Much like any New Year’s cliché I have decided to reset my attempts at writing. What I have discovered about myself when it comes to being a writer is that I am likely too success driven. Success to me is anything from hearing back from an editor on a pitch or getting somewhere in a writing competition. When that doesn’t happen, combined with general life responsibilities getting in the way, I tend to let it fall again. But here we are, attempt number 567.
2024 was a year where in one sense very little happened but in another sense it was non stop. From a personal perspective, particularly June – November was a constant myriad of appointments, check lists and gasping for breath in between. My breath was held for the majority of it apart from momentary eruptions of emotion where crying wasn’t quite an appropriate description. I discovered my inner banshee as the title suggests. Nonetheless, there was much good that came from those few months. I am keeping that in mind.
I begin 2025 with relief, relief that Christmas has come and gone for another 12 months. I have tried my best to rekindle some kind of fond relationship with the festive period but I fear it can’t ever really recover. Not only does this time of year bring up difficult emotions for people, I believe the commercial pressure is another string to the bow of Christmas downfalls. I realise this is “Grinch” like and I am completely fine with that. Pass me the green face paint and a Santa hat and I’ll gladly ask Jim Carrey for tips on the character. Although frankly, I haven’t even watched the film.
I am also staying away from resolutions. For this new year my aim is to simply conserve my energy. I am quick tempered, fiery and admittedly not a patient soul particularly if I feel I’ve been wronged. However, I no longer want to disrupt my own peace for the sake of someone else’s bad behaviour. People’s actions are on them and I am focusing on my response. There are enough stresses in life and I want to be far more selective on who or what gets my cortisol.
On that note, let’s see how attempt 567 on writing pans out, among other endeavours!
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