Simplification 2013

It seems like every year I realize I’ve filled my time with things that take up too much of my time! As I’ve been praying over 2013 during the month of January, I’ve been feeling I need to (once again) simplify my life.

So I’m stepping back from a blog I contribute to. I’m also aiming for less participation in some of my Goodreads groups (that is truly a time suck! Fun, but time suck.)

My book writing schedule is still very busy, so I’ll be doing no more critiques with my Story Sensei business in the first half of the year so that I can focus on my books, on writing what God wants me to write.

I’m going to focus my energy on my own blog--I’m aiming to post 3-4 times a week, as well as posting contests more regularly. I’m also going to be more active on my Goodreads group and my Facebook page, posting contests there as well.

And I absolutely DEPEND on those three outlets for help when naming characters, since many of you know how ~~pathetic~~ challenged I am in coming up with character names. :)

This will be a marketing year for me, which for you guys means lots of books being given away. I hope you’ll read them, love them, and lend them to your friends!

Or getting your library to order them would make me happy, too. And of course, making me happy is right there at the top of your list. :)

One thing I realized in 2012 was that I was so busy that I didn’t have time to read as much as I wanted to. For me as a writer, reading refills my creative well, and if the well’s empty, then it’s harder for me to write.

So in 2013, I’m going to do more reading. I want to decrease my TBR pile at least a little!

Also, I am going to read more non-Christian fiction in 2013. If a non-Christian book offends me, I won’t finish it, but I do want to know what my non-Christian friends are reading. They tend to read historical romances, paranormal romances, and young adult novels, so I’ll be reading more of those. It gives us a good topic of conversation and a way to connect with my non-Christian friends, which I think is what God wants me to do.

However, I’m going to make sure to stay constant with my daily Bible reading, because I know that in going “out there” into the world with my reading, I’ll be exposing myself to a lot of non-truth, and the only way to know the Truth and not be influenced by lies is by studying the Word.

And lastly, I’m cutting down on my TV watching. I got this idea from one of my Facebook friends who mentioned that it allows her to have more time to read! What a great idea! For me, cutting down on TV is easy since I watch everything on Tivo. I just deleted a few Season Passes for shows I won’t be watching anymore, and so now the shows won’t be recorded and won’t show up in my queue.

So how about you? Are you feeling the need to simplify or are you doing well? Do you have any suggestions for me?

(By the way, I was going to put a picture of a clock at the top of my blog post but instead decided to post this, which is me and Big Ben, taken in order to prove I really did go to England in September this past year!)

Comments

audree said…

camy, you are so right on about everything that you wrote in this post, that i just want to cry...i spent december praying about what God wanted in my life this year and i had a melt down just 23 days into the year because i couldn't do all those good things (which, like you, is less in number yet more beneficial) because i was doing it in my own strength (not to mention unexpected things always come up)! it's only a week later and i'm still recovering from that meltdown...so reading your blog today has totally encouraged me. thank you for sharing your heart!

Thu Jan 31, 02:49:00 PM 2013

Susan F. said…

I've been feeling conflicted lately and know that I need purge some things from my life. I'm just not where I want to be right now. I'll pray for you to find the right balance Camy. You are right on as Audree says. I think as Chirstians we need to take a step back now and again to see where we are and what adjustments we need to make. I've started reading an awesome book, "You're Made for a God-Sized Dream" to review for TCM. It is eye-opening. If we have a lot of clutter (amusements, activities, things) in our lives we may be squelching the dream God has given to us for our individual lives. Simplifying is a good thing Camy! I need to learn how to do it.

Fri Feb 01, 09:19:00 AM 2013

Susan F. said…

*Christians :)

Fri Feb 01, 09:22:00 AM 2013

Camy Tang said…

I'm so glad I could encourage you today! I have totally been where you are and completely relate to what you're feeling right now! I said a prayer for you!

Fri Feb 01, 07:52:00 PM 2013

Camy Tang said…

I'll be praying for you, Susan, that God will help you know what to purge from your life!

Fri Feb 01, 07:52:00 PM 2013

Anonymous said…

Good call, Camy. I simplified gradually over the last couple of years. It's hard as a minister's wife to say 'no' to some things, but it has to be done, if I'm going to pursue the things in life I know God has for me.

Praying for your success.
Angel Moore

Sat Feb 02, 12:12:00 PM 2013

Jodie Wolfe said…

Great ideas Camy, it gets me thinking about where I feel God is calling me for 2013. I'm so glad you made it to England...I read about it in one of your devotionals this year from Guideposts. :)

Blessings,
Jodie Wolfe

Sat Feb 02, 12:31:00 PM 2013

Wendy Lawton said…

I am with you, Camy! My word for this year is "savor." I not only want to be less busy, I want to savor the things I do and the people I treasure.

I'm praying this will be the start of a rich, rich year for you.

Sat Feb 02, 01:33:00 PM 2013

Danica Favorite said…

Love this Camy!!

Sat Feb 02, 04:00:00 PM 2013

Camy Tang said…

I can imagine how hard it is to say no for you!!!

Sat Feb 02, 05:01:00 PM 2013

Camy Tang said…

Thanks, Jodie! Yup, I wrote that devotional just when I had decided to go on my trip!

Sat Feb 02, 05:02:00 PM 2013

Camy Tang said…

Oooh, nice word! Thanks Wendy!

Sat Feb 02, 05:02:00 PM 2013

Camy Tang said…

Thanks Dreamy!

Sat Feb 02, 05:02:00 PM 2013

Cheryl Wyatt said…

What? You're kicking my hoard of nutted goodies off of that big stack of TBRs? I see an acorn avalanche in your future. Next thing I know...you'll find my nest in the forgotten yarn stash and make me sleep with that horse-like creature who lives up to it's name every time he unearths one of my acorns. €©÷=[ signed---- Sutter the stinky, inky, blinky blue-eyed squirrel

Sun Feb 03, 10:24:00 PM 2013

Cheryl Wyatt said…

Sun Feb 03, 10:26:00 PM 2013

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