It is not that we have a short space of time, but that we waste much of it. Life is long enough, and it has been given in sufficiently generous measure to allow the accomplishment of the very greatest things if the whole of it is well invested.
Lucius Annaeus Seneca, On The Shortness of Life
At the beginning of 2020, I began a diary that has a page for every day of the year. The aim was to log my creative hours and the journey of life. I wanted to reach 1000 creative hours for the year.
It began well, but then Covid hit, the world shut down, and all my plans and hopes and dreams seemed to be thrown into disarray. Sort of like the 1000-piece jigsaw that sat on my desk and freaked out my visual-spatially challenged brain.
I kept that diary and, as 2020 drifted into 2021, it seemed to be a continuation of the same cycles of Covid lockdowns, restrictions, and for us, no overseas or interstate travel. I got a bit fed up.
I bought a new 365 diary and forced myself to keep writing.
It kept me accountable and even if I didn’t write anything else that day, I’d write a page in my 365 Diary.
In 2020, I pushed myself to finish writing three books I’d been working on for a couple of years and, in 2021, I finally released all three books.
The accountability of my 365 Diary kept me thinking about how much I was doing in my life. Some days were totally wasteful. I watched too much TV. I let the days drift by without achieving much, but I kept writing an account of my days.
2021 Highlights
- Our daughter, Jess got engaged to her person, Michael. So, we’re excited to be planning a wedding in April 2022.
- Our son, Ben and daughter-in-law, Fiona made it home to Australia after three years in London.
- 2021 was our first Christmas with both of our children since 2017.
- We had three book launches–Scarlett Love, Finding Joy, and Live Your Story Promise.
- I was a guest on some podcasts. (See details below)
- I spoke at a few events
- Mentored writers.
- Attended a Change Your Story Retreat in Dunsborough.
- I started Italian lessons.
- I did a song writing course.
- I began a volunteer role at a local church helping people who are in financial distress.
- We travelled around our state–The Cocos Islands, Albany, Pemberton, Rottnest, and Margaret River.
- There were lovely times connecting with friends.
- During winter, I hiked and mountain biked.
The days passed and now here we are in January 2022.
A New Year
I’ve just purchased a new diary for 2022 and, as I contemplate another year, I’m wondering how I’m going to live in the next 365 days. At the moment, world travel looks tricky. The world is still an uncertain place–although it always has been, it’s just been highlighted the last couple of years.
Travel around Australia is limited for us as our state’s borders are closed to other states. (An incomprehensible situation and is because of state rights) Our normal lifestyle of travel and working has been disrupted for two years and we will just have to be patient a little longer.
I’ve decided my word for 2022 is LIVE. As I write my 365 Diary in 2022, I’m going to be conscious of making the most of every day. I’m going to be conscious of living each and every day as fully as possible.
My mantra for the coming year is:
It’s important to plan as if we will live forever but live as if this is our last day.
Plans for 2022 include more study, Italian lessons, a new puppy, volunteering, more writing retreats–both individual and with groups, more mentoring of writers, more writing (there are three books in progress) and a triathlon. Travel will be on the horizon and my wish list includes an obligatory Italian trip. Beyond that, we have a list and will wait until we know we can travel freely.
Thank you for being here with me during 2021. Here’s to a happy, healthy, productive, and kind 2022.
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What I’ve Been Reading
I’ve read approximately one hundred books this year. Fifty-seven of them were in digital form and the rest were in print. The topics are broad and eclectic as usual.
From Braiding Sweetgrass to Philosophy for Polar Explorers to Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man to Setting Boundaries to writing craft books and all the way along to some heavy literary fiction, poetry, and light fiction, it’s been a journey of the mind and soul.
My current reading material includes:
Brené Brown’s new book Atlas of the Heart
Rachel Held Evans’ Wholehearted Faith
Philip Yancey’s Where the Light Fell
Jodi Picoult’s Wish You Were Here
Trent Dalton’s Love Stories
Listen
Podcasts for New Year
Hosted by business and personal mentor, Lizelle Hartley, this podcast is all about helping you set your goals and plan the journey to achieve them.
This time we’re talking about Controlling Your Direction and Living Lively – embracing the time you have and using it effectively to help you move in a direction that benefits you!
Our special guest this episode is Elaine Fraser–Author of the Beautiful books series, International Speaker, and mentor to upcoming writers.
