Dear Me, Oh look, it's 2015. How did that happen? I'll tell you, the same way 2014 happened, and 2013 and every year prior to that. By coming to the end of one year and starting the next. Revolutionary? It shouldn't be. And yet, maybe it should. Once again, I am starting the New Year (intentionally) with no resolutions. That, however, is no excuse not to have some intentions. During 2015 I intend to finish rough editing my novel (half-way there already!) and begin the re-write I intend to take a three-month career break over the summer - and that in itself is going to require some serious consideration over the next few months. I also intend to move house; either into my own place in Hayle or in with the Significant Other (which of course would also be in Hayle). So, there is the Big Three; novel, break & home. Interesting that Chris (my pastor) should base his sermon this past week on Following Your Dreams. Indeed, the main thrust of his talk was PLAN: Pray it out - talk to God Lay it out - write out your aims and intentions Act it out - don't just talk about your dreams, ACT on them Navigate it out - expect there to be changes and alterations, and ADAPT to them In that sense, how should I go about PLANning my Big Three? Firstly, I need to get myself back into a position of closeness and trust with God; that means spending more time with Him in prayer than I have been for the past few months This in itself is an intention for 2015. It also spans each Big Three in the same way. Pray. Laying it out - well, that's actually what I'm doing now. Insofar as my novel is concerned; keep hard-copy editing until I have completed each workbook (the printed manuscript has been file-bound) and then re-type. Time-consuming, a re-type will also also a second edit/draft as I invariably type things other than what is written on the page. Regarding a career break - I have already submitted the dates to the Powers That Be, I just to formally write a letter to pass on to my manager. I must also make a financial commitment to Costa Rica/Peru. I need to decide if I am joining my cousin Katie for her trip to Costa Rica, and/or Peru. It is has been my desire to trek through the Amazonian rainforest since I was a child - Machu Picchu and the Lake Titicaca excursions would be amazing, but are they within my budget? - but Costa Rica is only a fraction of the Peruvian price. As far as moving house; my SO is currently planning a building project, but that will not be liveable (or even built!) before 2016. So either I move into his father's house (cosy) or my own space. Either way, I have three parrots and a cat who need to be accounted for. Acting and Navigating it out - these will need to be worked out (and over and through!) during the coming year. The main thing is to be aware that a career break will allow my time to focus on the other two as well, and so not to squander it. On smaller, more day to day notes within WdC, I intend to make mini-goals for myself over the coming year. Cramp, SCREAMS!!! and Free To Write offer a simple, but effective way to enter a writing prompt regularly; I shall enter at least fifty-two submissions over the year, to either these or similar daily competitions. Likewise I am going to try and submit four reviews a month - in addition to product reviews issued for the Monthly Reading Comp. In order to help me achieve this, I am going to make use of Weekly Goals (which I have only just discovered) and make myself accountable (at least in my own mind) to other members of the site. Come back and re-read me next winter, and we'll see how you are doing, MM. xMMx |