In February of 2018 I started writing. I had always wanted to write, but never had the self-confidence to put the words out into the world. I stumbled on the Word of the Day and finally discovered a reason to write. I used this word for inspiration, but also as an excuse to write. It no longer mattered if I had a “reason” to write. The Word of the Day was my reason.
A couple months later, I was finishing my first book (Thriving Not Surviving: Bravely Pursue a Life That Will Blow Your Mind!) which was published at the end of April 2018. I was working obsessively on it and couldn’t think of anything else.
The publishing of this book led me to starting my novel (which remains unfinished, but not abandoned). I love what I’ve written and the novel will become a trilogy…some day.
But since then I’ve been pursuing my dreams…I’ve been looking at my life and making decisions that will lead me to the future I’ve always wanted. I’ve decided that I’m going to take control, live my life with a vengeance and start doing the things that I’ve always wanted to do.
Since making that decision amazing things have happened. I’ve started writing with my sister on Accessible ABA. With this website I’m learning, I’m creating, and most importantly I’m writing. We published our first book (6 Step Behavior Change Process) and the companion journal. We’ve started sending a weekly newsletter and have many plans for the future.
But there’s more! Because of how motivating it has been working with my sister, how we feed off each other and keep each other moving forward, I reached out to the WordPress community and started the Best Life Collaborative. We now have about 15 members who are all coming together to support each other. We are still working out how this group with best support its members but we’re already benefiting from coming together. In fact, this collaborative has led me to another new project from a member who I invited to join. I know her tangentially from real life…I knew her enough to know she would be interested in joining the team.
But I know her much better now. Just yesterday she asked me to help her write her story. She has lived through a lot – abuse, PTSD, drugs, drinking – and has come out on the other side with a desire to help and inspire others. I don’t know where I will find the time – but this is a project that excites me. I’ve been reading what she has started and although she isn’t a writer, she has a gift for telling stories. Together we will come up with something truly great.
I miss posting to this site. I miss writing fiction and the random thoughts that come to me. But I love what has happened this past year. I’m excited about the journey I’m on and I hope it inspires others to take steps toward their own dreams.
Where will this journey take me next?
This post is in response to the daily writing prompt Vengeance.
Love it! Your enthusiasm pours off the page as you read it. Congrats on all your accomplishments in the last year. 🙂
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Thank you! It’s been an incredible year!! 😁
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I know. I am honored to be along for the ride.
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😁 I’m glad you are too!
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Thank you for sharing your journey in this post. Your writing inspires me to live bigger.
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😁 thank you Jill! ❤️ I appreciate all your support!!
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Some amazing accomplishments in such a short period of time!
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Thank you!! 😊 It’s been a great year!
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An exciting year with more adventures to come. 🙂
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True!!
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Your positive energy will bring you success I’m certain, keep writing 🙂
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Thanks Karen! I’m certainly trying!
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Hi Dee,
I’m not getting a page show up when I click on the word of the day for the Daily Writing Prompt. It happens on my laptop and ipad but don’t know if it’s me or my provider or WP. Just thought you might want to check. Please let me know. Thanks
Chuck
Xoxoxo
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You’re not able to see my post? Do you get an error? WordPress has had some updates…I’ve been having issues with reblogging but I don’t have an issue getting to this post…
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Thank you for sharing your encouraging story! You are very blessed to have what you have with your sister–always cherish it! I’ve gone through a lot of the things your friend has and I would love to read her stories! 😀 ❤
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Thanks! As I make progress on the story I’ll be posting updates here! I’m looking forward to it!
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This is amazing and so encouraging! Thank you for sharing. I’m definitely interested in checking out more of your work!
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Thanks so much! The past year has been truly amazing and the changes just keep coming! 😁
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good for you Dee! I am delighted your on this journey! It sounds fantastic!
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Thank you! It’s been a good one. I like where my life is headed!
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