Month: January 2023

I was not the holiday champ

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Happy New Year!

Yes, I realize that we’re almost a month into the year. But it seems like a good time to spread some cheer since I just mailed my New Year cards. I also just finished putting away the Christmas decorations. Evidently, being a month behind on holidays is my current trend. Add that I chickened out of a New Year’s Eve party (sorry, friend!) and failed to win the CHAMP game on Thanksgiving, and you could come up with general holiday failure.

But it’s fine. I might have bailed on New Year’s Eve, but I did get brave and go to a party later in January. That’s showing improvement, right?

And at least I showed up for Thanksgiving. At 3:00 a.m. the day I was supposed to start my trip, I woke up and had a bit of an anxiety attack. At 7:00 a.m., I declared that I could not handle the stress of the trip and went back to bed. But at 9:00 a.m., I mentally wrestled myself into the car and got on the road. Another brave moment—go me!

Losing CHAMP—our family’s version of the basketball game HORSE—was a bummer, but it wasn’t a surprise. I’ve never won. Since the “modern era” began, circa 1987, we’ve played at most family get-togethers. That means I have lost at least fifty times in a row. Me not winning is practically part of the tradition at this point. But, again, it’s fine. My goal is never to win. My goal is always to not go out first. Not only did I accomplish that this past year, but I also surprised everyone by coming in second place for the first time! I’m definitely moving that technical loss to the personal victory column.

Plus, I don’t fail at everything Thanksgiving related. My deviled eggs get rave reviews and I excel at the garage party. Neither of those is a competition, but I do a great job at both, even if I say it myself. (If the garage party were a competition, my family would sweep every event. It’s just a fact.)

So yes, it might seem like I’m falling short in the holiday category, but it’s all good. And really, is it ever too late to send good wishes?

I hope you have a great (rest of the) year!

Peace and love,

Lori

Word of the Year (so far)

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Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

You can sign up here.

 January 4 question – Do you have a word of the year? Is there one word that sums up what you need to work on or change in the coming year? For instance, in 2021 my word of the year was Finish. I was determined to finished my first draft by the end of the year. In 2022, my word of the year is Ease. I want to get my process, systems, finances, and routines where life flows with ease and less chaos. What is your word for 2023? Why?

The awesome co-hosts for the January 4 posting of the IWSG are Jemima Pett, Debs Carey, Kim Lajevardi, Sarah Foster, Natalie Aguirre, and T. Powell Coltrin!

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Self-proclaimed word philosopher checking in! I love words. Of course I do, I’m a writer, right? But words are fascinating beyond the stories we tell with them. The words themselves have stories and I love that about them!

I’ve never had a word of the year before (generally I’m a “Give me ALL the words” person), but I love the idea. Pick a word? Twist my arm!

It took me a day or two to decide on a word. I wanted something positive, but not sappy. Active, but not naggy.

I finally decided on “already.” If I’m waffling about doing something—either procrastinating or being insecure—I will remember “Get it done already.” It will also work as a celebratory word when I can say, “I did that already.”

I’m excited about this word of the year. If it turns out to be a little too aggressive, I’ll revisit and try to come up with something a little gentler.

Thanks for the great question!