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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/10508-Time-For-Reflection.html
Action/Adventure: December 09, 2020 Issue [#10508]




 This week: Time For Reflection
  Edited by: NaNoKit Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Life is full of actions, but even the boldest hero needs some moments to reflect.

This week's Action/Adventure Newsletter invites you to take some time look back, to process, and to then look ahead.

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Word from our sponsor



Letter from the editor

We’ve nearly made it, everyone! We’ve nearly made it through the year. It’s been a ride, hasn’t it? I don’t know about you, but I hope that 2021 is exceedingly uneventful. I can do with a breather.

Even in quieter years, it is good to sit down and look back at everything that’s happened. That may feel like wasted time – it’s not as though you can go back and change anything – but I don’t believe that it is. You see, even the boldest hero needs some moments to reflect. Reflection is how you learn and grow and discover the best way forward.

If you are anything like me, you might be tempted to jump directly to everything that went wrong, everything that you feel that you could have and should have done better. It is not necessarily a bad move to do so; it is definitely better than to avoid thinking about it. By reflecting on what we could have done or said instead we increase our chances of doing just that the next time we find ourselves in a difficult situation. However, we need to balance the negative with the positive and remember the good times, too. We need to give ourselves credit for everything we did right.

As an example, I feel bad that I have hardly written anything this year. And I feel bad that the events of this year have taken up so much of my time and headspace that I have had to place some much-loved projects to one side for a while. I could do with learning how to manage my time a little better. I also recognise, though, that much of what happened was out of my hands and, therefore, I should not be too harsh on myself – people will understand, as they know what 2020 has been like. I should also give myself credit for the fact that, despite everything, I completed my first year of my new degree with a distinction. That shows that I do have it in me to commit and succeed, and I need to carry that forward into the next year. As said, it is all about balance. Except, I know that it’s easier said than done.

Balance can be hard to establish and even more difficult to maintain. That is especially the case when life gets rocky and throws obstacle after obstacle in our path. It may help to remember that we are the hero of our own story. Even if it may feel as though we’re the villain. Only we can determine how to respond to the challenges we face. Only we can choose our very best personal outcome – our desired happy ending – and change direction if and when we must in order to achieve that goal.

It helps, then, to not just dwell on the past, but to look towards the future. What do you want to happen? What do you want to achieve? How can you get there? Can you break this down into small, easy (or easier) steps? Is there anything that you wanted to achieve this year that you can carry forward into the next? Does it still matter, or can it be set aside? Have your dreams changed and, if so, how can you incorporate this into your overall plans?

It may sound daunting. It can be. You don’t need to figure it out in one go, though. Take your time. Write things down, if you find it helpful. I personally like to make lists and enjoy crossing things off when I complete them. I have weekly lists and daily lists. It happens frequently that I don’t complete everything I’ve listed for a particular day or week, but it doesn’t matter. It gets relisted. It’ll get done in the end.

Through it all, be kind to yourself. Now more than ever. Sometimes we place unnecessary pressure on ourselves. We can be our own worst critic. When in those moments of reflection, you will probably find that you’ve achieved far more than you thought.

NaNoKit Author Icon



Editor's Picks

Some contests and activities to inspire you:

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The Writer's Cramp Open in new Window. (13+)
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Daily Flash Fiction Challenge Open in new Window. (13+)
Enter your story of 300 words or less.
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Shadows and Light Poetry Contest Open in new Window. (E)
Do you love the challenge and creativity of free verse poetry? This contest is for you.
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No Dialogue Contest-CLOSED Open in new Window. (E)
Write a story containing no dialogue, in 700 words or less.
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Three Word Mayhem! Open in new Window. (13+)
Mayhem is afoot!
#555590 by Jay's debut novel is out now! Author IconMail Icon


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Join by entering a contest a month for 12 months--Win Badges! Catching up is allowed!
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Dialogues of 500 words or less.
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And don't forget:

SURVEY
What a Character! : Official WDC Contest Open in new Window. (E)
Create a memorable character using the given prompt for huge prizes!
#1679316 by Writing.Com Support Author IconMail Icon


 
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Ask & Answer

The Action/Adventure Newsletter Team welcomes any and all questions, suggestions, thoughts and feedback, so please don't hesitate to write in! *Smile*

Wishing you a week filled with inspiration,

The Action/Adventure Newsletter Team


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