Happy January 2022, Friends!

New Years Resolutions - some folks love them, others hate them. Which are you? The latter for me. I'm not in the habit of intentionally listing goals. Yet, when several ladies in my writing accountability group decided to take a webinar on Goal Setting, I joined them thanks to FOMO (fear of missing out.)

First, we listed our 2021 Wins, Regrets, What Helped, What Hindered, and Grateful For. These answers primed the pump to more easily consider 2022 goals. The exercise was encouraging to my heart. Surprisingly, my list of wins was longer than my list of regrets.

My "wins" included publishing my first book in April 2021, building a new website, begin writing newsletters, honing my writing craft in various ways, and last but not least, being creative with Gregg on some home renovation projects. My "regrets" included allowing indecision and the fear of not "doing it right" to paralyze me from moving forward.

What helped was joining that small group of Hope*Writers online as we individually write at the same time. Knowing someone is expecting to see me has made a huge difference in my writing consistency. They are a blessing as they offer excellent feedback on my writing.

Question to self: What is the harm if I set a goal, work towards it, and yet don't meet it "on time" or as expected? I can learn through that process, too. Win, win! I hope I keep this grace-filled truth in mind all year.

PICTURE BOOK NEWS

Topping my goals list is complete the "Aunt Kitten" book. I'd love to have it available by summer.

For a sneak peek look at my children's book WIP (work in progress - the final draft may look differently) and three free printables to celebrate a unique child in your life, click here.​

PONDERING FRIEND TO FRIEND

Where are you on your faith journey? Are you finding growth to be a straight line? Or, like me, realizing that there are seasons, just like the world in which we live.

Why can't we live in a perpetual faith-summer where everything is growing beautifully? The changing leaves in the fall bring their own kind of beauty. But I always disliked "naked trees" until recently. Those naked trees only LOOK dead. They are very busy preparing for new growth.

Read my post, sharing some of my faith journey with Communion, Covid, and Rethinking Church here.​

ICE CREAM ENTHUSIASTS/TRAVEL

Ice Cream Trail Time! The week before Christmas, Gregg and I explored the Florida Panhandle, searching for delicious ice cream. Check out my blog to find out which 10 ice cream shops we visited. The first post is here.

My first Sundae Sunday post on Instagram is here. Spoiler alert, it involved Butterfinger candy bars. Yum!

WRITING

Writing continues to make my heart sing, thanks to the teachings, support, and encouragement I receive through Hope*Writers, an online group of writers of all stages.

Hope*Writers will be open for new members January 24-28, 2022.

AND, they will be offering the first 30 days free to give you time to see if their online library, weekly teachings, Facebook page, and Hope*Circles are a resource worth your investment. If you are interested in learning more, I'd love to chat! Just hit reply to this email and ask away!

To take a writing stage quiz and get a preview of Hope*Writers, click here.

If you'd like to participate in an Instagram Writing Challenge January 17-21, sign up for email reminders of the word-for-the-day prompt here.​

Thanks for hanging out with me!

Remember, if it seems too cold to eat ice cream, wrap it in a hot fudge blanket and you'll be good to go!

Kristin Emily

​www.KristinEmilyFriend.com​

Note: If you choose to make a purchase after clicking one of my Hope*Writer links, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

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