While some children are opening windows on their advent calendars, counting down the days till Santa Claus arrives, my calendar countdown is slightly different.
In late October I had an astrological reading which I do every 5-7 years whether I need it or not.
2018 has been quite a challenge personally and professionally, but I’ve been working diligently toward the release of my memoir in the spring of 2019. I wanted to see how the planets were aligning with my mission.
“Neptune is finishing its transit on December 27,” she told me. This means nothing to me, but I value the expertise of those to whom it does. “Then things will get better.” Our call was on October 30, so I tucked away the information. As the days got shorter and colder, I decided to number the squares on the calendar until 12/27 so I would have a visual of when my rainbow would come into clearer focus.
Do you identify with that feeling–in your gut most likely–when you put in your best effort and the return is less than you expected? For years in my egg decoarting career, where there were absolute highs (appearing on the Today Show) and lows (waiting six months to get a $7K check for egg decorating kits I’d assembled), but they were consistent and cyclical. 2018 felt like a very long cycle of lows, even though my output has been consistent.
I’m down to the final 8 days of my count. Somehow, the optimist in me believes that developing projects will fly, that money will flow in and that recognition is coming. As a solopreneur, it’s often challenging to hold down the fort, keep producing and staying positive. I have tons of support around me, but wanted to put it out there that if you sometimes feel this way, you’re not alone.
I’m sorry it’ been less than a stellar year, Jane. Besides beaming you energy and good vibes for 2019, I also appreciate your openness in sharing this particular “low.” No one is immune and your willingness to share your journey is a sign that you care enough about your followers to be up front with them. Optimism is the only sensible mindset. I’d rather be wrong being optimistic than right being pessimistic :-). The former makes the present moment so much sweeter.
@Elizabeth – Your comment is so uplifting. I never want to sound like a victim, but sometimes the chips fall in the wrong order. I have lots of that this year, but wouldn’t change a thing. It’s gotten me where I am. I love, love, love your words:I’d rather be wrong being optimistic than right being pessimistic. Great wisdom! Thank you!
Jane, for me 2018 was a challenging year — mostly a year of waiting — a year in which I had little control of things in general. This coming year I’m full of hope, as if we’ve all turned a corner and everything we’ve been waiting for will begin to unfold. I’ve been ready along time. Patience is a virtue.
@Adrienne – You know what I mean! Patience is indeed a virtue, and I’m glad you’re with me on that score. Wishing you all the best this coming year!
Sorry to hear that 2018 was so challenging, Jane! But I love your focus for alignment and positivity for 2019! Looking forward to your successful book launch!
@Nancy Everyone has those years once in awhile, right? 2019 is starting strong, and I’m very happy to have my book launch in the next season. Thank you, Nancy!