Year’s Resolutions are nonsense. Who actually keeps those for more than a few weeks? So I prefer to take opportunities like my birthday or New Year’s to evaluate who I am and ask what I need to change to be a better follower of Christ and a better woman, wife, and mother. One of the things I realized—and I’m afraid it’s nothing new—is that I really need to learn how to RELAX.

Some people take life one day at time. They just take what is in front of them. Must be nice. I am self-published, so in terms of my writing career, I don’t have a boss to report to or deadlines to stress about. I’m my own boss. But unfortunately, I’m a very demanding one.

My list of things to do is massive, and what I want to accomplish each week is usually more than is humanly feasible. Because I do have a paying job, a house to clean, and a family who counts on me for meals and clean clothing. And I’m grateful for my job, my home, and my family. I just need more hours in the day, that’s all.

I find myself thinking that although sleeping and eating are essential, they are such a waste of precious time. I have too much to get done! And then I remind myself that the world isn’t going to come to a shrieking halt if I don’t get my novel published on Smashwords this week, or if I don’t get the white laundry folded. It’s mostly socks anyway.

I finished the rough draft of Book Two, and now I’m eager to read through it and make necessary revisions and edits. And I'm already taking notes for when I begin Book Three. But I need to balance my desire to work on books 2 & 3 with the practical necessity of promoting the first. I spent the day driving around on Friday and found a few bookstores on the Eastern shore willing to put it on their Local Author shelf, and when I have a chance, I’ll target Annapolis.

I’m still trying to get used to the role of Novelist. And the idea of book signings still makes me anxious. I’m scheduled on February 8th at the News Center in Easton from eleven to one o’clock, for those of you on the Eastern Shore.

But I’m going to try to take deep breaths and relax, keeping it all in perspective. There’s always tomorrow for what didn’t get done today. And there’s always next week for what doesn’t get done this week.

So this is me, cuddling with my seventy pound puppy and trying to just relax!

The Spinning Wheel: A New Year's Reflection

Yesterday I was wondering why my right foot hurt. It’s been for months now. And then suddenly—I remembered. In 1999, I was moving into a new house. And some recent events had left me feeling upset, which was why I wasn’t paying as much attention to what I was doing as I should have been. I picked up the antique spinning wheel to place it in the living room, but the pedal shifted and I dropped it. On my right foot. And a rusty nail stabbed me right between my toes.

There’s a little scar there to remind me of that event, but I had almost entirely forgotten about it. Sometimes we just go on, refusing to slow down and pay attention to the things that are shaping us in one way or another. Sometimes the scars are there, we just stop seeing them.

As 2013 comes to a close, I challenge you to stop and reflect on the challenges, joys and sorrows that have shaped you over the course of this year. What were the valleys that held you down, or the mountains that you celebrated? And in the middle of it all, how did you see God at work in your life and feel his presence?

For me, 2013 was a pivotal year in many ways, though not necessarily easy. Applying for and obtaining the loan for our home—mostly dealing with the spastic loan officer—was a huge ordeal, causing me more headaches and stress than I care to recall. Then there was the introduction of a puppy to our household. Imagine potty training an eight week old puppy from the third floor of an apartment building. Fun times.

And NOTHING has been the same since.

And, of course, there was the process of deciding what to do with my novel. And once having decided, seeing it through to completion. Another nightmare. But now it's behind me and the book is out for sale.

There’s the saying that nothing worth having comes easily. When I look at all the things in my life that really matter, like my daughter, my husband, my home, and my novel, even the person that I’m growing into—all of them fit that description. And I can see God at work through all the trials, teaching and reshaping me.

I have so much more growing to do—and I’m sure there are many more challenges to come. Whatever the future holds, I want to carry the wisdom I’ve gained with me into the new year and not be forced to repeat any of the lessons!

So pay attention to what falls on your foot. And if it's a rusty nail, consider seeing a doctor.