Journaling

“I sometimes start keeping a journal about the writing process itself. Particularly when I get the ideas, and I am trying to brood over the chaos phase. In writing a novel, you really have to brood over a lot of chaos of ideas and possibilities.” -Sue Monk Kidd

I spent a good chunk of my day thinking about my story and what needs to be worked on next. Some of it was just re-inspiring myself after getting frustrated with it last night. I came up with some new ways to look at my story. And the journal really helped me think the story through.

Do you use a journal to work through new ideas with your writing?

Daydreaming and Writing: A Joyful Journey

“Some people daydream, writers call it research.”

This brought me joy. I’ve been getting in trouble for daydreaming my whole life. I miss all sorts of important information. I’ve learned to be more responsible these days. But get this: as a writer, that’s part of the entire process! Imagine getting in trouble for being who you are and then choosing a lifestyle where you get rewarded for being who you are! Life is so strange. I’m glad we are seeing this and beginning to teach and parent differently.

New Perceptions

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Tzu

I love how this quote reminds me to take one step at a time. One thing about my journey is that I don’t set these huge goals just to finish them. I set goals that will positively impact the world (and that includes me). My book, the nonprofit, and my family have taught me that patience and consistent hard work bring me not to a goalpost but to new perceptions of the world around me. What I’m saying is that the entire journey is about taking it one intentional day at a time. And for me, it’s not about the 1,000 miles; I have to say, I’m grateful for my efforts, and I’m grateful for those who have stepped in to help me along the way. There are quite a few invaluable connections I’ve made on this journey. I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Happiness is Homemade.

“Happiness is homemade.”

Speaking of homemade, I wanted some tea biscuits, so I pulled up the recipe and made some! My daughter even got home just in time to join me. It required some patience on my part since she’s five and loves finding her own way. but it all worked out in the end. We had snowflake-stamped tea biscuits, and she liked them. I was kind of surprised she liked them.

Anyways, it was fun and brought me joy. I’ll be dipping them in my coffee tomorrow morning.

Here’s the recipe if you’re interested

Embracing Introverted Days: Finding Peace in Silence

Today I was super introverted. Barely spoke a word to anyone until about 3 PM. I didn’t feel depressed or lonely. I felt like I was fully present. I didn’t even have any podcasts going. It was just good old-fashioned cleaning. My brain felt kind of like mush by the time I was done. I didn’t really like that. The good thing is that once my husband got home, we chatted about some of his latest insights. That coaxed me out of my shell.

Do you have days where you need to just not? Haha No talking. No listening. Just purely being.

2025: Our Year of Empowerment and Growth

“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” -Alice Walker

I see your power, and I see your fear of it! I think 2025 should be a year of learning to accept and embrace the power you have to make this world a better place. And you know what they say: saving the world starts with you! Which means that your priority is making yourself a better place, especially on the inside.

I think this will be it for me. 2025 will be all about harnessing my God-given power and using it to shine light in the darkness.

What’s your plan for 2025?! I’m excited to see what new adventures you open yourself up to. I’m eager to see all these old goals left in 2024 and new goals to smash for 2025! Wahoo!

Write it for Children

“You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children.” — Madeleine L’Engle

I love that I have my girls to read books with. I love a good children’s book. I like a good book, period. It doesn’t matter what age group it was written for. I like a challenging read. I like an easy read. I like those books that complement my intelligence. I even like the ones that challenge it.

This mindset even overlaps into my novel. I am scared to even think about which age group I’m writing for. I figured I’d leave that for someone else to decide. I just want to tell the story.

Adventures

“That’s the thing about books, they let you travel without moving your feet.”
—Jhumpa Lahiri

    A good book will take you places you never believed were possible. Writing a book (it doesn’t even have to be good) does the same thing. Every evening, I gather my evening things computer, my journal and a pen. It’s preparation for all the adventures writing takes me.

    This Christmas

    My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” ― Maya Angelou

    I have been spending this holiday season with family and friends that mean the world to me. It really has lightened my load while I was with them. I’ve had time to rest and recoop, so I had plenty of energy to share with them. I think this Christmas has been my favorite so far.