Dec 19, 2014

The Things I've learned in 2014....

So, another year is drawing to a close and in less than a week it will be Christmas and then New Years will be upon us. Before the year is out I wanted to reflect on the things three I've learned or struggled with or become grateful for this year....

1/ Deadlines.....I've had three contracted books written and submitted this year, and it was a struggle because life inevitable threw stumbling blocks in the path. A sick parent, a new day job and some health issues seemed to come one after the other....you know that feeling you get when one thing ends and another seems to start...one hurdle jumped and then presto, there's a another directly in your path. Yeah, it's been one of those years. But the deadlines have to be met and contracts fulfilled. So, lots of late nights, missed social events and just plain old hard work. But the hard work and late nights always pays off when the lovely box of books arrive from Harlequin and I get to hold the book in my hands for the first time.
 
 
2/ Gratitude....I've learned to be grateful for what I have....which was no mean feat considering I'm something of a dreamer and have my head in the clouds most days. I live in an amazing part of the world, a tiny down which sits at the most southern point of the Great Barrier Reef. I'm grateful for mu husband and the life we have, where I can have my horses and dogs and cats. I'm grateful for the fabulous day job I have and my friends and family.
 
3/ Plans....I'm not much of a planner. In my writing I'm a pantser and loathe doing outlines. But I'm learning this one. I don't plan much in my daily life either...but with so much going on, plans are now a must.
 
So, this is what I've learnt this year - try to meet deadlines htrough adversity, because it feels like a wonderful achievement. Be grateful for the people and things that are important. And lastly, plan ahead (not too far) to make life a little easier.
 
Have you learned anything this year? Or have plans for 2015?
 
Have a wonderful and safe Christmas :)
 
 
 
 
 

14 comments:

  1. I have learned that being 50 is fun. I will always love to read books. I hope paperback books never go away Worry less and laugh more is my motto

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    1. Hi Tammy - Yes....worry less and laugh more - such great advice :)

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  2. All of your "things learned" are wonderful achievements, Helen! Congratulations. :-) Especially on meeting your deadline despite adversity.

    One thing I've been trying to learn all year is to live in the moment. It's a...uh, ongoing work in progress. ;-)

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    1. Hi Michelle - yes, living in the moment, such great advice :)

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  3. Wonderful post, Helen. The thing I've learned this year is to stop hoping for things to get back to "normal". There is no "normal", or if there is, it's different from what it used to be and it will continue to change. When life changes, you have to change with it.

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    1. Hi Claire - yes, change is a necessity. Such great advice.

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  4. Lovely post Helen and I have learnt over the years that the old saying when the going gets tough the tough get going and I think things can make us stronger so lets hope that 2015 is a good year for everyone I have just retired so I look forward to more time with the family and of course more reading time :)

    Have Fun
    Helen

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    1. Hi Helen - I wish you every happiness in your retirement. Enjoy all the books you'll get to read too :)

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  5. Great post, Helen! Gratitude is so important, it can be a hard thing to practice when life seems to throw a bunch of challenging things at you at once but it makes for a happier life overall. I hope 2015 is a wonderful year for you!

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    1. Hi Stephanie - so true. hope your 2015 is awesome :)

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  6. Helen, snap! Your post is so relevant to me! I think I'd write virtually the same things. I've always had lists though (which I know aren't quite the same as plans) and part of my learning has been around how to keep heading towards something (like a deadline) when life throws up more and more distractions. I'm so with you on the gratitude. It's so important, isn't it - remembering the most important things in life! Here's hoping 2015 is a wonderful year with even more to be grateful for.

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    1. Hi Annie - isn't it amazing how the simple things are the most important. And here's to a great 2015 for s all :)

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  7. Love your post, Helen. One thing I've learned is that my pile of lists will only go down if I actually act on them. I've also learned, always knew, but had a timely reminder, that today is the day I'm living, and to make the most of it no matter what I'm doing.

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    1. Hi Sue - love that line, "today is the day I'm living"....well said. :)

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