Author Jena C. Henry savors M & Ms while contemplating 2017.
We’ll Take a Cup of Kindness
My husband spent the morning searching on the internet for tips on the care and feeding of vacuum cleaners and then he spent the afternoon watching videos on how to clean every crevice and cranny of the machine.
I spent the morning searching the internet for “questions to reflect on at the end of the year” and then I spent the afternoon laughing at the suggestions and making up my own even nuttier questions. I am not for much introspection, although I did regret not eating more peanut M&Ms this year. So yes, hubby had the more productive day.
However, I did try something new in 2017 and so I do want to ponder it before 2018 roars in.
I started 2017 with a new goal. Resolved: To be open to anything that presents itself to me this year!
I set this goal last January, because I had spent the past two years writing the three books in my Charli series and then learning how to market them. By 2017, I was ready for something new and eager to learn more so I decided to stay open to see what would come to me.
What came to me? More than I expected!
I explored Facebook Live and I made some other videos!
I was asked by the founder of Readers Review Room, Traci Sanders, to be a reviewer for her book lovers site. This opened me up to more than just the joy of reading more books, because from her and her resources I have learned so much more about connecting with readers.
I wrote a short story and entered it into a contest. Didn’t win but I received a great critique.
I met two online friends In Real Life! Maureen Aliprandi and Beth Ann Chiles
In my personal life, I was blessed with another fun year with my friends and family. I made an effort to be with them more and we enjoyed happy hours and dinners and time on the boat. These may not sound like major accomplishments, but we are major foodies so we love to eat together, try new tastes, instagram it, and compares notes. Ahi tuna poke is our new unicorn! And as far as the boat, I am a bit uncomfortable being out on the big lake (“Oh God thy sea is so great and my boat is so small”) so I was glad I opened up to sharing my family’s interests.
I also tried to filter my talking: I tried to speak when I could be positive and encouraging, and did my best to kept quiet when I felt the urge to argue or correct. Hubby and I focused more on our health, too. Thank you, 2017.
And there’s a hand, my trusty friend to 2018!
Do you make New Year’s Resolutions?
Do you change them or keep focusing on the same ones?
About the Author
Minnesota Prairie Roots
December 28, 2017 at 10:25 amIsn’t Beth Ann the best? So glad you got to meet her. I’m sad that she moved out of Iowa. But I know she’s much happier in a warmer climate. And we still connect a lot.
Congrats on your professional writing accomplishments. I need to take that first big step and publish my own book. Maybe of photos and poetry? I’m not getting any younger.
Like you, I don’t like being on water. But, like you, I went on a boat this autumn, with friends who respected my uncomfortableness. It is people who tease and laugh at fears that make overcoming them a challenge. Good for you and good for me to board those boats.
I enter the new year with my continuing focus on hope, with kindness tossed in, too. I have a post in draft to publish tomorrow on that topic.
May you experience a new year blessed with happiness, health, personal satisfaction and many joys.
Jena Henry
December 28, 2017 at 5:00 pmYes, I remember your post about meeting a fellow blogger friend and visiting their cabin/cottage. Which I have to say looked very similar to our place on Sandusky Bay. I love looking at the water and sitting by the water, but raring around on a speed boat is not as pleasurable as I had thought it would be. My boys love the water though so I do my best to have fun with the family! I will e sure to read your post tomorrow. Hope and kindness are in abundance this time of year- we have to keep it going!
Judith
December 28, 2017 at 2:19 pmGood resolutions Jenna and you were successful in keeping them. Question – did hubby use the vacuum cleaner after his research?
Jena Henry
December 28, 2017 at 4:56 pmHa! He took it for a short test- run. We have a big dog who sheds pounds and pounds, so there’s always an opportunity to vacuum. Happy New Year to you- as I recall you are finishing a more peaceful year.
Beth Ann Chiles
December 28, 2017 at 4:01 pmIt was a highlight to meet IRL this year for sure! I don’t do resolutions usually but I do choose focus words and a song. I am still working on my words for 2018 so stay tuned. I love your resolve to be open to everything and I think that is the way to live life. I hang back and don’t leap into things when I should sometimes so maybe that is something I need to embrace as well. So great to have you in my real world life now as well. Thanks for helping make that happen!
Jena Henry
December 28, 2017 at 4:55 pmYes, our IRL meeting was kinda like your Joe Biden experience, right? Yes, I recall that you do choose a focus word. I collect Waterford Time Square snow globes (based on the Waterford Ball Drop crystal thing) and their word for 2018 is Serenity. Which sounds lovely, but may be beyond me!
Molly Stevens
December 29, 2017 at 6:23 amSounds like you’ve had a great 2017 and are poised for a terrific 2018, Jena. I’m intrigued that there are coffee nut M&Ms and plan to be on the lookout for them in 2018. So yes, I do make resolutions. LOL.
Jena Henry
December 30, 2017 at 12:09 pmExcellent goal selection! All Peanut M&Ms are scrumptious; the coffee nut M&Ms have lovely notes of coffee and chocolate that meld and please the palate! (Look for my exercise goals in 2019) Happy New Year to you, Molly!