Secret news I've been sitting on!

This year has been quite the journey

I know that the way we divide time into neat units is an artificial structure. However, for me, each year generally takes on its own theme or vibe—one I usually can’t fully pinpoint until the year comes to a close and I look back at it. But this year, I think, without fully realizing it, I pointed to the outfield at the start and called my shot.

I started 2023 with the word Nourish as my word of the year. It ended up being just the right word. In February, I started this newsletter with a focus on creative nourishment. I set goals around recovering from burnout and being open to new directions in my writing and my career. I also had to lean on nourishment when we had an unexpected loss in my family this summer.

Most of all, for the first time in a long time, I sat down, got quiet, and really stared down the questions, “Okay, what now? What’s calling to you? What truly fills you up?” and then I didn’t rush my answers. I gave myself space and time to really think about it and experiment.

I still don’t have ALL the answers. Insight is stubborn that way. But what kept coming to the surface over and over again was that I love teaching and helping other writers on their journeys. Even this newsletter has an element of that theme in it. I like being helpful. I like talking with other writers.

So I developed another class (with nourishment as the focus.) The Self-Care for Writers class will launch in January (I still have a few spots open if anyone is interested.)

But that wasn’t enough.

I then started thinking about how I could work with writers more closely, one-on-one, and what immediately popped into my mind was Becca Syme’s Better Faster Academy and the coaching they do over there.

I took Becca’s classes years ago when they were still in beta form, and I’ve taken a number of her other classes since. She teaches and coaches using a well-researched personality framework and assessment called the Clifton Strengthsfinder® by Gallup. (Imagine the Myers-Briggs or Enneagram but way more detailed/personalized. Instead of 1 of 16 types or 1 of 9, you’re one possible combination out of 34 million.)

I took the test back in 2017 and it was a complete game-changer for me both in my writing life and my personal life. It explained so many things about the way I work best and what I (and my individual personality) need to be successful. (Also, what I specifically need to do to get out of burnout, which we know I’ve had to use!)

And I love that the system focuses on strengths, our special superpowers and how to use them to their fullest, instead of “working on our weaknesses.”

So, thinking about all this led me down a path I definitely wouldn’t have expected if you’d told me at the beginning of the year but one I’m exceptionally excited about now.

I am (or will be by next week when I finish the last steps of my certification) a Gallup® Certified Strengths Coach! And…I will be joining the Better Faster Academy as one of their coaches starting in January!

I’m really thrilled to be joining the BFA and am looking forward to doing both one-on-one coaching with writers along with some group microcoaching.

If you’d like to get on the list to be notified of my coaching slots and you’re not already part of the BFA Patreon, you can use the contact form here to let them know you’d be interested in getting put on the list, which isn’t committing to anything. It just means they’ll let you know when slots open up.

So, that’s my news! :) *shoots confetti cannon*

I’m looking forward to a 2024 of writing, teaching, and coaching. I feel like that trifecta is going to be a really good fit for me. I can’t wait to get started!

Now, I’m off to decide what my word of the year should be for 2024 because apparently, that can make an actual difference! Lol.

I’ve also bought way too many planners already to set myself up for the new role. :)

Alright, that’s it. If you have any questions about any of it, feel free to leave a comment!

QUESTION FOR YOU: Did you choose a word for 2023? Did it work for you or did you have to adjust? Do you know what your word will be for 2024?