Abby, you wrote of several things which we share in common with one another in this newsletter. I haven't been on Substacks much at all in several weeks because of unexpected life-changing events which were happening within my life. Then 7 days ago my husband and I came down with COVID and we have both been very sick with it. This morning is the first day I woke up completely fever free in a week and while I still have a bit more recuperating to nurture, I am finally able to concentrate while reading again! (It is excruciatingly painful for me to not be able to read when I am sick!) So....upon deciding what I wanted to begin my reading with today, I opened your email to read your newsletter and am so happy that I did as again, I related to so much of what you shared! I agree with you; there are signs in life.
Trust is an essential in life and it must begin with trust in ourselves first and foremost. Trust is so important to me in so many areas of my life, most importantly in relationships. I love your words in your journal and your porch light coming on in that exact moment! I have James Clear's book and I receive his weekly email which he sends out every Thursday. He's wonderful. After being sick with COVID on Christmas, my husband and I are looking forward to ordering out for a nice dinner to be delivered to our home and hoping our tastebuds have returned so that we can truly enjoy our meal together. There were other things I found we share in common in your newsletter and I am grateful for you, your writing and your sharing. You added much to my good morning for which I am grateful for. 🙏💙
Hi Susan! I so appreciate that you took the time to read my newsletter and also to write this comment. Especially given how sick you've been, I know it takes energy and focus to do those, so thank you. I'm so glad you related to what I shared. That's part of the trust that goes into writing. It's not listening to the part of me that thinks: nobody is going to care about my ramblings. Thank you for validating that it's okay to be authentic and show up exactly as I am. I hope you and your husband continue to recover and have a wonderful dinner together and a happy New Year. xo
I just got your message- I was busy sending your column link to two very like-minded friends when it arrived. Building you a fan base (adding to my karma). One will surely embrace your word-"Faith"
abby, loved reading this and you have inspired me to ask myself some questions that I might not have considered otherwise----since I ordered 2 new TIJ journals, and 2 new leather watercolor journals, my big dilemma is which one I am going to choose to use next----and should I just start today and abandon the pink moleskin journal I have been writing in for the past couple of months even though it is only half full? or wait until January 1 and start fresh and new then???? all these options and questions before I even write down my questions lol. so grateful for our friendship---love all your writing and sending loving thoughts for a happy healthy joyful trusting year xoxo Kimberly
Hi Kimberly! This makes me so happy. And I feel you on which one to use. I have so many journals I've started, including my TIJ journals. Suleika will be doing another New Year's journaling challenge this year and I plan to do that as well. I'm so grateful for our friendship as well, and so appreciative of the encouragement you've always given me to keep writing. It means so much to me. Happy New Year to you and your family! xoxo
Hey there- This was my introduction to you and your column-"I believe readers are drawn to the right book at the right time and the lessons here are more meaningful to me at this moment." this comment of yours rang true- I think you showed up in my email cuz, "woo, woo, "the universe had a plan. I'm glad you will be showing up regularly, I'm looking forward to meeting our writing goals (NOT resolutions) this year. My debut cozy mystery(I haven't the courage yet to attempt a memoir) is in production and should be available at the end of January for pre-order. Nancy Drew was an inspiration to me, so my protagonist is a 65 y/o Nancy Drew wannabe. It has been fun writing her adventures and creating her world, but the real work seems to be in promoting her story. So my New Year's wish for you is to embrace and enjoy the writing process- that is where the joy happens! Let's all grow in remarkable ways this coming year! Thanks for appearing in my email this morning- I needed that alignment of my attitude.
Hi Kathy! Thank you so much for this beautiful affirmation of the woo-woo at work. Your book sounds great and I look forward to reading it. Thanks, too, for the New Year's wish. I agree--let's all grow in remarkable ways. Have a wonderful New Year and I'm so glad to meet you.
Abby as you might know - Hyper vigilance has been my middle name ever since my daughter died from cancer at age 26, twenty-three years ago. Nothing felt safe after that. Numbers and Statistics lost all meaning to me. However, just this morning I was discussing with my husband how I feel a driving need to retire from that pathway of fear and reconnect with “the me”without those self imposed structures. To, as you described, rediscover that place of trust living within me. Watch out world, Pat Taylor unleashed, is a sight to behold.
Always a pleasure to wander through your brainwaves with you, Abby.
Considering I’ve only known the pre-unleashed (leashed?) Pat, who is pretty spectacular and courageous, I can’t wait to cheer on what’s next. Love you.
Happy New Year! I hadn't heard of picking a word before, but I also love taking time for self-reflection this time of year. I like the word trust. It runs counter to the typical resolution. It doesn't feel loaded down with expectation. As far as developing disciplines, it suggests slowing down instead of speeding up. I appreciate the connection you made, that creativity, friendships, and dreams all require trust. I think for me this year, slowing down to trust will mean cultivating friendships that inspire me as a writer, rather than rushing to achieve some goal like publication. How is the development of the arc coming along? How do you find your way back to trust when you slip into hypervigilance? Thanks for sharing your journey!
Hi Kim. Thanks for this. Yes, slowing down instead of speeding through everything. I’m well past developing the arc. It was more about identifying it (it was already a major part of my story) and then writing with it in mind. I’m pretty far along with the book.
What a beautiful arc! You didn’t mention, or I missed it, the results of learning to write a proposal and query? Still going? Happy New Year from one introvert under the covers to another! 😜
Hi Marika! Thank you! And thanks for asking about what happened next. I wrote a proposal and query letter and started querying agents at the end of June. In late July I signed with my agent. It happened so fast and she is wonderful. Now we are looking for a publisher for my memoir. That part’s not as fast! It’s been a lesson in patience and TRUST.
I love your substack friend as you may or not remember me. For the new year, I cracked open a new journal -- not Moleskin -- but I have a type that I like. In your corner, as I am also thinking of ways to create more whether it be knitting or writing. Many distractions in life like cable tv or other interests ; as we get older we sense that we have less time to get all the things we aspire to get done.
Hi Brenda! Of course I remember you! We go way back to the early days of TIJ. ❤️ I agree so much with what you wrote about feeling like there’s limited time for everything you want to do. And about all the distractions. One goal of mine is to get back to reading more again.
Abby, I always think I can’t possibly enjoy your posts more, until I read the next one!!
I feel like I share a brain with you! (Well, except you got the smarter, funnier half, but whatever!)
You even quoted my personal Guru, Michael Scott!! SO much juicy wisdom in here! I could list all that I loved, but I’d just be cutting and pasting the whole thing! ❤️❤️❤️ Love you!!!
Thank you for a thoughtful post and I love the word trust - if you must choose one 😊. I’m in the midst of reading David Brook’s new book l, “How to Know a Person” and have been considering the word illuminate because of the multitude of ways I can incorporate it daily and because it’s uplifting.
As for a recommendation of what to watch on New Year’s Eve, I propose All The Light We Cannot See. I know it’s a series, not a movie, but I think it’s amazing. Regardless, I wish you a wonderful holiday. 🤗
Thanks, Nancy! I love the word illuminate. It's in my description for Name Three Things (Illuminating hope in uncertain times). Thanks for the TV rec. I loved that book and forgot it was a series now. I will definitely check it out. Happy New Year to you!
You’re inspiring me to pick up my journal and imagine the new year!
Do it!
Abby, you wrote of several things which we share in common with one another in this newsletter. I haven't been on Substacks much at all in several weeks because of unexpected life-changing events which were happening within my life. Then 7 days ago my husband and I came down with COVID and we have both been very sick with it. This morning is the first day I woke up completely fever free in a week and while I still have a bit more recuperating to nurture, I am finally able to concentrate while reading again! (It is excruciatingly painful for me to not be able to read when I am sick!) So....upon deciding what I wanted to begin my reading with today, I opened your email to read your newsletter and am so happy that I did as again, I related to so much of what you shared! I agree with you; there are signs in life.
Trust is an essential in life and it must begin with trust in ourselves first and foremost. Trust is so important to me in so many areas of my life, most importantly in relationships. I love your words in your journal and your porch light coming on in that exact moment! I have James Clear's book and I receive his weekly email which he sends out every Thursday. He's wonderful. After being sick with COVID on Christmas, my husband and I are looking forward to ordering out for a nice dinner to be delivered to our home and hoping our tastebuds have returned so that we can truly enjoy our meal together. There were other things I found we share in common in your newsletter and I am grateful for you, your writing and your sharing. You added much to my good morning for which I am grateful for. 🙏💙
Hi Susan! I so appreciate that you took the time to read my newsletter and also to write this comment. Especially given how sick you've been, I know it takes energy and focus to do those, so thank you. I'm so glad you related to what I shared. That's part of the trust that goes into writing. It's not listening to the part of me that thinks: nobody is going to care about my ramblings. Thank you for validating that it's okay to be authentic and show up exactly as I am. I hope you and your husband continue to recover and have a wonderful dinner together and a happy New Year. xo
Enjoy your New Year with your two favorite people!
Great piece, Abby! Wishing you an authentic, empowered, organized new year!😉
Thanks, Marnie! All the best to you as well!
Trust is a great word. Wishing you a happy, healthy 2024 that's filled with trust!
Wishing you the same, my friend! xo
I just got your message- I was busy sending your column link to two very like-minded friends when it arrived. Building you a fan base (adding to my karma). One will surely embrace your word-"Faith"
Thank you! xo
abby, loved reading this and you have inspired me to ask myself some questions that I might not have considered otherwise----since I ordered 2 new TIJ journals, and 2 new leather watercolor journals, my big dilemma is which one I am going to choose to use next----and should I just start today and abandon the pink moleskin journal I have been writing in for the past couple of months even though it is only half full? or wait until January 1 and start fresh and new then???? all these options and questions before I even write down my questions lol. so grateful for our friendship---love all your writing and sending loving thoughts for a happy healthy joyful trusting year xoxo Kimberly
Hi Kimberly! This makes me so happy. And I feel you on which one to use. I have so many journals I've started, including my TIJ journals. Suleika will be doing another New Year's journaling challenge this year and I plan to do that as well. I'm so grateful for our friendship as well, and so appreciative of the encouragement you've always given me to keep writing. It means so much to me. Happy New Year to you and your family! xoxo
Hey there- This was my introduction to you and your column-"I believe readers are drawn to the right book at the right time and the lessons here are more meaningful to me at this moment." this comment of yours rang true- I think you showed up in my email cuz, "woo, woo, "the universe had a plan. I'm glad you will be showing up regularly, I'm looking forward to meeting our writing goals (NOT resolutions) this year. My debut cozy mystery(I haven't the courage yet to attempt a memoir) is in production and should be available at the end of January for pre-order. Nancy Drew was an inspiration to me, so my protagonist is a 65 y/o Nancy Drew wannabe. It has been fun writing her adventures and creating her world, but the real work seems to be in promoting her story. So my New Year's wish for you is to embrace and enjoy the writing process- that is where the joy happens! Let's all grow in remarkable ways this coming year! Thanks for appearing in my email this morning- I needed that alignment of my attitude.
Hi Kathy! Thank you so much for this beautiful affirmation of the woo-woo at work. Your book sounds great and I look forward to reading it. Thanks, too, for the New Year's wish. I agree--let's all grow in remarkable ways. Have a wonderful New Year and I'm so glad to meet you.
Abby as you might know - Hyper vigilance has been my middle name ever since my daughter died from cancer at age 26, twenty-three years ago. Nothing felt safe after that. Numbers and Statistics lost all meaning to me. However, just this morning I was discussing with my husband how I feel a driving need to retire from that pathway of fear and reconnect with “the me”without those self imposed structures. To, as you described, rediscover that place of trust living within me. Watch out world, Pat Taylor unleashed, is a sight to behold.
Always a pleasure to wander through your brainwaves with you, Abby.
Considering I’ve only known the pre-unleashed (leashed?) Pat, who is pretty spectacular and courageous, I can’t wait to cheer on what’s next. Love you.
Thanks, Abby. Floating on a sea of possibilities, the unleashing is all yet to be determined.
ALLOW ALLOW ALLOW
My word for 2024. I so get what you wrote. Thank you!
Yes! Love it!
Happy New Year! I hadn't heard of picking a word before, but I also love taking time for self-reflection this time of year. I like the word trust. It runs counter to the typical resolution. It doesn't feel loaded down with expectation. As far as developing disciplines, it suggests slowing down instead of speeding up. I appreciate the connection you made, that creativity, friendships, and dreams all require trust. I think for me this year, slowing down to trust will mean cultivating friendships that inspire me as a writer, rather than rushing to achieve some goal like publication. How is the development of the arc coming along? How do you find your way back to trust when you slip into hypervigilance? Thanks for sharing your journey!
Hi Kim. Thanks for this. Yes, slowing down instead of speeding through everything. I’m well past developing the arc. It was more about identifying it (it was already a major part of my story) and then writing with it in mind. I’m pretty far along with the book.
What a beautiful arc! You didn’t mention, or I missed it, the results of learning to write a proposal and query? Still going? Happy New Year from one introvert under the covers to another! 😜
Hi Marika! Thank you! And thanks for asking about what happened next. I wrote a proposal and query letter and started querying agents at the end of June. In late July I signed with my agent. It happened so fast and she is wonderful. Now we are looking for a publisher for my memoir. That part’s not as fast! It’s been a lesson in patience and TRUST.
So awesome! Wishing a lucky new year for us both, then! Hoping to query in June! 🤞🏼
I love your substack friend as you may or not remember me. For the new year, I cracked open a new journal -- not Moleskin -- but I have a type that I like. In your corner, as I am also thinking of ways to create more whether it be knitting or writing. Many distractions in life like cable tv or other interests ; as we get older we sense that we have less time to get all the things we aspire to get done.
Hi Brenda! Of course I remember you! We go way back to the early days of TIJ. ❤️ I agree so much with what you wrote about feeling like there’s limited time for everything you want to do. And about all the distractions. One goal of mine is to get back to reading more again.
Movie recommendation: Peter’s Friends. Takes place over New Year’s, funny, all the feels.
Thanks, Linda! Happy New Year!
Abby, I always think I can’t possibly enjoy your posts more, until I read the next one!!
I feel like I share a brain with you! (Well, except you got the smarter, funnier half, but whatever!)
You even quoted my personal Guru, Michael Scott!! SO much juicy wisdom in here! I could list all that I loved, but I’d just be cutting and pasting the whole thing! ❤️❤️❤️ Love you!!!
I love you. I thought of you when I talked about gel pens. And thank you for being the only one who got my Michael Scott joke.
❤️❤️❤️ I love that we both love gel pens and Michael Scott ! ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for a thoughtful post and I love the word trust - if you must choose one 😊. I’m in the midst of reading David Brook’s new book l, “How to Know a Person” and have been considering the word illuminate because of the multitude of ways I can incorporate it daily and because it’s uplifting.
As for a recommendation of what to watch on New Year’s Eve, I propose All The Light We Cannot See. I know it’s a series, not a movie, but I think it’s amazing. Regardless, I wish you a wonderful holiday. 🤗
Thanks, Nancy! I love the word illuminate. It's in my description for Name Three Things (Illuminating hope in uncertain times). Thanks for the TV rec. I loved that book and forgot it was a series now. I will definitely check it out. Happy New Year to you!
Thank you for an inspiring post 🫶
Thanks Paolo!