As hard as it is to believe, it’s January 1st once again! Time to set new resolutions and goals. Remember, they are two different things. I like to think of them like this: Resolutions are the “big-picture” plans, while goals are the small, measurable steps you take to accomplish those plans.

2021 Resolutions – The Results

“Get an agent” was my lone 2021 resolution. (Or “dream,” as I called it in my Did You Know I set an Extra-Large Dream for 2021.) I also had a list of goals (steps to follow) to reach that dream. Unfortunately, from almost the moment I made the resolution, my world turned upside down. As the saying goes, life happened while I was making plans.

I spent what amounted to two of the first three months of the year in Texas, helping my family deal with illness. After that, one thing—or ten—blocked my getting-an-agent path. It wasn’t until early October, when I made a major life decision, I realized the more appropriate saying for my life this year came from Proverbs 16:9 (KJV). “A man’s heart deviseth his way: But the Lord directeth his steps.”

With the clarity of hindsight, I realize now there was a purpose to what I saw as stumbling blocks. Had I gotten an agent, 2022 would be an extremely stressful year because of my life decision.

Oh, the decision? After spending half my life in Tennessee, I’m moving home to Texas. My brother-in-law, a builder, is going to build my “forever” home. (Which will include a library/writing office!) That means lots of homework. And numerous trips back and forth from Tennessee to Texas this year. The ride’s barely begun, but it’s already a bit like jumping on a speeding train and holding on for dear life.

Resolution Reality

About a month after I’d made my decision to move, the excitement of building my house battled with the disappointment of postponing my agent search. The reality was clear—it could easily be a year before I return to finding an agent. But my disappointment didn’t last long. A sweet Facebook friend posted the following: I don’t know who needs to see this but Isaiah 60:22 says, “When the time is right, I the Lord, will make it happen.” Sleep in peace tonight, God is in control. (Thanks, Sherial, I needed to see that.)

While I never questioned my decision to move—I knew it was right from the moment I made it—I hated how it would affect my writing. Yes, I’ve faithfully written and posted my Did You Knows weekly, but my fiction writing suffered during the crazy year that was 2021. That’s not going to change until after I get into my new house, sometime next October or November. Until then, I’ll enjoy this brief detour—and brief it will be, the way time flies—before jumping back on the get-an-agent track.

2022 Resolutions

My 2022 resolutions are simple. I’m going to close the chapter on my Tennessee life and open a new one (or renewed one) in Texas. I’ll continue to write and post my Did You Knows and try my hand at writing short stories and articles. Later, when the time is right, I’ll get that agent and forge ahead with my fiction writing career.

Whatever 2022 resolutions you set, dream big, but be ready to pick yourself up and regroup when life throws those unexpected curve balls. Remember, believe in yourself and anything is possible!