2015 has been quite a learning year for me. 2015 always be the first time I realized that I’m not young anymore, the first time I had to go see the doctor again after a physical, the first time that I’m faced with the fact that I don’t wear a red cape and that I’m not immortal. So my word of the year reflects my understanding that I have to do better for myself by making sure that instead of rushing through things, or overly worrying about the future, I need to take time and experience Joy while I am in the moment.
It’s going to be a tough one. I’m pretty hard headed. I have a lot of pressures in my life. But clearly I have to find a way to deal with these pressures so that I can experience joy on a much more regular basis. I must do better. For example, most folks know that when authors release a book, they mark the occasion in some way. Maybe they have dinner with their families or buy a special piece of jewelry to mark the occasion and make it special.
So, what did I do to mark my three releases this year in the “Migration of the Heart” series?
Nothing.
What did I do for myself after I won two awards this year?
Nothing.
Any celebration after the 4.5 star review from RT magazine?
Nope.
That is a shameful record. I have got to do better. Even if the people in my life don’t see or understand my accomplishments, I have to see them, acknowledge them and not downplay them as if they didn’t matter. Because they do.
So, you may have heard, The Representative’s Revolt, the third book in my Milford series, released the other day. And yes, so far I’m keeping up with my old record of doing nothing. I’m racking my brain to think of what I can do to commemorate the occasion. It’s hard because I’m such a nerd. I don’t wear jewelry, I don’t like fancy restaurants because I always feel as if I can make it better (and cheaper), and I’m allergic to flowers. But I will do something. Feel free to hold me accountable.
My blog will change a bit in 2016, so that I keep these lessons in front of me. (I told you I was hard headed). The first blog of the month, which will still appear on the second Sunday, will be focused on someone who might have learned this lesson about self care the hard way. The second blog of the month will still focus on the historical knowledge I’m researching for my novels. At other points in the month, I may still post about something worth reporting about myself, as I have been doing. But 2016 is a year where I become a student, and I’m determined to get the lesson. And en(joy) the learning process.
Thank you so much for your support and a Happy New Year to you all!
Thank you Piper for this, I needed it too.
Tammy, it will be so hard as it seems to fly in the face of everything I’ve been raised to do. But we’ve both got to try! Thank you so much for commenting!
That is an achievable goal Piper, and I hope you’ll reach it. Perhaps by putting it out there in the blogosphere will motivate you to keep it. Make a fancy computer sign of your goal, print it out, frame it, and set it on your office desk. Who knows? Anyway, hoping for your success with your resolution and looking forward to more of your blogs in 2016. Happy New Year!
Yes, Edwina. I appreciate the thought of some eyes on me, which is why I made it public. I am so happy that you appreciate the blog. Thank you for stopping by and congrats on your school’s win!
Interesting post Piper, you have the gift of putting words into beautiful stories that take us to an era that wasn’t ever expressed with love except by a few. You paint the pictures in our minds of these intelligent, hard working, and loving people with all the historical background incorporated in it.
Post your accomplishments on FB more often, no matter how small or large it is. If you’ve had that Ah Ha moment post it. I find that most people will be happy for you, and will comment. I know for myself, I love to cook, quilt, and I have so many hobbies that I love doing, and I felt that I was bragging if I said anything, but my husband said post it on Facebook and let everyone see what you did, so I do, and it’s fun.
I’ve started reading The Representative’s Revolt last night,and it’s already exciting from the first page. Wow. I don’t want to spoil it by saying the story, so I’ll just say “Wow”.
Happy New Year Piper I wish you “Joy” throughout the year.
Xzanthia, please know your beautifully phrased comment is headed for my printer! Your husband is right though. You give a lot of joy (as well as make some folks hungry) by posting your hobbies on FB. It’s not bragging at all. So thank you so much for what you do as an example, and for what you said. Happy Reading of The Representative’s Revolt and Happy New Year!
Good morning, Piper. That is a hard lesson to learn, but good for you for focusing on it. Like you, I’m aware that I fail to celebrate the moments in my life the way I would make a fuss about them in someone else’s life. Your word for last year was SHINE and you did that so magnificently. I think learning to focus on the joy of those accomplishments is a noble followup.
You don’t choose easy goals, do you? 😉
No I don’t Cate! But I am glad that you think I did well. I am looking forward to the challenge because that is what it will be, no doubt! Thank you for stopping by and Happy New Year!
I decided on my word for the year the other day and like you it came from deep reflection about what I must do in 2016 to take care of myself. I too have an abysmal record. I don’t think I’ve ever celebrated one single award that I’ve won and praise be to God there have been quite a few. I take a picture and put it on social media, but even in that moment I’m using the win as promotional item, not really a true celebration of what I’ve done, because I’m what…busy with whatever is next. So, I’m proud that you have discovered you need to take time for “joy” in year one of your career while I am moving into my sixth and had not considered it. I wish you much joy in 2016. It’s been my joy getting to know you and those wonderful characters you craft.
Rhonda, your kind words mean a lot to me. And I’m happy that you’ve taken a moment to share your experience. It helps me to strengthen my resolve. Thank you so very much and I’m so glad you stopped by!
Piper, this is so true of a lot of women. I know I tend to put my own needs at the bottom of the priority list. Everyone else, even the dog and cat, frequently come before me. I’m also working on self-care this year. And, yes, get out there and do some celebrating!! I recommend baked goods if nothing else appeals. 😉 Love you and thanks for the honesty and the reminder.
Yes, so many of us women have to do better at this. So glad to learn you are working on the self-care this year as well, my Golden Heart sister. That’s the real celebration, I’m learning. And the occasional baked good will help! Love you and thank you for stopping by!
Excellent word choice, Piper! Isn’t it hard to celebrate our own accomplishments? Hard lessons to learn…..that we need to care for ourselves…..and ABSOLUTELY *reflect* on the JOY! Thanks for sharing your thoughts…..and all the best to your 2016….your year of JOY!
I’m determined to do better this year, Sherida! Thank you so much for your kind words and for stopping by!
“Even if the people in my life don’t see or understand my accomplishments, I have to see them, acknowledge them and not downplay them as if they didn’t matter. Because they do.” … This says so much and resonates enormously with me.
Looking forward to seeing much celebration and JOY in the coming year!
Thank you so much Cia! Thank you for stopping by!
I’m very much like you, Piper. I’m such a private person, I don’t like the public part of being a writer, even the good parts. But I follow you posts and I know you experience joy every time someone comments about how your books gives them a new appreciation for what the people went through back then and how much they accomplished. Here’s hoping you have more time to savor the joy this year.
Thank you so much for supporting me Elaine! It means so much!
I struggle with this also. I think strong women who are work horses typically do struggle with this. I think we just believe its part of our grind. No need to celebrate cause while we’re shouting and jumping something else might pull the rug. But I’m a firm believer that the enemy of our soul is defeated by the word of our Testimony/Praise Report. Your work and words are lovely so how about one small thing to honor your accomplishments. Perhaps a tea cup and saucer from a thrift store or even a high end store for each accomplishment. And then enjoy tea with friends and family with your grind being the story. Maybe I’ll get you started. And how beautiful to pass down.
I like that idea a lot! Thank you for your kind words and for suggesting it!