I love how growth often takes shapes we would not have predicted. This is a great reminder to check in on the ways we may have improved that we didn't intend. Thank you, Lou.
Hi Mark. That's it exactly. In the past, I tend to look for the big signs of improvement and growth, and often missed the tiny ways I've made things better for me or my life. Thank you for sharing your thoughts! Cheers.
What a great question. How did I grow last year? I think I am getting better at not being so attached to the outcome. I had set a goal that the professional draft of my book would be done by the end of 2025...not even close. But, I am still enjoying the process, so I'm choosing to focus on that.
Ive had a similar year Lou. I thought my writing would be: find a topic, do some research, bang out an article but I was wrong. I have been learning to reach inside, ask myself real questions, sit and wait for answers, write, ask more questions… It’s a rest of life journey.
Lou - the power to say "no" must be in the air - I posted an article over the weekend on "no" - in addition to being a full sentence, it can also have its own life cycle. At this point, we are saying "no" in order to grow, as you point out. Down the road, we may need others to help us use the word and the concept productively.
I love how you said it Jane, "saying no in order to grow". I also think being able to comfortably and confidently say "no" is growth in itself! Cheers.
Lou, this is fantastic growth as a writer. I admire these leaps you've made. They inspire me to consider how I might improve my writing. My growth rarely occurs where I think it will. The Universe seems to have its own plan!
I'm actually surprised & pleased with my "growth" in the last year. I will be celebrating my 80th birthday in August '26, and I've finally become content -- content with doing less, not trying to prove anything or not trying to save the world. It's a wonderful new feeling.
Hi Jan! This is going to be a milestone year for you! High five on getting to the content feeling and owning it! I hope to follow in your footsteps. Cheers.
Yes! Storytelling is more of who I am. Poetry tends to scare others a bit, this is why I describe my first book in this way. Like talking to a friend. This is an approach I have learned to love!
That is awesome, Kristine. (I'm one of those people who's scared of poetry 🤦🏻♀️) But it's so great that you've found your personal way to writing! Cheers!
I think I am still growing up and getting more comfortable with being more emotionally open - as you write. I came to the realization in 2025 that I am an introvert so I think that plays into my hesitation to lay everything out there all at once. This is one area I hope to work on this year.
Hi Jenn. I'm so with you! What worked for me was every time I finished an essay, I'd ask myself, "What's one area here that I could share something personal?" That's where I started. Cheers!
I love how growth often takes shapes we would not have predicted. This is a great reminder to check in on the ways we may have improved that we didn't intend. Thank you, Lou.
Hi Mark. That's it exactly. In the past, I tend to look for the big signs of improvement and growth, and often missed the tiny ways I've made things better for me or my life. Thank you for sharing your thoughts! Cheers.
My pleasure, Lou. It's a great piece.
What a great question. How did I grow last year? I think I am getting better at not being so attached to the outcome. I had set a goal that the professional draft of my book would be done by the end of 2025...not even close. But, I am still enjoying the process, so I'm choosing to focus on that.
🙌 🙌 🙌
One day, I will be able to proudly claim I grew in that area, too! LOL. Cheers, Kaarin!
Ive had a similar year Lou. I thought my writing would be: find a topic, do some research, bang out an article but I was wrong. I have been learning to reach inside, ask myself real questions, sit and wait for answers, write, ask more questions… It’s a rest of life journey.
LOVE THIS, Robyn! Exactly my experience too! Isn't it great?
Lou - the power to say "no" must be in the air - I posted an article over the weekend on "no" - in addition to being a full sentence, it can also have its own life cycle. At this point, we are saying "no" in order to grow, as you point out. Down the road, we may need others to help us use the word and the concept productively.
I love how you said it Jane, "saying no in order to grow". I also think being able to comfortably and confidently say "no" is growth in itself! Cheers.
Lou, this is fantastic growth as a writer. I admire these leaps you've made. They inspire me to consider how I might improve my writing. My growth rarely occurs where I think it will. The Universe seems to have its own plan!
The Universe always has its own plan, doesn't it? Now, if it can only sync up with mine, all will be grand. LOL. Thank you so much. Cheers!
I'm actually surprised & pleased with my "growth" in the last year. I will be celebrating my 80th birthday in August '26, and I've finally become content -- content with doing less, not trying to prove anything or not trying to save the world. It's a wonderful new feeling.
Hi Jan! This is going to be a milestone year for you! High five on getting to the content feeling and owning it! I hope to follow in your footsteps. Cheers.
Yes! Storytelling is more of who I am. Poetry tends to scare others a bit, this is why I describe my first book in this way. Like talking to a friend. This is an approach I have learned to love!
That is awesome, Kristine. (I'm one of those people who's scared of poetry 🤦🏻♀️) But it's so great that you've found your personal way to writing! Cheers!
Thanks, Lou! I have found that just writing a story in more relatable. Stories, Memories, Inspiration Etc
I think I am still growing up and getting more comfortable with being more emotionally open - as you write. I came to the realization in 2025 that I am an introvert so I think that plays into my hesitation to lay everything out there all at once. This is one area I hope to work on this year.
Hi Jenn. I'm so with you! What worked for me was every time I finished an essay, I'd ask myself, "What's one area here that I could share something personal?" That's where I started. Cheers!