Pep Talks & Plot Twists

Words to Inspire:

"Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes...including you.  ~Anne Lamott

Last week, I had my yearly scan and blood tests. Yesterday, I met with my oncologist to go over the results. If you’ve been through cancer, you know this cycle. The waiting. The wondering. The mental gymnastics of trying to stay positive while that tiny voice in the back of your mind whispers, What if today is the day everything changes? Again?! 

We know stress and anxiety can be just as damaging as the toxic vices we try to avoid. So, I remind myself to take my thoughts captive, to stay grounded in gratitude and joy. But let’s be honest—sometimes, that’s easier said than done. And not to bury the lead but the scan and the blood tests were clear. 

Yep, I'm celebrating!  

But also, it all got me thinking a lot about discipline. Not just the kind that keeps me writing when my characters are tugging at my heart (because trust me, they are), but the discipline of choosing what matters most in each moment.

My youngest daughter is home for spring break. She graduates this year. My last spring break with her before everything shifts again. And while my work-in-progress is always on my mind, I find myself setting it aside to soak up this time with family and friends.

Does that make me undisciplined? Or does it mean I’m disciplined in the way that matters most?

Someone once told me: When faced with a choice you can’t decide, fast forward to your funeral. Which decision will matter most when it’s all said and done? It sounds dramatic. But for someone like me—who can struggle with decision-making even over something as small as what to make for dinner—it’s a grounding question. To be clear, I do not flash forward to my funeral to decide what to cook each night. 

Seriously though, today, I’m choosing presence. Choosing joy. Choosing to trust that the words will be there when I return to them. And I'm doing internal backflips of relief over my good news.

MAD DOG MOMENTS:

The real winner of spring break? Mad Dog. With my daughter home, all rules have gone out the window—her bed, pillows, and personal space are not off-limits like ours are. She’s living her best (and most spoiled) life. I've shared a photo below of the privilege (insert eye roll). The dog and cat barely tolerate each other but I guess all bets were off when they couldn't decide who got the lap. Peep the pillow in the background.

HEALTH HABIT/HACK: 

Since we’re talking about discipline and stress, here’s something I’ve been reminding myself of lately: Your nervous system needs a break, too. Deep breathing, a short walk, or even a moment of silence can help lower cortisol and shift your body out of fight-or-flight mode. My go-to? A few deep belly breaths before making decisions (big or small) so I’m responding instead of reacting. And below, I've included a little walking cheat sheet for anyone who needs a reminder that even small steps (pun intended) move the needle forward.

ON THE WIP:

While my characters have been patient with me this week (kind of), I’ve been playing with this tagline for the book:

“Falsely accused and relentlessly bullied, 18-year-old Everly vanishes into the quiet town of Blue Lake to escape the wreckage of her past. But when she collides with a guarded 21-year-old drowning in guilt over his first love’s tragic death, their scars intertwine in ways neither expects. She’s never known love—he doesn’t believe he deserves it. But the past isn’t done with them yet, and their fragile connection may not survive what comes next.”

Also, re: my character name drama from last time, now you know my FMC's name is Everly! My series titles all play off her name as well. Excited to reveal more of this project as it progresses.

What do you think? Hit reply and let me know!

BOOKS and BEATS:

I’m keeping this section light this week, but thrilled to share the book that's on my radar:

Edge of Unbroken, by J.V. Reese is out today. It's book two in the Halfway Broken Series. I'm not a fan of spoilers, so I will only say that there is a part toward the end that left me speechless. And if you know me well, that's quite a feat in itself. This series is an epic debut! Did I mention it's a debut? 

Here’s the link: https://a.co/d/2QLIfoA 

Song(s): Old-school rock has my whole heart this week, thanks to some rockstar romances I’ve been reading. Consider it a nod to my Gen X roots. It blows my mind that some of these songs are forty+ years old and still resonate today. Oh, to write something that stands the test of time. Here's hoping...

This week was a little serious for me. I promise to be funnier next time. Until then, wishing you all happiness, good health, good books. 

Carol