This is the time of year that we see a lot of reflection, but I don’t make resolutions. I want to be clear about that. Resolutions are unrealistic more often than not. Instead, I set an image or thought to guide my creative journey for the year ahead and I think this year’s key word is GRACE. Let me explain.
Pic by Clay Banks on Unsplash
I’ve heard many book creatives (even published pros) talking about how hard the industry is right now. Rejection is rampant and books have to be this, that, or the other thing to sell. It also doesn’t help that celebrity books are a dime a dozen right now (because they’re supposedly guaranteed sales). So we all start to judge ourselves and our work as “not good enough” or inferior in some way. I say we because I’ve heard many of us doing it, but let me admit that this is an “I” thing too. I am doing it as well.
I was talking with someone recently about this and I was reminded of one of my wallpapers on my computer from MANY years ago with a little inch worm that said “Slow progress is still progress.” It reminded me when I felt like I wasn’t growing “enough” that every little baby step forward was STILL a step forward. I tried to Google the quote and found a million references. I have no idea who said it so I can’t attribute it for the image. BUT I also found quite a few other images on Google that are great reminders. I’m not sure who made them all, but I share them here for the sentiment I’m trying to express.
All of this is to say that no matter where you are on your creative journey, don’t get frustrated. Don’t judge yourself as “not enough.” Give yourself grace and just keep going forward. I can hear Dory from Finding Nemo with her “just keep swimming” song and I want it to say “just keep going…” Because ultimately that’s what we need to do.
Keep pursuing your path, whatever it may be. Don’t give up! And remember that “slow progress is STILL progress. Here’s my image from the year to remind myself of that very thing. I hope it inspires you too.
Great thoughts. I’m not making resolutions this year—I’m focusing on what needs to go so I have a lighter load this year.
I absolutely hear that. I’m losing so much energy teaching Kindergarten this year that I’m examining some of the same things. Good luck!
I love this last image of a hatchling sea turtle hurrying to the ocean. They do scurry! I had the pleasure of watching many green turtles leave their nest in Costa Rica last year and it’s an image I’ll never forget. What strikes be about this tiny vulnerable creature is how it scrambles to reach safety in the waves and find shelter and food in the ocean’s depths. Such perseverance!
Exactly! They have to keep going in order to survive. That was one of my thoughts when I chose that image.
I’m doing the 12 Days of Christmas for Writers and would love to use this image on the “title” page. Would you/could you send it to me?
Absolutely!
Sent!
So true! Here’s to a year of slowing down, paying attention, and making progress.
Here, here!
Grace is a great word! Thank you for the encouraging post! We all need to hear this!
Yay! I’m glad it’s encouraging. 😊
I don’t make specific resolutions, but I do pick a word each year and try to center activity on that.
I like doing that too.