Saturday, February 23, 2013

My 2013 So Far

I had a sense toward the end of last year that 2013 was going to be a great year. I didn't know what that would look like, I still don't actually, but I was open. Normally as one year comes to a close and another is about to start I take a few days to reflect on the current year and think about the new year. This time I got very sick not long after Christmas and so I wasn't in the frame of mind to think about anything let alone the new year.

I gave up on new year's resolutions a long time ago because they always seemed like a setup for failure. Then for a few years I bought into the "one word" movement for a bit, but I gave up on that too for the same reason. Instead I would get quiet at the end of the year and just listen for something and write down what I heard.

Since I didn't have time to do any of that this year, I was content to take 2013 as it came and fly by the seat of my pants. That's precisely what I started out to do, and then I heard it; one word that would shape my year - FULFILLED. There it was... but what did it mean?

I was about to find out. In January I pushed through my fear and sent my manuscript to a publisher I'd been stalking for several years and two days later, I got word that it was accepted for publication!! Then came revisions and rewrites and all the nerves that go along with putting yourself out there. Now as I type this post my book is published and available for purchase and February isn't even over yet!!!

As if that wasn't enough after 3 years of hard labor (read: school work) I got my diploma in the mail! The final piece to the puzzle that is my bachelor's in English. It was a long time coming. I left school in August of 1990 without a degree and depressed about the whole situation. I tried a few times to get back, but the timing was always off. Then one day opportunity knocked and I answered and it paid off. I am now tossing around the idea of going for my MFA sometime soon, but only time will tell..

So that's been my 2013 so far in a nutshell and we still have 10 months to go. I have a feeling this is going to be some ride! I'm excited to see what else will be "fulfilled" in the months ahead. I'm glad you're along to share it with me!