SHOWING UP - www.melodyfowler.com

2012 is upon us, a new year, a chance to begin again with a clean slate. Somehow when January arrives everyone has the burning urge to make changes, everything from health to finances, and I am part of the everyone. I prefer to look at these changes as goals rather than resolutions. Unfortunately that takes the pressure off. If I am being real about my "goals," it gives me a way out. The time has come, I don't want a way out. Do or die. I have found that if I make a list of things I wish to accomplish I have a much better shot and getting at least some of them done. The commitment on paper, it binds us somehow. However, for the last handful of years I have set out to complete my novel, and before I knew it the year was up and once again "complete novel" arrived on my goal list for the following year. Why does this cycle keep repeating? It isn't because I don't know where to go with the story, or that I'm too busy, or I'm uninspired... it is because I am not showing up. If you don't show up every day and put the time in it isn't going to happen. I refuse to cheat myself or anyone this year. This year's goal list will be honoured like my marriage certificate, both pieces of paper symbolic of commitment. I am putting a little ADDED pressure on myself committing to everyone reading this in cyber-space. I have an Author's page on Amazon.com and on there is reads "novel to be released 2013." Show up. Make it happen. I am a person of my word and I am giving you my word. I encourage all of you to make that list yourself, and if you feel brave enough comment on here with something you want to make part of 2012. Let's show up and make it happen.