Welcome to 2013!! We made it. The Mayans were either wrong, or they simply got tired of keeping a damn futuristic calendar. I’m voting for the latter. If they were as busy then as I am now, I’m not even sure what I’m doing tomorrow, so who needs to know what’s going on 2000 or so years from now?
But, anyway, here we are. Another year stretches before us. So many possibilities, so many challenges, so many new things to try. I’m not a fan of resolutions, but I do believe in always striving to better oneself, exploring new things, taking risks and just living without sweating the small stuff.
So as we embark on this brave new year, here are some things you may want to consider:
Make a bucket list. Blogger, Myndi Shafer shares her list here: http://myndishafer.wordpress.com/2012/12/10/my-35th-year-living-with-intention/ It doesn’t have to be elaborate or even long, but write down some fun things you’d like to accomplish this year or maybe next year.
Make a promise to be more like your pets. So much can be learned by following the examples set by our pets. Jenny Hansen tells us what she’s learned about her pets here: http://jennyhansenauthor.wordpress.com/2012/12/11/10-writing-lessons-i-learned-from-my-dog/
Pets are one of God’s many blessings that we often take for granted. Take time to enjoy the gifts your pet has to offer.
Keep a gratitude journal as suggested by Ginger Calem here: http://gingercalem.wordpress.com/2012/01/04/writersbutt/ Ginger has many helpful tips and suggestions for leading a healthy and fit life on her blog. If you haven’t checked it out, I encourage you to stop by sometime for some kind words and positive advice for being the best you you can be.
Try something new for vacation. Might I suggest a cruise? Debra Kristi had a fabulous time and tells about it here: http://debrakristi.wordpress.com/2012/03/15/spring-break-will-you-vacation-how-about-a-cruise/ I recommend resurrecting your inner child and take a trip to Disneyland or Disney World. There’s no place more magical than a world created by Disney Imagineers.
Every day we are confronted with a multitude of opportunities to make lasting memories if we simply slow down and take the time to enjoy what’s around us. This year I challenge my readers to try something new, something a little out of your comfort zone, a little outside your normal every day box.
Even if it’s as simple as trying a new recipe or experiencing a different type of food. Perhaps sushi, Thai food, Indian cuisine. If you’ve thought about it, but haven’t taken the steps to make it happen, I encourage you to join a writer’s group. The advice and uplifting support from other members are hugely rewarding. My gang at the Sacramento Valley chapter of RWA has opened many many doors for me and my creativity.
If you haven’t ever done it, volunteer at a food kitchen or other charitable function that gives back to the community. Volunteering your time is one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever enjoy. And who can have too many friends? Reach out to someone, touch a life, enrich your own world. You’ll be glad you did.
Whatever you decide to do this year, make it brave, make it awesome, make it you!
Tell me, where are you going to venture off to this year? What exciting things do you have planned? What goals have you set for yourself? I’d love to hear them and cheer you on toward attaining them.
Word of the Day: Natatorial
Fun Fact About Me: I love to make scrapbooks.
Oh … thanks so much for the shout out! I appreciate it and you have a stellar mash-up of awesome blogs here so I feel honored to be in their company.
I also look forward to meeting you in person very soon! 🙂 Happy New Year!
LikeLike
Thanks Ginger! Glad to pass along good blog spots to my readers!
I too am eager to meet you in person. Looking forward to a wonderful couple of days with a new friend!
Patricia
LikeLike
My daughter heads off to college this fall, so being a (sort of) empty nester will be my new thing, whether I want it or not! Paying for said college will also limit where else we can go, but who knows? 😀
LikeLike
Hi Jennette!
Empty nesting can be challenging I’ve been told. It’s a bitter sweet time. Should give you some extra writing time anyway, if nothing else. You can write that next best NY Times bestselling book and then your money woes will be over too! See there? Aim high!
Here’s hoping for wonderful things for you this year!
Patricia
LikeLike
Hi Patricia. Happy New Year to you. Was it a white one? Thanks for sharing some great blog posts. I’m a firm believer in living life outside your comfort zone so I’ve decided to not only write a book called DYING FOR A DUDE, I’m going to write a song as well. Shoot, maybe I’ll get adventurous and even find a DUDE!
LikeLike
Hi Cindy. Thanks for stopping by on this chilly Wednesday.
No white Christmas or New Years for me, unless you count the frost.
Dying for a Dude – can’t wait. I’ll see if I can find a Dude for you. A handsome, rich guy who likes to ballroom dance. Don’t hold your breath, but I will keep an eye out.
I’m raising a glass of bubbly to you my friend with wishes for a fantastic 2013!
Patricia
LikeLike
What a gorgeous and thought-provoking post, Patricia! I feel blessed to be a part of it. 🙂
I’m going to sit down and think about goals RIGHT NOW.
LikeLike
Hi Jenny. I’m glad you liked my first post of 2013. I like to start the year off with something really nice and get it out of the way. That way I can spend the rest of the year just being silly.
I really liked your post about learning from our pets. It really hit home with me because so often I just walk right past the dog or step over him or tell him to go lay down instead of appreciating the love and companionship he’s trying to offer. Although the begging at the dinner table really needs to stop no matter how cute or pathetic he looks.
Thanks for stopping by. Here’s hoping you have a fantastic 2013. I’ll keep routing for your fitness routine to pay off in a big way!
Patricia
LikeLike
Happy 2013 Patricia!
We are hoping to go to Alaska this year for our 20th anniversary. 🙂
Natatorial things: Michael Phelps, Dory, Nemo and those arm band floaties . . .I don’t know if I used it right, but it’s always fun to look up a new word!
LikeLike
Happy new year to you as well, Colleen!
Alaska is on my bucket list. I hope you have the time of your lives! Looking forward to the subsequent blog post.
Natatorial – I’m so glad someone actually looks up the words. I’m not even sure how to use it properly, but those are some good suggestions you’ve offered.
Thanks for stopping by.
Patricia
LikeLike
What a great list of ideas to start of a new year. Thanks so much for sharing them, Patricia. Wishing much happiness and good health in 2013! 🙂
LikeLike
And the same to you Sheila! I have your Bandit Creek book next up on my Kindle! I read Louise’s Christmas story and like the town so I can’t wait to read your book now.
Here’s to a super duper 2013!
Patricia
LikeLike
I am not a list maker and all your good advice sounds like a list to me. If I should break down and make one, I always forget it. I guess I would go with smile every day and play with the characters in my books and those around me. My wish is to walk without pain again and spend time with friends. As you can see I am a dud at this kind of thing, but couldn’t resist popping on your blog today and saying hi. 🙂
LikeLike
Miss Paisley you are always a welcome sight to my blog and I’m so glad you take the time to pop over and share a few kind words.
Resolutions, goals and list making are not for everyone. If what you’re doing is working for you, then just stick with it. That ole knee just won’t let you have any peace will it?
Lots of love and hugs for the new year!
Patricia
LikeLike
What a fantastic Mash-up Patricia! It’s so great to see you! So glad it’s 2013. I wish you all the best and may this year be one of success for you! 🙂
LikeLike
Hi Karen. Can’t tell you how wonderful it is to see you back in cyber space! I know you’ve had a pretty stressful 2012. So onward and upward in 2013!
I’m wishing you all the best in the months ahead!
Thanks for stopping by today and enjoying the offerings here at my little blog. Hope to see you more often.
Patricia
LikeLike
As always, Patricia, a great post! Cyndi
LikeLike
Hi Cyndi. Thanks for stopping by so early in the year. Always good to see the SVR gals!
I hope you have great successes in 2013.
Patricia
LikeLike
What a beautiful list to kick off the year. I think this is the first official post I’ve read this year, too. 😀 I’ve been spending time with the family while my kids are out of school. You are spot on about trying new things. I was afraid of new foods because my family never ventured out of the norm when I was a kid. I have discovered so many wonderful things since I’ve begun trying them. This year I think I may send my money to Julie and sign up for the 12 x 12. I’m a little concerned about the time commitment with my kids, but I want to make things happen this year. Picture books – totally new.
How was your New Year’s celebration and Christmas? I hope it was amazing. And I totally agree, Disney cruise. That’s the way we went. 😉
LikeLike
Hi Deb!
Thanks for swinging by and for making me your first blog visit this year! How cool is that? Thanks also for the lovely Christmas card. It was so nice to get it.
Picture books would be so fun! I hope you try it. Keep me posted on your efforts.
My Christmas and New Years were very quiet and that’s just fine with me. My husband is a bar tender so he was working the New Year’s Eve shift. I got to read and clean up the Christmas clutter with no interference. It was awesome!
I’m still working my husband for a Disney cruise next year. I’ll be celebrating my 50th in March of 2014 and that’s the only thing I want. I’ve been dropping hints and flat out blatant, in no uncertain terms, statements that I will be booking that cruise and he will take me!
I hope you had lovely holidays and that your 2013 brings you nothing but goodness!
Patricia
LikeLike
Fabulous post, Patricia! Thanks for the blogs to check out. I’m going to stick with just one thing, just for today, I’ll write the opening scene for my WIP. If I do just one thing, just for today, every day, perhaps I’ll get a few things done this year!
LikeLike
That’s an excellent goal, Suzanne. One day at a time. One project at a time. One goal at a time. You’ll never reach the end if you don’t start.
Thanks for your support. I look forward to hearing about your writing progress this year.
Patricia
LikeLike
I aim to be brave this year. That’s a pretty broad goal and is meant for every part of my life. I’ll let you know how I do.
Thanks for this post, Patricia. I hope you get that Disney cruise.
LikeLike
Hi Pat. Thanks for swinging by on this gloomy Wednesday here on the West Coast.
I’m glad you’re going to be brave. It’s scary, but dang it, it’s exhilarating too.
Good luck with your bravery and I will be looking for updates.
The Disney Cruise is a done deal. I’m booking it with my hubby’s credit card. (Now who’s being brave?)
Patricia
LikeLike
Happy New Year, Patricia! I love scrapbooking, too! I like the altered art scrapbooking, but haven’t had time to do it lately. My goal is to keep up with writing as well as possible while enjoying caring for my 16-month-old grandbaby nine hours a day. I need to build up my stamina and strength cuz Punkin will become a big brother the end of May and starting in August when my daughter goes back to work, I’ll be caring for two little ones! So staying healthy is a top priority! I hope 2013 is off to a good start for you.
LikeLike
Hi Lynn and thanks for taking the time out of your VERY busy day to stop by and say hello.
I saw the FB posts of your new grandbaby. How adorable! Your hands are definitely going to be full.
Good luck to you in 2013 with your writing goals and here’s to much great health!
Patricia
LikeLike