Blogger: Mary Keeley
Location: Just back from Agency Summit in Wine Country
No, the title of this blog isn’t about the software program. I’m referring to my view of 2012. At the beginning of each new year we’re used to feeling encouraged at the thought of a fresh new start. This year, take it up a notch for me.
Exhilarate: 1. to enliven; invigorate; stimulate. 2. to make cheerful or merry. This is the atmosphere that permeated our Agency Summit last week, and I hope to pass it on to you. What am I so exhilarated about?
With the wonderful addition of Rachelle Gardner to our agency, we now have offices in three areas of the country. Our summit provided time for a live gathering as a team, and gel we did! We set agency goals for the year and sought God’s direction to dream big for our clients. We came away aligned in our vision. I encourage you to spend time with your writing and critique groups, Bible study groups, or even with your spouse and children, to focus on this exercise as well. More on this topic on Wednesday.
Exhilarate!
We’re all familiar with, what shall we call them . . . hindrances? road blocks? . . . facing writers. The exciting news is that viable, creative possibilities for overcoming obstacles are arising from many directions. Let’s celebrate and thank God for endowing those with the entrepreneurial spirit. They are creating new vehicles to navigate new paths. You’ll be hearing more in the days ahead.
Exhilarate!
New technologies are making it easy to connect with each other and stay on top of industry news. Our agents will be utilizing some of these technologies this year. We realize it’s imperative to keep up with these advances and exploit them to best serve our clients. I’m sure this will be the modus operandi until the Lord returns. I can hear some of you shouting, Of course, bring it on! while others are mumbling, I just learned this one, and already there is something new to replace it. Ugh! Confession time: I used to be one of those but no more. I’m…
Exhilarated!
… and I hope you are too. What do you see around you that motivates you to have a sunny outlook on your writing career in 2012? What goals have you set for yourself this year? Or haven’t you gone through this exercise yet? A goal is a marker in front of you. It will help you decide if a choice you are contemplating will help close the distance to your goal or could steer you off-course.
When I think of my life situation at this point last year, I’m amazed at how far God has brought me. One year ago, my sister was moving into the hospital near my house to await a heart transplant. I was unagented and had to put my writing on hold for several months.
This year, my sister is thriving and my writing career has moved one step forward. I can’t imagine the possibilities of where I’ll be at this time next year.
(Sounds like you all had a great time last week, Mary. I look forward to hearing more!)
So glad to hear your sister is doing well, Sarah. I love your positive outlook on your promising year ahead!
Ahhh, roadblocks…I’m sure we all could write that book. 🙂 I’m praising God for His supernatural karate-chops to those roadblocks!
Thank you, Mary, for your uplifting post today. Can’t wait to read the rest this week!
I can’t help but thank God for the struggles and trials in my life last year. As this new year dawns, hope along with a deeper relationship with God is pushing me forward. The computer screen that was blank and joyless is now bright with possibilities that exhilarate the core of my writing self! Looking forward to the message He asks me to write for my fellow mama friends.