‘And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.’ – Haruki Murakami.
Tomorrow is December, and I can see the end of the year in sight. Unlike other Decembers, this year isn’t all about an empty January, because we’ll be sorting out the wedding all month and into January, ready for February. Next month is going to start with a bang – my birthday, going to see Catching Fire (tomorrow afternoon), then going to the Warner Brothers Harry Potter studio tour. December is my favourite month of the year – there always seems to be magic in the air.
It’s been a tough year, and I’m determined to make sure the trials of this year don’t carry over to the next. I’ve learnt a lot from the mistakes I’ve made and the problems we’ve had. I don’t want to rehash or go over ground that is better left behind, but there are always lessons I can learn.
1. Work hard and finish things. Finishing things means finishing things.
2. Going to bed earlier means a longer and more productive day. No matter how seductive that book is or how much writing you have to do, skipping on sleep will lead to frustration and less quality work.
3. No matter how low you are, writing is always the answer. So is being kind to yourself and allowing yourself to just be.
4. Listen to and trust your instincts about things, even if they don’t always seem to be the ‘right’ thing at the time. Always weigh up your options.
5. Celebrate things more – even if that’s just with a hot chocolate and watching a good film. Celebrate milestones, no matter how small. Don’t let things pass you by.
6. Get out of the house more – breathing fresh air and walking is good for the soul. Especially when nothing is flowing or making much sense.
7. Breathe through frustration and take time out to work out what you’re really worked up about.
8. Read what you want to read, when you want to read it. Reading is good for you. Anyone who says otherwise has never experienced the joy of a good novel.
9. Make the effort to spend quality time with the people in your life. Time away from wedding stuff and work is essential.
10. Be honest with yourself, and recognise when something doesn’t feel right. Be less afraid of telling it like it is, when something isn’t working for you.
Just a few of the things that I’m hoping I can carry over to next year. It’s been an interesting month with NaBloPoMo, but blogging every single day is not for me. I’ve missed a few days out and might go back to fill those days in. This post was inspired by WordPress’s Daily Post, Daily Prompt: To Boldly Go…
Cats and Chocolate 
Wow, it’s like you read my mind! I’m thinking I can just print out all ten items post them where I can see them often during the day. Writing is my sanity! Reading keeps me balanced. Nature my balm. You hit on every point I need to remember to do to be sane, healthy and happy. Thank you for this wonderful post! And good luck in carrying it through into a happier year!
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Liz, I resonate with everything on your list. This has been a year of transitions for me- and I’d like to think the roughness of it is part of the transition.. the best is yet to come. I am trying more to do #5- celebrate things more and 10. recognizing when something doesn’t feel right rather than forcing to make it work. Here’s to a fruitful 2014 for us both.
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yes to #6! though I will say that going outside is getting more difficult now that the weather is close to miserable 90% of the time here in Chicago. blogging everyday is also not for me. When blogging becomes a chore, something is wrong!
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Your #10 is exactly what my last, and best, therapist said to me again and again (not that I listened to her at the time!) She said, it’s OK to admit you made a mistake and do whatever it takes to rectify it, regardless of how it makes you appear. I’d like to think I do this, at least some of the time 🙂
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I have really enjoyed this year and achieved a lot but I can’t wait to see what next year brings!
Maria xxx
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