Moving Forward by Looking Back - One Word 2019

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
The writer’s path is a journey of a lifetime—one fraught with discovery and discouragement. We can avoid some of its pitfalls if we define that path early on. Today, I want to share some insights into my writing journey and the markers I look for to help me stay at least in the vicinity of the path.This time of year, between Christmas and New Year's, my thoughts turn backward. I use this time to evaluate the past year and prepare for the next one. I've given up New Year's Resolutions completely and find the freedom from those expectations (and failures) a major relief. 
But I have implemented something else instead. My husband and I spend some time looking back at our spiritual markers for the past year. We evaluate them individually, as a couple and as a family. I also look at them in regard to my past year as a writer.
This is particularly helpful, because staying on the writer's path is difficult because each of our paths are so unique and varied. In the past I've had trouble evaluating my progress because I was comparing my journey to someone else's. I’ve come up with some questions to help me process where I’ve been and where I’m headed. 
Questions to Get Me StartedWhat were some of my writing successes this past year? (Not necessarily the most lucrative, but the most rewarding) What were some of my writing setbacks this past year? What writing advice stands out in my mind because it seemed to have been aimed directly at me? What brought me the most joy? (Writing related) As I map out these spiritual markers, the path God has had me on becomes quite clear. And, by knowing where I've been, it becomes clearer where to go next. 
The other thing I do this time of year is to choose my ONE WORD and SCRIPTURE for the next year. I've been choosing a Bible verse for the upcoming year since 1996, but I just started choosing a single word to go with it since 2012. My close writing friend Beth Vogt started me on it and the practice has proved invaluable.
ONE WORD
This year, the ONE WORD I've chosen is FULL. I have always struggled with filling my schedule too full of stuff and things that sound fun...or important...or necessary—all without asking God. So this year, I'm focusing on what God says is full for me. When I do that, I feel like I'll be more fruitful, more prayerful and more thankful. It will keep me from dealing with days that are stressful or situations that make me fearful. For me, this is a powerful word and I'm looking forward to year of exploring all God has for me. 
The verse I feel like God has led me to to go along with this is:
And to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:19 (NASB)
I'd love for you to share your ONE WORD and/or Bible verse for the year, and hear some of your answers to these questions. 
Don’t forget to join the conversation!Blessings,
Edie
TWEETABLESMake progress on your #writing journey in 2019 by taking time to look back - @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Evaluating where you've been in your #writing journey is the first step in moving forward - @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)