I can’t believe we’re in a new year. Seems the older I get the faster time flies. Maybe it is because the I’m having more fun. Well, at least, I enjoy what I get to do with my life. =)
Are you like me and plan out what you’d like to accomplish for the next year? Now, I know how planning works (or doesn’t really work). I’ve learned to prayerfully work out some goals and understand Who is really in charge of what happens. Right?
I know life can be precarious, however, with my writing work, I’ve found it does help to do a little planning and scheduling. I’ve grown smarter though. In my first couple of years, I thought I could do it ALLLL…. Yeah, now I know better.
Now I know to schedule breaks and plan for possible calamities to happen here and there.
Most of all, I’ve learned to make time for fun stuff. Time to get out and see the “real” world. (Okay, I go shopping– still, it’s getting me out of the house.) ha. Seriously, in the busyness of trying to get things done, it’s easy to forget to take time for the fun stuff. I’m not so different than you who stop in here to check out the latest book news. I love, love, love to read, too. But I need to make sure I make time for that.
What are you wanting to make more time for this year? Family? Getting out with friends? Reading more books?
I’m excited about 2018. As a writer, I feel that I’m finally settling into the business aspect of what I do. And I’m realizing the spiritual aspect of how books touch hearts and inspire people. I love that. And I love being inspired by a touching book, too.
Anyway, make sure you take time to enjoy life. It’s a gift. You know?
I wish you all many blessings and happiness in this year to come. Thanks for stopping in and reading our posts, commenting, and even checking out our books.
This month I started something new in my little book world. I want to offer more fun things for my readers. So I’ve started a Book of the Month Bash. If you have time, check it out. Enter the giveaways and simply enjoy yourself with the games and quizzes.
Until next time,
Blessings and Peace,
Jackie C.
Jackie Castle is the author of The White Road Chronicles a fantasy series, The Sentinel Archives for school-age readers, and newly released Madison Creek Bed & Breakfast romance series. She has also published articles and short stories in numerous magazines. She’s enjoyed many crazy adventures from working as a hairstylist, to her bravest quest: teaching children in daycare and elementary schools. Eventually, she settled down to a somewhat safer pursuit of being a Story-weaver. Now she lives in her comfortable Texas home where she spins marvelous tales and enjoys relaxing in the evenings with her husband Bob, their children and grandchild. She looks for the extraordinary in every ordinary day that she experiences.
Hi Jackie, happy New Year to you:) Are you affected by the terrible cold weather we are hearing about? Even here ‘Down Under’ we are seeing some crazy headlines about the cold hitting the US.
Apart from planning time with family and friends, life follows a pretty steady routine for us. The only thing I want to plan more of is exercise time- this will be my third year back at work full time since having the boys, and exercise has been difficult to plan into the day!
Blessings:)
Hi Jackie. Happy New Year. While working as a teacher, most of my planning did not occur in January but during the summer break with reevaluation and adjustments during holiday breaks. Even now as a retiree, caring for my grandchildren; I plan around the school calendar. During winter break, I scheduled the first six months of the year on my wall calendar – birthdays, anniversaries, school breaks, theater outings, appointments, and more. After spending years planning, even in retirement planning is in my blood. But as I aged and matured, I have become more flexible, especially with Michigan weather.
As a reader while working with kids and other responsibilities, my reading was haphazard. When I retired, I downloaded books from a variety of new authors and new genre. I had over 1600 books in my Kindle account, which I downsized last week to 600 favorites. This January I joined 3 online book clubs and to be able to participate in discussions, I am rereading / revisiting books. This year I am reading more historical romances. Bookmarked your Book of the Month Bash. I enjoyed reading Snow Belle (Madison Creek Bed and Breakfast Book) with its Michigan setting and romance between a southern belle and a violin player. How does one revive a town? Best wishes and happy writing.
I want to be more intentional about doing things I enjoy this year…I think that translates into making for time for hobbies, etc. and less time doing non-essential things I don’t like to do or (gasp) wasting time on social media. I also want to have my work life more under control which will allow for more time for hobbies.
There are so many things I want for the new year… but somehow they are always similar to last year’s goals…
Hey Jackie, I definitely want more family and friends time this year, but also more focus on work. I’ve changed jobs in October and it felts like I’ve spent the end of the year just catching up and not being very productive. (Mostly preparing classes, quizzes, exams.. and not doing the research I was also hired to do. Class was great though. I’ve taught college statistics and loved it.)
With my hubby retired for the past 6 months, we always hope that we can travel even more and see our 7 grandchildren. We did travel about 10,000 miles since he retired, so we did get to see them more. But we would love to be able to pop in to see them in a play or concert or even on grandparents day at school. Our children live in 4 different time zones, from Connecticut to California, so it becomes challenging to visit them. We are still trying to figure out what retirement looks like. Have a good day!
We had some freezing temperatures, but no snow. And now it’s warming up. Yay!
Old habits are hard to break, aren’t they?
Great job on getting that vast library down to something more manageable. Could you imagine having that many print books?? Yikes!!
I hear you about social media. What a time dump!
I like your plan. Being intentional about doing things you enjoy. Yay you! =)
Oh boy, I have a few repeaters, too.
Blessings on your new job. You’ll get it. =)
What a great plan. I hope you enjoy many safe travels.
Happy New Year.
Last year went shockingly fast! I’m still in denial about it being 2018. It certainly seems that time is going faster the older I get. Thanks for the post!
I agree. =)
=)
Last year went by so fast. I had my leg elevated for 4 months. Started June 15th. Still healing. My husbands sister died. Found out there is a rare disease on his side of the family. HHT. So, a lot of folks getting tested. Was not able to get any sewing done. Hope that changes this year. This is a great post. Thanks
Praying you have a much better year.