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How are Your New Year's Resolutions Going? Just a Reminder, January is Still a Time for A Fresh Start and More Reasons to Believe!

“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” I love this Winnie the Pooh quote because when a new year presents itself, it’s an opportunity to start over, a clean slate, untouched like a newly fallen blanket of snow. 

You are Braver than you Believe,

You ARE Braver than you Believe. What goals have you set for the new year? How are you embracing them so far? Have you decided to be more courageous? How are you stepping out of your comfort zone? I decided I needed to be more courageous. It’s pretty scary at first. I’m working through some trauma from my childhood for the main reason to bring truth and clarity to my young adult novel based on a true story. My biggest barrier was being open to help. I didn’t want to talk about it, let alone share it with a group I hardly knew. But the more layers I peel off, I find I’m not alone, and that’s the goal for writing my story. I want to help others who feel the same. The one person who has been a big help to me is Brandy Vallance. She’s a literary agent with Barbara Bova Literary Agency, and she loves helping writers. Find out more about her and the mentoring she does at www.linktr.ee/BrandyVallance

Stronger Than You Seem,

You ARE much Stronger than you seem. What makes us stronger? I believe the hard things we go through make us stronger. It’s when we don’t think we’re going to make it through those hard things that we discover the well of strength inside us. As long as we believe it and don’t give up. I’ve weathered many a storm, and every time I don’t think I’m going to make it, but I do, because I believe I will. And what kept me going was knowing in the back of my mind that maybe someday my battles will help others. Your inner well is waiting to assist you in your battles.   

And Smarter Than You Think.

You ARE much smarter than you think. Maybe this is the year you learn something new, to challenge yourself just because that other inner voice told you, no way! The biggest thing that stands in our way of trying something new is fear. Right? And the only way we’ll find out if we can do it is to walk through that fear. My biggest fear was the thought of sitting down to write a 50k+ word novel. All I’ve known are picture books; they come easily to me. But in the back of my mind, a voice kept encouraging me to just sit down and do it. And, you know what? I’ve been sitting down every day, well, almost every day, to write that novel. And I’m loving every minute.

I believe if you set your mind to accomplish something, you will. Don’t set limitations on yourself. It may take time to get up the courage, to work through that hard thing, or challenge yourself and learn something new. If you have the passion or desire, it will happen. I’d love to hear what you’re working on or what’s challenging you!

Until next month,

Kate