As another newsletter approached, I sat at my computer and wondered what I should share this month. Last month, I didn’t have the heart to write anything so I just shared book recommendations.
“Why didn’t you have the heart to write anything?” the reader asks.
Five days before the release of my December newsletter, we suffered a huge loss in my family. My dad had a hard fall and passed away quite suddenly. December passed in a blur and quite honestly, January has been quite a blur as well. I’m doing a little better than I was in December, but the grief is still quite fresh; however, I’ve made it my mission this year not to waste a single day because life is too short to waste even a single second. I could let grief pull me into its dark miry pit, but what good would that do me or my family?
I do have to let grief run its course, but it is important to be aware of myself and my emotions and ensure I’m grieving in a healthy manner. Well, as healthy a manner as one can anyway. I let myself feel when I need to feel and what I need to feel. I’m not suppressing it, but I am also not letting it overwhelm my life to the point I can’t function. I don’t let myself dwell in the darkness. If I need to get mad, I get mad. If I need to cry, I cry. If I need to blame God, I blame God. I do what I need to do to work through the complex emotions that come with grief.
I have come to realize though, as mentioned above, that life is short. My husband died when he was 66, and my dad died when he was 80. I’m 47 now and up until a few years ago, I was running the usual rat race, never excelling and never trying to succeed really. Happy to be coasting. When my husband died, I realized I didn’t want to coast anymore, as comfortable as that may be. And now, with my dad passing away, I realize even more how little time I have left, and I honestly don’t want to waste it. None of us should waste the time we have.
I started working on my goals, such as writing and publishing. I’ve learned how to self-publish and while I’m not perfect at everything I do, I am learning more and more every day.
I’ve also taken to reading more non-fiction books, which I never really bothered with before, except a few faith-based books. Currently I’m reading Patrick Stewart’s book, “Making It So,” as well as a few audiobooks about entrepreneurs because I want to excel at what I do and not just coast this time around. One thing I’ve learned is that those who succeed don’t allow themselves to be distracted by things that, in the great scheme of things, don’t do anything for them or benefit them in any way.
They don’t waste time scrolling through endless videos that don’t have any meaning other than to entertain. What do they do instead? They spend the time learning a new skill that will help them reach for their goals. That doesn’t mean they don’t have fun. They do, but they are focused at being the best version of themselves and choose to do what benefits their future.
I wasn’t doing that. I wasn’t putting money away for my retirement. I wasn’t actively attempting to get out of debt. I wasn't bettering my future. And why not? I was coasting. I wanted to keep things simple and not focus on anything that might cause me to get stressed because my life was stressful, but now I realize I can't afford to coast anymore and I don't want to, but things don't change if you don't make a solid plan. A plan is necessary if you want to succeed at anything.
15 days have gone by in 2025, and I’ve slowly started building my plan and focusing my energy on things that will help me grow. I’ve downloaded a few non-fiction books into my audible and so on my long drives home from work, I can listen to an audiobook, and even though my brain doesn’t process audible words as easily as words on a page, I should still acquire some knowledge. *lol* After all, if we don’t do anything, nothing changes, right? If we always do things the same way, we can’t expect things to change.
And this is a year where I can orchestrate that change, but only if I do what it takes. Life is too short for coasting. Now’s the time to act. So who’s with me? Are you going to make positive changes too? If so, email me. Message me on Facebook. I’d love to hear from you.
xoxo,
Patricia
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Did you get your copy yet?
Reid McCloud isn't new to finding treasure on his private beach, but when the latest one turns out to only exist in mythology, he learns his past isn't what he thought it was, making his future change forever.
Is he ready to dive into the truth, or will it be too much for this small island cowboy?
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Reading Recommendations
Separated by loss. . .reunited by duty…
When Lieutenant Ambrosia “Sia” Soto returns from an investigation into a “pilot error” case aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. James McCloud, she comes face to face with NCIS Special Agent and former lover, Christophe Vargas, the man who was involved in an F-18 Fighter Jet accident that took her brother’s life six years ago. But when another incident aboard the carrier involves the death of a senator’s son whose plane crashed into the deck on a routine training mission, she’s now required to return to the carrier with Chris in tow to face a cunning and dangerous foe. Bombarded both personally and professionally, Sia must trust her instincts and suppress the feelings that surface for her enigmatic and sexy partner.
Thank you and happy reading!!!
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Thank you for all of your support! I truly appreciate you! Until next time,
Patricia
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