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By: Marcia King-Gamble
www.lovemarcia:com
Visit me on Kindle Vella amazon.com/kindle-vella writing as Sari Smith and Marcia King-Gamble.
When I heard that August was supposed to be the mid-year check-in for all those goals I never set, my initial reaction was to go off topic. I felt I would have little to offer in this area. Frankly, I am just not one to write down goals on an excel spreadsheet, and hold myself to a deadline. I do not check off accomplishments. I’m just not wired that way. This girl has never played by the rules.
Those of you following my posts know I don’t make New Year Resolutions. Instead, I create a vision board. That vision board acts as a reminder and as my map for the year. I apply this same thought process to my writing. Some people find it beneficial to plot out every chapter and detail. They document every high and low, when the middle should sag, and the black moment happen. That’s never worked for me. It takes away from my creative process and my writing simply won’t flow.
Contrary to what every writer has been told, I have never finished
a manuscript before submitting. I’m more of a three chapter girl. Back to I never play by the rules.
I proudly own being a seat of the pants writer. There’s something
freeing about this writing process. I like writing
what pops into my head. With no structure, I feel less confined. The downside
of course is going down several rabbit holes, but what a wonderful feeling to emerge and find light.
Now back to the topic of the progress made on these
non-existent goals. For that I was forced to refer to my 2023 Vision Board and here are the results.
Normally, travel dominates and I am pleased to say that was an easy one. So far this year, I have made it to San Diego twice, New York for a high school reunion, New Orleans for a writers conference, and in October, I am off to Barcelona, Tunisia, France and Rome. By year end I should have made another trip to the Caribbean. Check that one off.
Travel also takes care of my “Happy Place.”
Exercise and staying in shape are also featured on my vision
board. I’m proud to say I’ve made it to the gym at least three times a week, and
I walk every chance I get. I am still striving to get to my personal best, though in my heart I am there. Isn't that what matters?
In terms of taking total control of my life, and getting my finances where I want it to be, well ummm, double fail. Two air conditioner failures ( sum total $20,000) set me back financially. I have a two zoned home. A leaking pool pump didn’t help either. On the upside, I am not out on the street.
Putting everything into perspective, at the eight month mark, my ultimate goal has already been realized. I have joy in my life. I can still appreciate the small every day things and not look at setbacks as failures.
That should be everyone's goal Life
happens and joy is a conscious choice.
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