2018: Resolved: I will live with a sense of enthusiasm, optimism and expectancy.

 Do you make resolutions each year? Do you keep them?

Some years, I would resolve to lose weight, or be more patient. Other times, I started a new year with the dream of becoming more successful.

Did I accomplish those goals? Can anyone can accomplish those goals?

As I rang in the New Year in 2018, I read a thoughtful book and decided to shift my focus. You can read about the start of my year, here.

I learned about “expectancy” from a book, Breath of Life by Author Karen Ferguson. She is dedicated to providing tools for healthier living to people of all ages, backgrounds, and lifestyle practices. Karen is always on the lookout for a good book, a healthy recipe, or a new exercise routine.

Karen’s devotions taught me there is a difference between expectations and expectancy.

Expectations, even if we call them goals, may be too rigid and limiting. Life isn’t an online store. Things don’t come to me in two days with a click and a credit card. Why not be open and expecting? Why not surf the web of life? Doesn’t that seem to be a more powerful and vigorous way to live?

In addition to Karen, I have learned so much from you, my friends and readers.Whether you live on my street, or across the ocean,  you brighten my days and spirit with your warm and positive posts about your recipes, books, kids and grandkids, walks, goofs and triumphs- all the moments that make life, alive.

Your support and encouragement means so much to me- that’s why I’ve been updating you on my year of expectations. The last time I updated you was in April

UPDATES!

I reread my last update in April, and realized I had been expecting things for my book writing, instead of having expectations. I listed that I want to create an ebook box set of my three books. My supported self-publisher can’t do that. I should have declared, “I’m open to positive activity and growth from my books.” Or, “I’m open to learning more about how to energize my books and writing life.”

But, even with my faulty expectations, I did see some positives! I ran a successful (but expensive) ad on Amazon that increased my sales- which means more friends who will get to know about Charli! I also engaged with a writing professional who gave me guidance on creating a goals matrix.

I also told you that I had an idea to write a book about Charli in the future. I even blazed away and wrote 35,000 words, with the working title of Charlii and the Golden Age of Aquarius. Then I stopped. Why? Because I started writing a fun, light, humorous read. Then, while researching life in the future, I became more serious and literary in my writing, more intense sci-fi, instead of fun and whimsical. Which way should I go? I’m pondering what to do. I will be posting a short story about Charli in space soon. Get ready to give me some feedback please.

Book review ideas are blooming! I’m working with another blogger to create a sparkling new book review format! Anything that lets me read more books is a wow!

In my non-writing world, if there is such a thing, I was tripped up again by expecting because I had expected my kitchen remodel to be done my May. The kitchen reveal came in July. Now, I have expectations that this new and lovely room will be a welcoming and fun haven for us all. I’m also eagerly open to see how our extend family and friends can enjoy each other.

So far, both my sons have been sharing some good cooking with me. How delightful it is to share recipes, cooking videos and even real food. They’ve helped me improve my chopping  skills. Any now, my husband says he wants to cook more.

Another family expectation is in the works, too. My sister is planning a vacation time with our families in Disney this year. We try to get most of us together at the holidays, but this is the first time we’ve planned a multi-family vacation. Magical!

Expectations of a neighborhood pool. Should I expect this??

My husband and I have remained open to improving our weight and health. I must say, that enjoying summer in smaller-sized shorts and swimsuits is even more fun than the health benefits of losing weight! I feel so fun and frisky, I’m even encouraging our summer-lake neighborhood to build a pool, or should I say I’m creating an expectation of happy ways to increase the community feel of our little street (Yes I’m on our HOA Board.) Summer is a good time for me to be aware of God’s gifts of beautiful days to share with friends and family.

I will keep pressing on and keep myself open to the blessings God sends to me! I hope you are having a vibrant summer! Please share something that you are celebrating!