The other day I was feeling critical of myself because this year I’ve managed to finish only one novel. I usually write about three each year.

But you know what? This year I also semi-retired (which required a lot of paperwork and adjustment for the classes I teach). I empty-nested and helped my younger kid move out of state. I live in California, and I made three road trips to Oregon in a 6-week period. I had a few weekend getaways with my husband, a trip to SoCal with husband and kids, and an epic three-week trip to Croatia, Italy, and Slovenia with family. I had a whole lotta medical tests that culminated in surgery and a few days in the hospital (and soon I’ll have an impressive scar!).

In other words, I was busy.

I also wrote two long novellas and two short ones, plus a couple of short stories, plus I’m halfway through co-writing a novel with a friend.

And the one novel I did finish? It’s pretty long and I’m proud of it.

All of which is to say I need to stop being critical of myself, because this year I’ve done a lot. And I’ve learned a lesson I’d like to pass on. Stop focusing on what you haven’t done and instead be proud of what you have done.

Today, for example–four days post-surgery–I managed to take a shower, make myself oatmeal, do some knitting, answer some emails, and finish reading a book. And write this. Which may not be a lot compared to my usual schedule, but is way more than I managed a couple days ago. Yay me!

So, for me, take a moment to reflect on your accomplishments–even the small ones. You did those things. Yay you!

***

Kim Fielding is the bestselling author of numerous m/m romance novels, novellas, and short stories. Like Kim herself, her work is eclectic, spanning genres such as contemporary, fantasy, paranormal, and historical. Her stories are set in alternate worlds, in 15th century Bosnia, in modern-day Oregon. Her heroes are hipster architect werewolves, housekeepers, maimed giants, and conflicted graduate students. They’re usually flawed, they often encounter terrible obstacles, but they always find love.

After having migrated back and forth across the western two-thirds of the United States, Kim calls the boring part of California home. She lives there with her family and her day job as a university professor, but escapes as often as possible via car, train, plane, or boat. This may explain why her characters often seem to be in transit as well. She dreams of traveling and writing full-time.

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A complete list of Kim’s books: http://www.kfieldingwrites.com/books/