What I've Been Up To

Graduate school is killing me. Slowly, I've phased out my hobbies; no writing, reading, or blogging since the last semester's inception. All in all, I'm happy with school though. Everything I learn is not only useful, but puts me one step closer to my ultimate goal.

The Waiting Game

I hate waiting. My anxiety starts to build when I have to wait, and if whatever I'm waiting for does not happen soon, I become a quivering, timid, mess.

For those who are like me, or for those who just hate waiting, here are some tips and tricks that will help the time roll on by.

Tip 1: Change the Thought Train 

Okay, I know, it's hard to put a stop to thoughts once they start up, but the best thing to do with anticipatory anxiety is to put a stop to the thoughts causing that anxiety.

Picture a stop sign. A physical barrier. This barrier is meant to stop the rush of thoughts that eat up energy. After picturing the barrier, think about ways to change the thoughts that are causing anxiety. Go from "I don't know what's going to happen" to "I have a plan. I know what I'm doing."

Tip 2: Accept the Anxiety 

Anxieties.com goes into detail about anticipatory anxiety, citing that thoughts get carried away and go crazy. They explain that a way to fight anxiety is to accept it. Change from "I must stay on guard" to "I won't guard myself against anxiety."

Tip 3: Take Stock 

Healthyplace.com created a short list of things to ask when anxiety starts to cause trouble.

What can you sense, right now?
Are the waters really that rough, or are you more afraid of what lies beneath?
Are your thoughts fast or slow?
How’s that breathing thing?

This list of questions keep you grounded in reality so you don;t get swept away into the abyss of anxiety.

There are a lot more things to do physically that can help when waiting. Take a walk, listen to music, talk to someone, read a book, etc. Anything you do productively will be beneficial when waiting.

Before 10 a.m.

Ten things to do before ten a.m.

1. Wake up.

2. Get out of bed.  

3. Drink.

4. Eat.

5. Meditate in some way. 

6. Talk to someone.

7. Get something productive done.  

8. Clean up.

9. Go over your day. 

10. Reflect.

This list may seem overwhelming, but writing down these steps will help get you moving and keep you on track to have a great, happy, productive day. 

New Year, New Books, New You

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

Whether a magic filled year full of wonder, or equivalent to an angry Uruk-hai-filled journey across Middle Earth, 2015 is over and 2016 has begun with a bang! Throw that mind controlling ring into the fires along with everything that may have happened in 2015, 'cause 2016 is a new year and a new start!

Although every year people--including myself--make resolutions hell-bent on bettering ourselves, losing weight, giving up soda, etc, it seems that people rarely keep these resolutions.

I know that I never kept my resolutions. Maybe 1 out of every 10, but that's not a great track record. So this year, I made a resolution to keep my resolutions, and make resolutions that I would have a chance of keeping.


I'd like to start by listing my four (or so) New Year's resolutions:

         1. Receive at least 20 rejection letters from publishers in 2016
         2. Get a job!
         3. Focus larger amounts of energy on being positive
         4. Read more books. At least 10. 10 books in 2016. I should make it 16 books              for 2016, but hey, I like to accomplish my resolutions... Which brings me                to my my next point. 

I chose to focus on resolutions that I could actually accomplish. No "finish a whole novel!" or "lose 10 lbs a month!" No. None of that. Those are great goals, but they are so specific, and so big. Bite off small chinks. Want to get published in 2016? Start by saying you want to write something every day, or every other day. Say that you want to submit to 30 publishers, and not just novels! Focus small, and let yourself grow.


I believe that resolutions should focus on bettering yourself. And resolutions should make you happy. They should make you feel good. Accomplished. I'm not trying to preach. Believe me, I have made so many resolutions that I never kept and felt worse for the wear from it.

On a completely bookish note, read a book this year. There are so many out there, and even if that book is a free 50-page novella from the Amazon Kindle store, it is still reading. Books are healing. Read them.

I am excited for 2016. I have already been focused on my goals, and I feel good. I wish the same for everyone. Happy 2016 and best of luck on those pesky resolutions!