Sifting through the muck to reach the prize

What seems to us as bitter trials
are often blessings in disguise. ~ Oscar Wilde

For the past couple of weeks I’ve wrestled with psychological and emotional baggage that’s over 30 years in the making (and not flattering), which has also triggered a nasty case of monkey mind (also not pretty—see ‘Revisiting…’). Then add in to the mix an extra dose of restlessness that stems from myriad [new] dreams I dared dream and laid the foundation for last year, which I hope to begin living out in 2017. And most of the areas I’m working on will not and cannot realize change overnight. After all, it’s impossible to rush something you hope to last forever… or at least as long as you’re breathing. Any type of growth takes time. Healing—physical, emotional, spiritual or mental—takes time, too. I just need to remind myself of this while I wade through each trial to discover my own personal blessing.

Do you count them as today’s trials or blessings?

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Time management: the +10 plan

Time management: #thestruggleisreal. I can record a task in my planner to the minute, but invariably I’ll end up running behind or, worse yet, running out of time. I tend to think I can squeeze in one more thing, or I simply allow too little time in my schedule. I began 2017 with a new plan: the +10 plan. In the mornings, by the time I leave for work, I’ve lost roughly 10 minutes. For the past two weeks, I’ve set my alarm 10 minutes earlier and moved each a.m. goal back 10 minutes. The result? More cushion. I’m able to spend additional time enjoying my morning devotions, which automatically sets me up for a smoother day. Plus I have extra space to complete my chores with ample time to prepare for my workday. I’ve dabbled with applying this +10 plan to other commitments, as well, and with similar results. If you need more time, give it a try. It works!

What time management tips can you share?

Image courtesy of photostock at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

A year in review: in only 168 words

It’s my thing: there are 168 hours in a week and 168 words in a blog just ‘feel’ right. So here goes: With 2016 almost a wrap, let’s talk about the past. Wait, what? Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Because a few weeks ago, miles of hiking trail behind me I, too, thought about those well-meaning peeps who suggest you leave the past in the past. After all, that’s not where you’re headed, right? But, how will you know what to bring with you into the new year if you don’t take stock of what transpired? Where did you grow? Where did you trip? Who helped you along the way? What seeds of kindness did you sow? What bad behaviors did you shed? What new habits served you well? It’s about leaving behind whatever holds you back and putting into practice what you’ve learned as you look ahead. Lay the foundation: now you’re ready to begin building a brand new year. Cheers!

What’s your plan for 2017?

Image courtesy of krishna arts at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

It’s never too late to dream a new dream, to start something new

I’m a firm believer in C.S. Lewis’ adage that it’s never too late to dream a new dream, to start something new. When I began Always The Write Time, it was toward the culmination of my undergraduate studies as a non-traditional student. Once I hit the half-century mark last December, the words ‘always the write time’ rang truer than ever. As 2016 draws to a close, I’m thrilled about my plan for 2017: to start something new because I dreamed a new (and bigger) dream. This includes 1) attending more writing workshops, 2) joining one or more writing associations and 3) completing my MFA application which, if (and when) I’m accepted into the program, will mark the commencement of my graduate studies in creative writing. And just when doubt might begin to creep in, the timeliest issue of Poets & Writers lands in my mailbox—reminding me, yet again, there’s hope on this side of 50.

What is your dream, but you think it’s too late to start?