Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Humans are so petty

A quote from Thor.

I agree. We are. So many of us don't consider the big picture. We don't realize how small we are in the grand scheme of things. We are miniscule specks in the universe. Grains of sand on a beach.

That's why I love writing (and reading). I love researching and exploring new perspectives to share with others. My little life bubble is quite boring. Sure, I've had some funny and scary and heartwarming stories. But when I look beyond my corner of the world, I realize there is so much more out there! So many other ways to do things! Even my kids teach me new stuff in the kitchen (and they still learn from me too)

As I've gotten older and now that the kids are grown, I've become more adventurous. My attitude has shifted to "What have I got to lose?" Some of my accomplishments this past year... I took a helicopter ride, moved across the country (with a lot of whining), accepted a new job with crazy middle-schoolers and no lesson plans--making it up as I go! And I flew by myself to visit my sister (I am not a fan of flying.) As old as I am, I'm still having firsts and trying to overcome fears. I hope to do more in 2026.

As we share in this first Insecure Writers Support Group of the year, have you set any goals? Are they specific or general? I still have to sit and think about my specific goals. "Do more" is very broad! But my writing goals are on-going: Finish my two WIPs!

Sending positive vibes your way. You can accomplish anything you set your mind to!


11 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

A helicopter ride is certainly adventurous!
People can be narrow minded all right. That's why I highly recommend visiting at least one foreign country. It's eye-opening.

M.J. Fifield said...

Middle schoolers and no lesson plans?? I salute you. That is quite the challenging combo!

Natalie Aguirre said...

It's awesome you're being brave, taking adventures, and making big life decisions. Not everyone does. I like your attitude of "What have I got to lose."

L. Diane Wolfe said...

That's a great attitude. That's why I am so enjoying learning Spanish - it's something new and when I visit a Spanish-speaking country (that's the adventurous part) I'll be prepared.

Carrie-Anne said...

Best of luck with your goals! A helicopter ride sounds fun, though I've always dreamt about riding a hot air balloon more.

My main goal for this year is to finally finish the remaining new material for the third draft of A Dream Deferred and have it ready for publication by 6 August, my hoped-for release date last year.

Jacqui Murray--Writer-Teacher said...

You are adventurous!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Tara - well done for braving new projects ...and for moving across the country - always a challenge and it takes time to settle in - though I expect the school job helps hugely. All the best for all new tries and all things in 2026 - cheers Hilary

dolorah said...

I drive a lot of places in my day job. Today I had to go from my usual route to somewhere new because of a road closure. I kinda knew the area where Google was taking me, and I knew that, with the snow, the route through the mountains was, sort of dangerous. Unknown road, old snow and ice, limited cell service. And, I did not hesitate to accept the new challenge/adventure. Scary/intriguing at the start; so exciting an accomplishment when the journey was finished.
I hope it is the same with your move and new goals - scary and intriguing, and feeling so accomplished at the end. Or, at some time after the point of no return has turned into the same-ol-same ol.

Patricia JL said...

I bet the helicopter ride was fun!

Elizabeth Seckman said...

We can't stop the clock from spinning, so we may as well enjoy the ride...or in your case, the flight!

Victoria Marie Lees said...

When I look "beyond my corner of the world," I find much more important stuff in life. However, I enjoy your "heartwarming stories," just as I enjoy mine. But... we do need to look up occasionally. As for writing goals this year, like you, I just need to do more: marketing of Determination: A Mother of Five Conquers College. Get back to creating adventure short stories for middle grade. And do "something" on social media to help readers find me. All best to you, Tara!

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