2013 was the year I vowed was for me, not because I depended upon luck, but because I promised myself to make things better. I was stuck in the shadows of my past as they tore away at me day by day. I was becoming hollow, a mere figment of the person I once was.
I wasn’t the type to create resolutions year upon year that I already knew I wouldn’t keep. Determination couldn’t succeed if belief and willpower wasn’t behind it. Why set yourself up for a fall?
I didn’t. I succeeded because I believed in myself to not give up, not this time. Being ambitious and determined didn’t make me naive, it made me dangerous.
A person with a dream and a goal was far more likely to succeed than somebody who didn’t.
Who was the fool now?
Like a Phoenix I rose from the ashes of my buried past, and made the year better.
I hadn’t set out to write my debut novel this year, but like a sequence of events everything clicked together. The pattern that formed soon after was what led me here. The secret?
Reading. Never underestimate the power of a good book. It led me to write mine, to create this blog, and most importantly to connect with others in the wonderful writing community.
While they may not be resolutions, I do have a plan for the writing year ahead:
- January 1st will be the day I begin writing the sequel to my novel Nature’s Destiny. I’m super excited about extending the journey that begins in my debut, and I cannot wait to expand on the ideas I’ve had rolling around my mind for the past few months.
- Nature’s Destiny will be published. I’m nearing the end of my editing process, and will soon be depending on my beta readers.
While I cannot promise to know exactly what will happen in the long-term future, I do know that I’ll make the most of it. Why? Because being optimistic has given me the better outlook on life. The time I wasted trapped in the past changed my perception. The clock continues to tick whether I want it to or not, only now there isn’t a minute I want to waste.
Writing has become the essence of my being, and I’ll make sure it has a place in my future.
2013 was my year. Will 2014 be yours?
justinewinter 
A very thoughtful post, and one I identify with in many ways. I’ve had some similar experiences this year in terms of blogging and connection, and yes, you’re quite right: they’re immensely positive influences on the creative process.
I appreciated your point about the Phoenix: It’s been a transitional year for me, too (in the summer I added the phrase “reactive evolutionary” to my Twitter bio, as that seemed to sum up my new mindset), and I have to say I admire the way you have stripped away a layer of yourself to make this such a personal and inspiring post. There’s only one personal piece on my own blog, as I find it a little easier to filter my feelings through the work, so again, nicely done, Justine 🙂
Thanks for sharing such a wonderful piece …
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Sometimes, until you’ve ventured into the realm of writing, you don’t know how marvellous it can be.
Thank you for your thoughts and kind, encouraging words Roger. It’s definitely hard to strip away the facade I usually hide behind in my writing, but if it means I inspire someone then it’s worth baring my soul. I was close a few times to deleting the post and starting afresh. This comment gives me the consolation that makes me glad I didn’t.
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I’m glad, too … Here’s to writers connecting! 🙂
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Cheers!
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