December 20, 2022

 

Note From Rochelle

 

Dear Writers,

 

I’m off for the holidays! But while I’m out of the office, I hope you’ll consider signing up for one of my writing groups.

My Writing Accountability Group is back. This is an amazing way to stay committed to your writing and learn more about you and your writing life and style:

Today’s post offers a guide to reflect on 2022 and begin to plan for next year.

Happy writing,

Rochelle, the Write Now! Coach

 

What Sparked Joy?

by Rochelle Melander

 

I’ve been working on a difficult writing assignment this week. In between writing essays, I sort through junk in the basement, trying to clear clutter. As I look through my stuff, I’ve been using Marie Kondo’s question: Does it spark joy?

 

It’s a good question to ask of our life as well.

 

Think about your life in the past year, and list all the things you did. This will include your writing work, but also your work, your social life, your health practices, and everything else. It can help to be specific—so instead of just listing writing, note specific projects and assignments, classes, and critique groups.

 

Reflect on the following questions. Be as specific as possible.

+When were you engaged with your work?

+What activities put you in a state of flow?

+What sparked joy?

+What tasks energized you?

 

+What tasks did you procrastinate?

+What goals did you forget about?

+What tasks did you dread?

+What drained you?

 

Once you have your list of experiences and how they affected you, look at them and ask:

+What would you like to do more of?

+What would you like to let go or do less of?

 

That’s it for this week! I’ll have more questions to transform your life next week. Happy reflecting and happy writing!