The weather is surely cold outside. The end of December is hardly the time to put away the winter-wear. Although metaphorically it’s the perfect time. January, still winter, still cold, marks the beginning of a new year. A fresh start waiting to resurface the playing field. It’s an opportunity to begin again regardless of life’s happenings in the year before. I see it as a wool overcoat, houndstooth. With only a couple days left of the year, I’ve pulled the heavy fabric across most of those shiny round buttons, save for one. And it’s now time to tuck that final one up through the folds of time.
My writing isn’t quite finished. As I’ve shared before, I have many projects brewing. I would have thought all of them to be completed by now. In fact, this time last year, I wholeheartedly believed they would be. The year 2018 became the year of prolonged prolonging. Yes, I had health related circumstances and day-job frustrations that shut down much of my writing time. But I became indecisive in my direction, which proved to be more paralyzing than distracting.
Thankfully, amid this wintery gray season, I have an opportunity to re-set. A simple attitude adjustment is really all I need, with a little forgiveness sifted in. Mary Poppins said it best, “In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun and snap, the job’s a game.” Instead of feeling remorseful about my unfinished (or slightly delayed) projects (in my writing and quite honestly… life), I will look upon them all with new eyes in a new year and go at them again. I’ve got some gusto stored up. Time to relook at all my to-dos from a new angle. And there she is again, Mary Poppins with all her wisdom and might, “Open different doors. You may find a you there that you never knew was yours. Anything can happen.”
This year I’m refusing to regret lost time. I’m pulling that last button through the button hole and starting fresh in 2019. Still winter, still cold, just a reset. Care to join me?
Writing Advice: Reminisce and Reflect
Take some time to go over each of your current writing projects. Write down each title. Then peruse over each WIP until you can write down something positive you believe is working well. Maybe add your favorite part, describing why you enjoy it. Then, don’t be afraid to write down the negative parts, the troublesome spots that have you stuck or unsettled. These can become focus areas in the new year.
I believe it’s important to sum up each project. Be clear about how each one is progressing, even if a few are miles from where you want them to be. Keep these reflections short, but specific. And don’t let them bog you down. Button up that overcoat and hang it in the closet for the new year. It may still be cold outside in January, but with fresh new eyes to take on new (and even old) challenges, you’ll have an energy stirring where an overcoat isn’t required.
Happy reflecting and Happy New Year to come!
~ By Celaine Charles, December 30, 2018
Image Links:
https://www.vosizneias.com/228095/2016/01/22/new-york-buttons-as-contemporary-art-reimagined-in-nyc-exhibition/ (button art)
https://www.tradesy.com/i/carmen-marc-valvo-black-and-white-womens-houndstooth-34-jacket-medium-pea-coat-size-10-m/22104045/ (houndstooth coat)
https://themidnightstation.wordpress.com/2015/05/09/thought-of-the-day-who-we-are/ (MP-open different doors…)
https://quotesgram.com/by-mary-poppins-quotes/ (MP-in every job…)
https://ricoromeo.wordpress.com/2011/07/11/reflection-and-mirror-photography/ (self-reflection)
Categories: Thoughts on writing...
Tags: #celainecharleswriter, #stepsinbetween, #writingcommunity, #writingjourney, #writinglife, amwriting, authors, encouragement, encouragment, inspiration, poems, poetry, poetry community, reading, writers, writing, writing advice, writing community, writing journey, writingadvice
Steps In Between 
Thank you — wonderful post! Happy New Year!
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Happy New Year to you. Let’s charge in with passion (or at least meander in with some secrets up our sleeves). 💕
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