So, every year I try to make a list of 3-5 things that I want to do during the year. Call them goals, call them resolutions, call them whatever you’d like. I have 5 things for 2022.
- Get a fiction book ready to publish
- Compliment my male friends more
- Write more letters
- Get down to a goal weight
- Take better care of myself
I don’t have to publish a fiction book this year, but I want to get one ready. I want to make progress on something other than my poetry.
Men I talk to (and compliment) are always surprised to hear something good said about them. Everyone wants to feel good, and I notice that men don’t get complimented nearly as much as women. Guys, gals, and nonbinary pals I see you. I see all of you and I want you to feel good about yourselves.
That’s also part of why I want to write more letters. I mail out Christmas/Holiday cards and people are shocked by this. Let’s bring back letters. My handwriting sucks, but I know a surprise card makes you feel good. It lets you know someone is thinking about you. And USPS has some REALLY adorable stamps!
I have some health issues. I’m actively seeing a new primary care physician (pcp) and working on my health even though it’s terrifying at times. I want to get down to a better weight and take better care of my overall health.
That all said, recently I contracted Covid. It was mild. I’m fine. That’s all I’m going to say about it.
What I do want to say more about is having hobbies outside of what you do for a living. I have my day job and I also write. I have some hobbies that are in no way related to writing or working with books. I attend a needle felting group once a month that I adore. We get dinner afterwards. It’s a great way to catch up with friends. I also play D&D (Dungeons & Dragons) and I adore it. These are about my only two hobbies that don’t have something to do with writing.
That said, it doesn’t stop me from having a constantly working list of things to do that is a good 80% writing related items. I do also play video games. Give yourselves a break. Give yourselves things to do that aren’t related to your writing or work. Have fun with what life you have. Play games, bake new recipes, learn something new. Have. Fun.
~H
P.S. For those who are wondering, I tend to main Cleric in D&D and my Animal Crossing island has cherries for its main fruit, but I also have coconut trees. And yes, I collect dice.
H.R. Shavor 