IWSG: Let It Go! … Starting 2015 Without the Baggage

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Wednesday, January 07, 2015

IWSG: Let It Go! … Starting 2015 Without the Baggage

Over the holidays I finally watched Frozen (I think I was one of the last holdouts!). Cute movie, great animation, heavy rotation songs, but the message resonated: Carrying around the pain, perceived failures and wrongs of the past snowballs into a crushing weight that becomes impossible to carry. We place this burden upon our own shoulders by allowing it to overshadow our dreams, our self-talk and motivation. This year, my resolutions don’t revolve around what I plan to obtain, but rather, what I plan to leave behind (over and above those pesky holiday pounds!). This right-on-the-money motivator will be hanging above my laptop:



I’ve felt burdened by all seven at one time or another, but last year, in particular, I found myself bemoaning missed opportunities that brought others success. I didn’t follow through, I failed to catch the boat in time, I was too late to ride the first big wave, etc. etc. In 2015, instead of beating myself up about the coulda, shoulda, wouldas, I’m focusing on making the most of what’s in MY career path . . . that hefty backlist to be mined, doors to the Big 5 still open, the just tested waters of self-pubbing. 2015 will be a year of looking ahead, not back. My year of letting go.



So, which of the Seven Deadly Sins have you suffered from, and how do you plan to let them go?

One of the very unique and cool things I did do in 2014 was to participate in the Insecure Writers Support Group Guide to Publishing and Beyond project with an article on career steps. If you haven’t downloaded this free (let me say that again, FREE!) collection of inspiration and advice from over 100 authors regarding writing at every level, give it to yourself as a primer for a great 2015.



Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time.

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Twitter hashtag is #IWSG


20 comments

  1. What a great list of what to leave behind! I've often thought about the boat I missed. Like not writing back in the 80s like so many big name authors (like you). But then it wasn't the right time for me. BTW, I can tell you don't have a granddaughter if you're just now seeing Frozen. LOL

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    1. I was a day late, dollar short even back in the '80s! Timing is everything.

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  2. Awesome advice, Nancy! I spend way too much time worrying about catching up rather than just moving forward. Love the sign - I'll have to copy it for myself! And Diane, I have seven granddaughters and I haven't seen Frozen yet! But that's because only one granddaughter is under age 13, and her parents have the DVD and watch it with her often enough. So grandma just watches clips on YouTube!

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  3. I was one of the last holdouts on Frozen, too, and I just watched it over Christmas break. :) I made tons of mistakes this year in my writing career, but I'm ready to regroup, "let it go" and tackle 2015. Best wishes for a fantastic year!

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    1. They're not mistakes, Kristen. They're learning tools (snort!).

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  4. I went to see Frozen with my oldest daughter when it first came out. And have been totally immersed in it, through my granddaughter, ever since. Got the DVD for my birthday! That being said, while I also own all seven downfalls, my major sticking points are doubting myself and negative thinking. I'm a real pro at those! Oh and missing that boat. Uh-huh! On the up side, I downloaded the IWSG 'workbook'. Thanks for the tip, Nancy!

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    1. There's tons of great stuff in there. I haven't begun to scratch the surface yet.

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  5. I haven't seen Frozen yet (see, you're not the last), so thanks for the clip. I've heard about the song but hadn't seen this or heard the entire song. Also thanks for the list. Perfect. Now I need to make my "Letting Go" list.

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  6. I am guilty of all of them. But you're right, they need to be let go. The future is where you need to focus. Love the book covers. They're gorgeous!

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    1. Thanks RE the covers! The cover gods have smiled on me.

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  7. I still haven't seen Frozen. I think I'm trying to hide from this one. I spent years with the Barney movies and TV shows and feel like I can stop for a bit!

    In all seriousness, your list is amazing and one I need to have tattooed on my arm. I am horrible at all of them and really do more than my share! I will have to have you keep me on the right track this year as you keep yourself on the track! You can be my inspiration! All the best!!

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    1. I may need a push from time to time to stay on it myself! I got your back, Melissa!

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  8. I have a lot of those issues. Procrastination is my big one right now. And criticizing myself. And saying yes. And, okay, let's just face it, they're all a problem for me right now. Good luck as you face those shoulda, coulda wouldas this year!

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    1. Thanks Shannon! I'll take all the luck I can get.

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  9. Those are great things to give up. I think I suffer from all of them. Wonderful, thought provoking post. Thanks.

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  10. I need to Let go of few of those myself!
    My eight year old daughter lets me watch Frozen with her on a regular basis.

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    1. When my son was 8, it was the Lion King! Know every song by heart!

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  11. I'm guilty of all of the above but especially need to work on #2, 3, 4, & 5 for sure. I'm copying that list to go above my computer. Thanks for another great wake up call, Nancy!

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  12. My daughter love this movie and watch it over many times with ME.

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