Happy 2024! Have you chosen a focus word to set your intentions for the new year?

The Washington Post calls these “nudge words” and says,  “This annual word of the year exercise can help you reflect on your values, intentions and hopes for the new year.” Sounds good to me!

Last year’s focus word was FOCUS. While I made some progress, I still struggle with distraction, so that’s an ongoing project. I’ve learned from author coach Becca Syme’s teachings that Number One Input people like me are custom-built to be distracted by the internet. 😂

The months up to and after my mother’s death from cancer in November of ’22 were the proverbial wake-up call, ye olde smack upside the head. Yeah, yeah, we all know that life is short, but losing a loved one can really drive that message home.

After Mom’s passing, I returned home to Vegas eager to jump back into writing. But ever since, I’ve been struggling with indie publishing’s hustle culture—so many voices coming at us from all sides, shilling (paid) advice, (paid) motivation, (paid) “communities” that push us to write moremoremore fasterfasterfaster and do ALL the marketing things.

And for what? Am I going to be the next Nora Roberts? Will I outsell Colleen Hoover? Not bloody likely.

So why do I write, then?

For fun, actually. I find it very fulfilling to create characters, to shape stories that help them grow, and to receive positive feedback from readers. Even if I never make a bestseller list or earn big bucks, seeing my books out in the reading world brings me joy.

So, in 2024, my keyword, my focus, my nudge for the new year is ✨FUN ✨

Not only will I prioritize the joy of creating characters and stories, but I’ll do something FUN Every. Blessed. Day. Because y’all, I did not retire from an exhausting career just to further exhaust myself with a new one. Life is a temporary gift, and I don’t want to go to my grave having neglected life’s joys.

What’s fun for me? So many things, like

• Group dance classes. Viva Zumba!
• Swimming
• Parties
• Going to live music performances—easy to find in Las Vegas!
• Reading light-hearted, life-affirming, FUN books
• Dancing to lively music—with friends or at home alone, dancing is a guaranteed mood-lifter
• Cooking—when I feel like it
• Trying new restaurants—again, Vegas, baby!
• Spending time in nature
• Making music
• Making art
• Karaoke!

How about you? I’d love to hear about your focus for the new year, and about your guaranteed mood-lifters. Maybe you’ve got another FUN activity for my list.

Wishing you and yours all the good stuff in 2024, and tons of fun.