I don't typically make New Year's resolutions because...well, because I don't. I do, however, make goals I know I can meet. And I'm proud to say I've met every goal I've ever made. I'm realistic and don't plan too far into the future knowing my life is crazy and anything can happen. As a wife, a mom of three, a full time teacher and a part time author, I never know what glitch will be thrown into my schedule. My kids are super active in sports and other extra-curricular activities, to which I have no control over. So, short term goals, not year-long. I make simple, realistic plans/goals/expectations so I can feel good about accomplishing them.
FAMILY: I feel this is an area I can't control. As my children get older they become more active and involved with sports, school and friends. I used to have to entertain the little rugrats during vacations, now they just want me to bring them somewhere, have friends over or drop them off at a friend's house. I have to keep up with their practice and game schedules and be on the sideline cheering them on. The kids love to ski, snowmobile, four-wheel, go camping, to the movies and travel to visit the relatives across the country. Again, balance. We can't squeeze in everything every year, but we try. As long as I don't spend so much time with the day job, or holed up in my writing cave for too long and the family still does outings and events together, all is well.
HEALTH: I enjoy working out but can go for weeks on end without exercising (that's my fall schedule) and feel guilty about it. I eat healthy but love to bake (can you say, holidays?!?!?). As long as I balance my exercise, healthy food and sugary baked goods, I can have it all and meet my goal of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
WRITING: I dipped my toe into the writing world nine years ago and for the past seven years have written one book a year. I signed my first publishing contract a year ago and published three books in 2015! In October I signed on with another publisher and have more books coming out this year: January 26th,, March 29th and May 24th. Writing a book a year has been a feasible goal since I had toddlers and demanding youngsters in the house. Last year I was able to write three books. I was on a roll. While I'd love to keep this pace, I don't know if I can and don't want to stress myself (because I WILL meet every goal I make), thus sacrificing family, work or health. Instead, I my goal is to write two books in 2016; the final two books in the Rocky Harbor novels. I wrote the first three books to this series in 2015 and have them in the hands of beta readers right now. I'm hoping to get the series published and have the first one out this fall. Fingers crossed.
So here's to family, health and writing...or whatever makes you happy.
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