What We Want

My grandfather used to say, "We do what we want and make excuses for the rest."

What do your activities say about what you really want?

Walking, eating on a healthier level (still not where I should be, but battling my sugar/carb addiction will be a long process) = preparing for the Phoenix Half-Marathon. Doing this with my sisters is a bonus.

Medifast, healthier eating, health coaches (Zack and Andrea Jackson) learning about food habits, dropping extra weight = better health and physical abilities (preparing to be the fun grandma in the future).

Blogging, writing, critique group, accountability partners = progress in writing a book.

Scriptures, church, prayer, study = peace and deeper spiritual understandings.

ARE (Accessibility, Responsive, Engaged) with spouse, children, family relationships = getting through this together.

Time wasters (you know what they are!) = blocks, resistance, back sliding, avoiding all of the above.

There is a quote that I love by Sabachtani Balasabas of the Philippines: "I know the Lord did not send us here to fail and did not give us life to waste. Let us live a purposeful life and gain a positive experience."

I believe this. And, I believe God gave us gifts to help us in this life to help and lift others.

So when you get discouraged, remember that many people are cheering for you.

Write On, my friends, Write On!

Lofty Goals

"Shoot for the moon. If you miss it, you will still land among the stars." --Norman Vincent Peale

Well, here goes, I'm shooting for the moon:

BMO HARRIS PHOENIX HALF-MARATHON

Sometimes we have to set our goals so lofty that we cannot escape the work that goes into it every day. I know that if I want to run (or walk, as I am doing) a half-marathon (or even a full), that I have to commit to an exercise regimen six days a week. It's okay to miss a day here or there, but never two in a row.

Writing isn't any different. If we want to write that novel, we have to commit to writing a little bit every day. SO much easier said than done. Life gets in the way sometimes. But you know what? Every day except Sundays and the occasional day I have an early appointment, I am walking 3-4 miles. My husband goes along too, he's my walking Accountability Partner. If I'm tired or don't feel like walking, he's there, encouraging me to put my shoes on and get out the door. (I love our long walks, so it's a pretty easy persuasion).

Find an Accountability Partner for your writing. Set personal goals. Do a little every day. Make it a habit. Our writing group has a goal of 2300 words before we meet again. It's only 100 words a day (excepting Sundays). Easy peasy, right? But if I want to reach it I have to change my ways and start writing just a little every day. I'll be reporting to my APs, my group, and here on my blog. Would love to have you join me. Leave a comment and let me know what your goal is. As always, Write On my friends!

Of Weddings and Blessings and Getting Things Done

I grew up in the sticks. One gas pump at the small country store. If you didn't want to cook, you headed to the saloon. My mom and dad, in their wisdom, joined 4-H and dragged us along.

It was awesome. I learned about raising chickens, working with leather, art, and a variety of other things. But one of the best things my mom taught me was how to sew. Until last Halloween, I hadn't sewn anything in a long time. I'd forgotten how much I love it. You can see the project at my post on Creativity.

My daughter is getting married and the dress she fell in love with was way outside my budget. I looked at the dress and knew I could make it. I spent hours gathering what I needed. One thing I lacked was motivation, another was a block of time. (Does that sound familiar with novel writing?) My mom, again to the rescue, came to stay and has been my task master, reminding me we have a dress to make and helping me sew and fit it and stay on task.

Who helps you stay on task? If you don't have an accountability partner, find one. They make a difference when you need that extra push.