what would you do if you decided to do something?

Screw January 1st. You are a mammal, after all, a mammal structurally and functionally; a mammal before anything else. Winter was not given for your self-improvement, at least not in the way you’ve defined it, not unless by self-improvement you mean self-treatment-improvement, but you don’t. We both know that.

No, January 1st is no time to be drafting resolutions for pushing, restricting, or even particularly challenging yourself. January 1st is for hot food and going to bed at eight. January 1st is for scented candles and soft blankets and soft stomachs. January 1st is for looking out a dark window and thinking, thank God I don’t have to go anywhere as you pick the next book from your stack.

But now it’s spring, and spring is the time we are biologically wired to make changes. The sun is out, our trees and moods have thawed. We have decided that perhaps we won’t give up on this world just yet; nor will we give up on ourselves, at least not today.

So, what about you? If you’ve got a little vitamin D and maybe a little serotonin in your system, what are the changes you want to make for yourself? What mid-year resolutions are calling to you? I’d love to hear in the comment section.

If you’re a writer, or don’t call yourself a writer but sure do like to write, or wish you were a writer but haven’t made the time, I’d humbly suggest that it start now. Set some goals. Make some submissions. Put yourself out there, because it will never get less scary until you just start doing it. Unless, hell, you don’t want to put yourself out there, you just want to write for your own self in your own journal and get words out of your brain and onto a page. That in itself is a worthwhile use of time and creativity.

Whatever your goal may be, I am here to offer my pants-kicking services. On Saturday, June 21, I’ll be leading a generative writing workshop — and I’d love to see you there. Writers of all stages and experiences will get something out of this class. If you don’t even identify as a writer but enjoy deep thinking, thoughtful literary conversations, and being an active listener for the work of someone else, this is for you too!

This workshop will be available to premium subscribers only, but anyone can join that tier at any time — even if all you want is this writing workshop. The premium subscription of $150/yr also includes membership in our quarterly book club; the first meeting of which is the evening of May 21 and we’ll be discussing The Serviceberry, which is quite short, so you still have time to read before joining us if you’d like!

If you’re already a premium subscriber, you don’t have to do anything to sign up — you’re on the email list and will get the workshop link in your inbox when the time comes. If you are currently a free or regular-level paid subscriber, you can upgrade at the button below.

Cheers to the real New Year!

Shannon