Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Forget resolutions, I have great intentions.


Up until last summer I taught little rug rats, and my daily routine was quite different. I'd wake about 5:00 a.m. and rush to the computer to check emails and Facebook. Then, I would cram as much as I possibly could into the next three hours, sometimes writing or researching until 8:30. My desk was covered in Post-it notes.
At the very last possible minute, I'd jump in the shower, get dressed and speed to school in under fifteen, and completely switch gears. When I came home, I was exhausted, and all those memos to myself often got shoved aside and unburied a month later when I cleaned my desk and the deadlines had passed.

I had this bright idea/dream that retirement would mean I would revise a dusty manuscript, write my memoirs and submit ten times as much as usual. The reality was, the more time I had in the morning, the more I piddled. When I was pilfering minutes, I was more productive.


My main resolutions this year are to wake up grateful, pray for others, and give myself permission to dawdle over the news, dunk a cookie (okay cookie dunking is over) and THEN get to work. I intend to write until 10:00, and then the day will begin for hubby and me. I will return to writing during the day at my leisure, not adhere to a self-imposed schedule, then feel guilty that I didn't hold up my end.

My great intentions for 2016:

            Write at least one thing per day, an idea/story/article.
            Start a writing tips and opportunities folder.
            Challenge myself to submit to a variety of publications.
           
So far so good. I have submitted to three bigger publications. I received a response in one day from one I suspected wouldn't even consider my work. When I received the email reply, I was disappointed to see it was my own document. Oh well, I supposed they were acknowledging acceptance. I reread my piece again...and there it was at the very bottom, a personal notation: "We will contact you if we can use this piece."

I am hopeful the editor read to the end, and their team is considering it. Having the courage to submit out of my league was a challenge I met.

I saw this quote on Facebook: I hover between, "What will be will be," and "I can make it happen."

My parents used to sing these lyrics from a hymn when I was young: "Faith, hope, and charity, that's the way to live successfully..." I try to live my life this way.
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11 comments:

Kathy's Klothesline said...

I find old hymns suddenly in mind lately. One will just jump into my head and I will be humming all day. I didn't make any resolutions this year, deciding to just enjoy every day as it comes.

Connie said...

It's funny how things in real life often turn out differently from what we plan them out to be in our minds. It sounds like you have taken control of things, though. That's great that you are challenging yourself to try new markets and that you are meeting those goals. :)

Bookie said...

Great blog page and you sound so fully in charge of things. I think sometimes sounding in charge makes us act like we are in control and things do roll better then!!! Well...sometimes!

Anonymous said...

Linda--You DO submit to a variety of markets. I wish I did the same.

noexcuses said...

I love the word "intention" instead of resolution! I use the word "goal" as well! What an inspiring post! I, too, seem to make a lot of lists that get buried. I figure that if it is meant for me to finish something, then I will. Thank you for sharing your journey! Liz

Val said...

Great intentions! But don't be afraid to kick up your heels a bit before settling into a retirement routine.

Clara Gillow Clark said...

Sounds as if you're off to a winning start, Linda! The hymn you recall your parents singing is one I'd forgotten about, but the lyrics and the melody immediately came back. Thanks for sharing! Happy New Year!

Janet, said...

Good luck! I am sure you will meet your intentions. You are a very good and prolific writer. My intention is to submit something each month. We've got to get those babies out there.

Susan Sundwall said...

I find my "piddly" mornings so refreshing. And, because of you, Linda, I've tried a few out of my league publications, too. One thing that gets me moving is the realization that no one, No One, is out there waiting for writing from me. That's gotta change. Rock on.

Donna Volkenannt said...

With your determination and strong work ethic I'm sure you will exceed your intentions. Good luck with your publications. I'm impressed that you've already submitted to so many publications.

You are an inspiration to other writers. It's wonderful to aim high, as you do.

I bought my granddaughter a plaque that read something like "Shoot for the moon, if you miss you'll land among the stars."
Here's to your shooting for the moon and landing among the stars!

Wishing you a peaceful and prosperous new year!

Pat Wahler said...

Sounds like a great goal. I tend to submit to the same places, staying in my comfort zone. Need to stretch those writing muscles a lot more!

Pat
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