So the new year is here and we’re all setting goals and trying to gain perspective on our writerly life. I’m setting some long-term goals involving the completion of a novel and some short-term goals for articles, devotionals and on-line writing. I’m forcing myself to step up to some writing challenges, take courses, attend workshops and make every effort in 2012 to improve my craft. I feel good about those goals, but hey, it’s only January 3rd. Whether or not I achieve the goals will depend on my persistence, discipline and also on my perspective as I interpret the feedback I get on my work.

Recently I had carpal tunnel surgery on my right hand. The incision is nicely healed if a little painful still. The instructions I was given when leaving the hospital included massaging the scar with either 1) cocoa butter or 2) bag balm. Now I don’t know what you would have done, but when I went to the pharmacy I went straight for the vanilla-scented cocoa butter. I didn’t ask if bag balm was on aisle three, I intentionally chose to buy the product that had the image I was going after. I think I made an intelligent decision and I’m pleased with the result. Don’t bother to tell me if the bag balm would have done a better job. I wasn’t in the market for cow stuff.

In 2012 I want to make good decisions. My success will rely partly on hard work and partly on the way I interpret the information given to me. Can I accept honest critique? Will I apply the good advice given me and can I work with editors who want some revisions? And…..do I have a healthy perspective on my writing life, complete with the right to make the decisions I feel best for my current level of expertise? Well, yes, I think I do.