Expect the Unexpected!

The beginning of a New Year is always something to look forward to with a fresh new outlook. It’s a time for resolutions, new behaviors, and/or ridding ourselves of the negative ... And preparation time to expect the unexpected.

I recently returned from the States, and I learned not to expect things. While visiting, I had a calendar of expectations, but the unexpected happened. It was a realization that I should always prepare for the unexpected, not just focus on what I want but what could possibly be.    

If there’s one thing I learned during my visit is that everyone is busy, and even though plans are set, the unexpected sometimes pops up. Time doesn’t wait for anyone. It was a wakeup call, and a lesson that while other people’s lives continue on, I also have a life that I must get on with in order to succeed.

When I lived and worked in the United States, my life was completely different than it is now, living and working as a self-published author in Germany. It’s more relaxed, and my husband and I get to spend a lot of time together due to his job and vacation time. I was blessed to get to write full-time and work on my publications, but I also have to admit that I can easily stray from my job—procrastination is one of my weaknesses.

But I feel that 2014 will bring me lots of wonderful life experiences, and writing successes. Like all New Years, I’ve made a few resolutions as a guide. Here they are:

Writing and Publication

1)  I hope to make 2 blog posts a week.

2)  I hope to keep up and follow more bloggers.

3)  If anything, I hope to connect with more writers.

4)  My women’s fiction novel, Fogged Up Fairy Tale will be published by the summer.

5)  I’ll republish my past books under my new imprint.

6)  I will research and learn different ways to promote and market my book(s).

Personal

1)  I won’t be returning to the States this year, but instead, focus on my success.

2)  I’ll get a new domain for my imprint and recreate my website.

3)  Each day, I’ll thank God for something I’m grateful for in my life.

4)  I’ll lose more weight.

5)  This year will be a year of travel.

6)  I plan on getting to know other people in Germany, so I can build a community of friends here.

Have you made any resolutions?

I wish you all a wonderful New Years. May you achieve your resolutions.

Resolutions and the Unexpected,

Bea

A Year less Ordinary

This past year has been full of what I’d refer to as a ‘year less ordinary’. I finally met the man I’ve waited my whole life for and in that search—I found myself. I’ve changed being with him, and I look forward to our long future. Although we have many challenges ahead, we are committed to facing those challenges together.

Looking back on childhood and this past year, it has opened my eyes to my relationship with my siblings and my mother—who they are, and who I’ve become. I’ve never had a better relationship with my mother until now—she’s become a dear friend. We basically talk every day, and I have an appreciation for all she has sacrificed and all she still does for me. As for my siblings, at one time we stuck together, but as adults we’re in our own worlds, doing our own things. It saddens me that my siblings and I don’t communicate much, don’t appreciate each other, and that we left our ‘pretend’ days so many years ago. But we all have one life, and we must do what is right for ‘us’. Over the holiday season, we will see each other, and after that will follow almost another year of separation, if not more. Maybe in time we’ll find each other again—until then—I will continue to embrace my wonderful life.

I will be returning to the States this week, and will be without a computer for several weeks. It’s a time for me to spend with family and friends. I’ve been away for 9 weeks, but my year less ordinary started much sooner. The man I’m with was unable to find a job as a teacher in the United States, so after his summer break, he returned to Germany since he still had a job there as a teacher. Instead of us carrying on our relationship another year through computers, I decided to quit my job to be with him. In October, we flew back to Germany together, and since then, I had the pleasure of meeting his family and exploring parts of Europe. When 2009 rolled into 2010, I never imagined living a year less ordinary.

As this year comes to a close, I’m looking forward to another unexpected year. After the New Year, we will return to Germany where I’ll continue with my writing, he'll return to teaching and we'll continue to explore Europe. Since I won’t be around for several weeks, I want to wish you all a safe and wonderful Holiday Season. I hope Santa brings you everything you want, and that the New Year brings you good fortune. 

If you have time, please leave a comment regarding some things that happened to you through the course of the year.

Merry Christmas, my friends, and Happy New Year!