Day 16 of a New Year
Jan 16, 2024 1:11 pm
New Chances to Leave The Old You
I don't believe in New Year's resolutions. I think sitting, making a list of all the things you are going to never follow through on is simply setting yourself up for disappointments. Trust me, there are enough disappointments in everyday life, I do not need to make a list to add insult to my injured, fragile, inner child. However, what I am engaging in this year, is mindfulness.
For some dumb reason, I decided to get a certification in Mindfulness thinking, this will be so helpful when I am teaching writing workshops. I say it is a dumb reason because my thoughts for getting the certification were to aid in my business and author life. It never dawned on me that I would be aiding my mental health and personal life.
The first thing I learned, I can't sit still and do nothing for 30 minutes. Even when attempting to watch a show, I have my phone, my planner, my journal, or am taking notes.
Okay fine, let's try 15 minutes of deep breathing and meditation. Okay, in, out, and squirrel. Did I clean out the pantry? We have ribs on Monday, so I can't have pork again this week, hold up, you had bacon on Tuesday, you know that's pork right? And it spirals from there.
Next, we had to do a 45-minute body scan. We start at the toes and check in with portions of the body. By the time I reached my tummy, which was empty by the way, I realized it was a Tuesday and I hadn't had any tacos in a while. Tacos are always good, especially washed down with a margarita.
Seriously, am I this bad? Am I this disengaged with what is around me that simple things, like sitting still, have become laborious?
I made myself stop.
The STOP practice can help whenever you’re feeling distress, creating space to observe and tame your feelings, and to access the deeper resources within you. It helps you develop the emotional intelligence and psychological flexibility required for greater mastery over challenging moments. (Rhonda Magee)
S - To begin, the “S” stands simply for stop. Literally. Just stop what you’re doing, whether it is typing or rushing out the door. Give yourself a moment to come to rest, pause, and collect yourself.
T- The “T” stands for take a conscious breath. Now that you’ve paused, take a deeper breath, or two, allowing yourself to feel the expansion of the belly as you breathe deeply. Notice the sensations of being here, now. As you do so, it may help to bring your attention to the sensations of your feet meeting the floor. Feel the support of the ground and your own relaxing breath as you do so.
O- The “O,” stands for observe what’s arising in you, including any thoughts, emotions, or bodily sensations (such as tension, butterflies, tightness in the jawline). Broaden your awareness to take in the circumstances. Notice how you can be in this situation without being ruled by it.
P- Finally, the “P” reminds you to simply proceed with intentionality, taking the next step in your day from this place of strength, wisdom, and presence.
Yeah, after I recentered myself, I went for tacos. Have an amazing January, and remember to STOP rushing through the moments.
What I am Reading
Ezra Maxwell is the definition of patience and persistence. He’s everything we say that we want in a man, but why couldn’t he have come along years earlier?
Link: https://amzn.to/3S1SnZS
An Invitation to the Practice of Mindfulness
The practice of mindfulness holds the possibility of not just a fleeting sense of contentment, but a true embracing of a deeper unity that envelops and permeates our lives.
Link: https://amzn.to/48LpuIs
Chicken Tacos in a Tortilla
Leftover rotisserie chicken is the perfect protein to slide into that tortilla shell. Add in a sliver of avocado, some salsa, and a dollop of
sour cream for a yummy in your writers tummy!
Honestly, any leftover protein in the fridge is a delightful addition.
The Author Diary Project
We are preparing to have out initial meeting on December 9th and I am so excited. This is not a crafting project, although many of the authors are crafters. This is a year in the life of an author, what you write, how you live, and what you wish to share for those coming behind you. Your journal will prove to be a valuable resource for authors who want to understand what our lie are actually like on a daily basis. Hopefully, we can learn from each other.
There is still time to sign up -->https://forms.gle/djw7t1upUSLuQTK97
What happens to my completed diary?
At the end of 2024, and your diary is complete, we all head to the post office on January 3, 2025 to ship the diaries to the American Diary Project.
"The American Diary Project offers a permanent home for diaries to ensure the stories within them are not lost." American Diary Project
Come join the fun as we make history. Sign up here --> Click this.
Audio Books Galore!
Amazon has afforded me an opportunity to Beta Test the digitally narrated audio book app and I went for it.
Wait. I still have books being narrated by humans, but some of the older books from my back catalog can now be digitally produced. The first one I did was An Untitled Love. Get it here. https://amzn.to/3O3FIom
But I didn't stop here. I can deep discount these books for listeners since there is no overhead costs for production.
The Ticket https://amzn.to/3u3fTxD
Naima's Melody https://amzn.to/3vK6MSX
Just My Size https://amzn.to/47JIW7u
Being Mrs. Blakemore https://amzn.to/48Lrhxa
Book Signing
Saturday, March 16th AT 5:30 PM at the Laney Museum. This will fill up fast. Find out more about our historical museum here: The Lucy Craft Laney Museum Of Black History | Augusta's Premiere Destination for Black History https://lucycraftlaneymuseum.com/
The Perfect- I Can Really Use This Item!
It's a puzzle maker. Imagine, your book cover. A small gift box. Cheap to produce. The perfect gift for a reader.
Meet Dr. Peter Brown
I can't wait for you to read this book. Coming February 2024
"Show Me" is a novel that delves into the beauty of faith, the power of companionship, and the transformative journey of self-acceptance. Join Kimbrae and Peter on their extraordinary adventure as they navigate the boundaries of love and faith, ultimately discovering the true essence of their identities.
Discover the irresistible charm of "Show Me" and let its pages transport you to a realm of love, desire, and self-realization as we load up the camper and point the nose of the truck towards Missouri.
Pre-Order Here: ->https://amzn.to/3s00pt4
https://books2read.com/u/mvNkWJ
Imagine this with an air plant, or even a succulent. This little pot is the perfect desk addition. Not a great deal of work, nice and simple, and cleans the air while you're exhaling in frustration.
Happy Reading,
(Olivia earns commissions from Amazon)
