TAYLOR’S TIPS for a more productive you…
Okay, it’s a new year, and we’re already a month and a half into it. Time for…wait for it…nope, not resolutions. It’s time for a word for the year. If you haven’t done it, here’s how it works.
A lot of us pick one word that becomes our focus for the entire 365 days. It can be something you strive for, or something that you feel encompasses where you are. For everyone, a word is special and means something unique.
Here’s mine:
P R E S E N T
It means many things to me:
Be PRESENT in the moment. This is difficult when my head is elsewhere and I’m supposed to be in a conversation with someone … like my spouse. Geesh. That’s not the time to be thinking about what a character in my novel is going to do next. So I’m working on staying present in the moment.
A PRESENT is just that. A gift. It’s something I can give myself, like a cinnamon swirl latte for a treat, or a long bubble bath, or even an hour reading a riveting book. I deserve special time too. A present can be given to others of love, time, caring, but we must also give those things to ourselves.
Live in the PRESENT. That means not in the past, where sadness occurred, or happiness was euphoric. And not in the future where we think life will be easy if we only win the lottery or our kids get their lives together, or when health problems are resolved. Nope, this means living in the now with all of its messiness.
Admit we are a PRESENT. It’s hard to think of ourselves as important. I was brought up not to “toot my own horn,” and so it’s difficult for me to acknowledge that I have gifts that God gave me. But God didn’t give me those gifts to hide them under a bush. Nope, he wants me to share and the best way I know how to do that is to help, teach, speak, encourage, support, write, and love.
That’s my word for 2018.
What’s your word for this year?
Hugs and love, and blessings on your work.
Follow your dreams…
B.J.
http://amzn.to/1H3PxWy
What’s Going On:
#1. I’m re-energized. Getting excited about working on the novel I’ve been stewing on for a long time. Outlining in my head, then putting it down on paper for a rough draft. Started a beginning chapter as well. Probably won’t keep it, but it’s a start. How about you? What are you working on?
#2 The Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference is in March. I’m teaching a Major Morning Track on Writing Nonfiction—along with a stand-alone class on writing for the Guideposts contest. Why attend a writers conference? Tons of info to learn, authors to hob-nob with, editors to meet, publishers to pitch. And how about the spiritual element of a fantastic location where God feels as close as the stained glass windows in the tiny chapel overlooking all of the activities? So much is included in the conference fees. Check it out. www.writers.mounthermon.org.
Life is Good!
This review is from:
Writing True Stories: Using the Winning Formula P MS to a T
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
By Myrtle Thompson on September 19, 2017
This is an excellent help, simple to read and understand. Thanks, B J Taylor.
THANK YOU for taking the time to post a review!
Wishing you all the success you hope for,
B.J.
This review is from:
Charlie Bear: What a Headstrong Rescue Dog Taught Me about Life, Love, and Second Chances
5.0 out of 5 stars Charlie Bear…We all need second chances
By Wendy on October 15, 2017
I picked up Charlie Bear thinking I would read a little and finish later. I read it all that night. An easy to read book that will capture your heart, make you smile, cause your eyes to release dams of water and mysteriously make you believe you can smell, taste and feel the same love and affection that these two humans are going through. Thank you B.J. for sharing your feelings and your ability to put them down in such beautiful words. A must read for any dog owner……you might even learn something as you’re being entertained, I did. Wendy Kreta
THANK YOU for taking the time to post a review!
Hugs, B.J. (and Charlie Bear…woof) * * * * * *
B.J. Taylor
bj@bjtaylor.com
www.bjtaylor.com
www.bjtaylor.com/blog
I love how you wrote about present in different ways. You’re a present to me– because you’re present with me when we’re talking on the phone.
My word is Give. I’m liking it so far this year. The words Love and Surrender taught me so much. And Dance was a great word too!
I’m thinking about you teaching again at MH and smiling. 🙂
Love how you enjoy your words, even after they are behind you and a new one is PRESENT. Ha ha. Couldn’t resist.
You GIVE so much to others. And now you are giving to you. I like that. Looking forward to our crystallizing goal of 2-21.
Great post, B.J. Saw it earlier and am still working on “my word” but think PERSISTENCE may be closest. To keep at It, whatever I’m doing, whether cleaning out another room for our major move, to writing and a the parts of that-‘ to keep going until I finish. No procrastination. Tackle jobs until they’re done. You get the idea.
Meanwhile, congratulations on teaching a morning track at Mt. Hermon!! A major goal for you! So proud of You! Hug Kay & Dan for me. Will be waiting to hear all about it. 💗
Hi Jean, I think Persistence is a wonderful word. You have it in abundance. Thanks for the kudos on teaching and I will for sure give Kay and Dan hugs for you at Mount Hermon!