January is a month of renewal: one year is over, another is starting. January is perfect to take a pause, to stop the crazy dance and reflect on what has been and what will be. January is also my birthday month and the older I get, the more I want to make the new year count.
ROUGH START IN 2012
Last year when January rolled around, I was at my lowest physically and mentally. For several reasons: my health was not good, I still couldn’t lose weight despite huge efforts, I had brain fog, couldn’t concentrate for more than 30 minutes in a row and I was in a constant state of intestinal discomfort. In January 2012, I declared war against my body.
I made it my priority.
I found a young doctor, Dr. Brian Davis, a chiropractor specialized in nutrition and hormones. He listened to my complaints. He didn’t suggest I get on anti-depressants, like my regular doctor. He ran an exhaustive panel of tests and he explained every line to my husband and I. He worked with me and I felt supported in my efforts. We tackled my problems one by one and he guided me along this new health path.
I changed my nutrition completely, turned it upside down. No more grains, legumes, dairy, soy, coffee, lettuces and a few select vegetables. It was not easy. Every sacrifice was worth the effort.
BETTER START IN 2013
I’m starting 2013 in a much better place.
I’m taking a few days to determine what my goals should be. Goal-making is an important task, vital to my inner well-being. If I don’t take the time it deserves, I could set myself up for failure.
I have determined two goals already. One, I will work on the next phase of my health, and two, I will create a new blog to discuss living with food allergies, and other health issues, geared for writers.
In the coming week, I will work on my writing goals. What I can accomplish and what I’ll commit myself to. I can’t wait. This is an exciting task, full of hope.
What are your goals in 2013? What will you do to keep yourself accountable?
Love the new look, Carole. Bravo! And, Happy Birthday!
A few years ago I decided to use my birth month to reflect and look forward, but the flip in the calendar year is a natural point and gives me a good nudge to review my first quarter. Personal and professional goals are vital as forecasting for a business.
I applaud how you set your focus on one overall priority, and admire how you weave your everyday life into a story on your blog. A story many readers, not just writers, can relate to.
Thanks so much, Sherry. Your support is precious gold to me. Happy 2013!
Congratulations on meeting your 2012 goals and feeling better. My prayer for you is that your health will continue to improve and that your energy can now be directed to your writing.
My goals? Maybe this year I will figure out what is wrong with my historical novel, fix it, and get it published!
Sandy,
If you want to help with that goal, how-to books are the best. There are so many good ones out there. And it also helps to take a step back, let a beta reader read it with a critical eye and offer suggestions.
I wish you the best for 2013!
Carole, Happy New Year! This year, I focused on writing and editing two books and editing a third. I need to set up a website then focus on my books being published this autumn.
Hi Ella,
Thanks for the retweet and for stopping here. I know your 2013 will be super busy. I wish you the best with the publication of your series.
Carole, I could tell when I saw you last summer that your diet changes were worth it. You look fabulous!
I agree with you, I need to set new years goals so I stay focused on what’s important. My writing goals were always to get published, although we have little control over that. Now my goals will be to write stories that appeal to readers, in other words, stories that sell. I need to increase my reader base and start a dialogue if I can.
Best of luck to you in 2013. And by the way, I love the look of your new blog!
Thanks so much, Sharon. I will do my utmost to help you grow your readership, by re-tweeting, re-posting and commenting.
Happy successful 2013!
Oh boy, sounds like you have your head firm and secure for 2013! BUT – I hope by adding a new blog you are still giving yourself time to write amazing books (for me to edit.)
2013 is a GSF year for me. Get Shit Finished – in ALL aspects of life, no matter how high the hurdle. If my legs are workin’ then I’m climbing!!
Of course I’m typing that at 2:30 am with a totally UNtired attitude because of this whole bed rest junk…but I’ll be figuratively climbing even if I’m still in bed, eh?
Happy Year to you!
~~Tiffany
Tiffayny! So great to see you here.
I know 2013 will be great for you. Keep up the bed rest even if the puppies pout because you hog all the blankets. I sure hope I’ll get to visit Colorado after April!!
Carole, Just curious. What DO you eat now?
Lots of good food. Breakfast consists of eggs and bacon and fruits, or a chocolate banana coconut milk smoothie, or muffins made with coconut flour. Lunch is a veggie salad with salmon or chicken, or a beef pattie with broccoli or cauli-rice (awesome recipe!), and dinner is another variation of lunch. Snacks are composed of fruits or veggie or coconut macaroons or beef jerky, but I don’t usually feel hungry between meals. Not since the paleo diet.
For sugar, I use organic honey or maple syrup, but I don’t get those sugar cravings much anymore. My brain thanks me every day.
It might sound restrictive, but in a sense it’s very liberating. I buy good quality foods, organic as much as possible. I even found good chocolate with no dairy, nuts or soy in it. It helps sweeten my tooth.