I wish the title was different… but I look forward to changing things up this next year and be consistent in posting!
2021 was a great year for huge blessings!
Last month, my husband & I purchased our DREAM HOME! It’s lovely and way outdated and a huge DIY project, but my 3 kids all have their own rooms, my husband has a massive shop (it’s NOT a shed – I’m not allowed to call it that), and I have an actual laundry room!
I attended the Big Sur California Children’s Writers Workshop earlier this month and came away with a newfound confidence and excitement for my stories! *Expect a full post about that amazing experience soon!
I also went ahead and made a choice for the betterment of my mental health – I “quit” being the team lead for 1st Grade. I was beginning to crumple under the stress of it and withering under the scrutiny of my (not so kind) peers. I feel so much lighter! I also switched things up for my kids gymnastics classes and now we’re only there on Tuesday and Thursday nights.
Moral of the Story: Make changes if you’re feeling overwhelmed!
I hate feeling like a “quitter” and to me, giving up the lead position (that I honestly didn’t even want in the first place) felt like quitting at first. With some retrospect, however, it’s not quitting. It’s recognizing my limits.
I’m on break for the next week and I’ve been taking it easy hanging out with my family and enjoying my new house. I haven’t been able to enjoy it!
For Christmas Eve, we went off-roading in the near by mountains as a family. The weather was rainy and extremely windy and it was honestly perfect for Southern California. Christmas morning I was bleary eyed (my kids decided it was time to wake up at 1:00 am – nothing like Santa excitement), but it was blissfully quiet and just enjoyable. I hope that everyone else had a lovely Christmas season.
With these positive changes and the New Year fast approaching, I’m excited to make a new writing goal. Once I’ve decided what that is, I’ll be sure to let you know!
In the meantime, take care of your mental health. Make healthy boundaries for yourself if it’s needed. Enjoy your family and friends.
Allie Marin
Allie Marin 