Reflections on 2017, Intentions for 2018
Posted by Kathleen Pooler/@kathypooler
“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language. And next year’s words await another voice.”
― T.S. Eliot, Four Quartets
2017 Reflections:
It’s that time of year when we look back on the past year, reflect upon the lessons learned and look forward to another year of new adventures. I love the idea of starting fresh on January 1.
Though 2017 was a year of challenge for me related to health challenges and changes, I’m happy to end the year on a positive note—in gratitude for life as it is. I’ve had to learn to slow down, listen to my body, yet keep moving forward. Some days have been better than others but the net result has been good. When I stopped resisting the limitations, I learned to adjust and go with the flow. My days of going full-tilt for days on end are over. I do what I can when I can and it’s OK.
Perhaps the greatest achievement over the year has been to complete the manuscript for my second memoir and submit it to a professional editor. The story that has been nagging at me since 1999, is now down on paper and on the road to publication. Now the real work of rewriting and polishing begins.
Memoir Writer’s Journey continues to be a place where people can gather to share the stories of their lives, sharing hope and inspiring one another. That’s exactly what I had envisioned when I started the blog in 2009. I am grateful to all my followers who keep me motivated to keep doing what I’m doing. Thank you!
2018 Intentions:
I’ll be happy to keep the momentum going by blogging weekly, doing guest posts and inviting others to share their stories on my blog.
My main focus this year will be revision and publication of my second memoir, On the Edge of Hope: A Mother’s Journey Through Her Son’s Addiction. I will continue to blog about the process.
Maximize my wellness through nutrition, daily exercise, spiritual practices and perhaps, most important, nurture my gratitude that I have a treatment option that is keeping me going.
As you can tell there are no big changes or plans. That’s all part of accepting life as it is while still striving to move forward .
I love that I can still read and write. Writing is a gift that keeps giving, despite any physical limitations one may have.
I’m looking forward to your presence “around my kitchen table” and for all we have to learn from one another.
Wishing you all a Happy and Prosperous 2018!
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How about you? What has your greatest lesson been from 2017? What are your intentions for 2018?
I’d love to hear from you. Please join in the conversation below~
Next Week:
Monday, 1/8/17:
Memoirist Paige L. Strickland will discuss her new book, After the Truth: A Memoir of Adopti0n and Identity
