I love the idea of returning to foundational practices! Over the past few days I’ve returned to doing a Yoga with Adriene video daily, one of my favorite self care practices and a core one for my mental health. Today my husband and I returned to the gym. I had high hopes to finish my current draft by years end, but an insane work schedule and the worst cold I’ve had in recent memory combined with the onslaught of holiday events completely derailed those plans. I’m returning with a soft word count and aiming to finish this draft in the first quarter of the year instead. A few other things I want to bring back are keeping healthy snacks around and going on walks!
I second all that you say about moving and practicing what a body needs for functionality—I’m older than you and this wisdom eventually becomes gospel. My goals have remained the same for decades. (It’s in the operational sense that how I pursue them evolves.) They are “learning” and “giving” —unconditionally. Since retiring from a career in education, I have focused on craft. I copy every one of your thoughtful craft posts. I met you, once, at a conference. I can’t believe I thought my work was ready to be pitched then. I’ve learned so much; it expands continually. My goals around giving have taken on the challenge of sharing writing that I am beginning to believe will be truly meaningful to readers. That’s it! Thanks for your support to writers and to yourself as you take on your own challenges.
Thank you, Lyn. I'm so glad you find the craft posts helpful. And what a lovely goal about sharing what you believe will be meaningful. It's the best way to connect. Happy New Year!
I love this so much! I’m emerging from the hectic little kid years and it’s nice to have the space (brain and time) to figure out what flow works best for me, but remembering the basics (water, sleep, movement, food) and the things that bring joy (reading) is so important as a foundation to build everything else around.
I love the idea of returning to foundational practices! Over the past few days I’ve returned to doing a Yoga with Adriene video daily, one of my favorite self care practices and a core one for my mental health. Today my husband and I returned to the gym. I had high hopes to finish my current draft by years end, but an insane work schedule and the worst cold I’ve had in recent memory combined with the onslaught of holiday events completely derailed those plans. I’m returning with a soft word count and aiming to finish this draft in the first quarter of the year instead. A few other things I want to bring back are keeping healthy snacks around and going on walks!
Good for you! All of that sounds like a good foundation for 2026.
I second all that you say about moving and practicing what a body needs for functionality—I’m older than you and this wisdom eventually becomes gospel. My goals have remained the same for decades. (It’s in the operational sense that how I pursue them evolves.) They are “learning” and “giving” —unconditionally. Since retiring from a career in education, I have focused on craft. I copy every one of your thoughtful craft posts. I met you, once, at a conference. I can’t believe I thought my work was ready to be pitched then. I’ve learned so much; it expands continually. My goals around giving have taken on the challenge of sharing writing that I am beginning to believe will be truly meaningful to readers. That’s it! Thanks for your support to writers and to yourself as you take on your own challenges.
Thank you, Lyn. I'm so glad you find the craft posts helpful. And what a lovely goal about sharing what you believe will be meaningful. It's the best way to connect. Happy New Year!
I love this so much! I’m emerging from the hectic little kid years and it’s nice to have the space (brain and time) to figure out what flow works best for me, but remembering the basics (water, sleep, movement, food) and the things that bring joy (reading) is so important as a foundation to build everything else around.