What Did You Actually Do?

Juneau, AK zipline bridge
Photo by Annis Cassells

It’s that time again. The time in our lives when we review the past year and evaluate how we did. Most often, we lament the things we didn’t accomplish. We can tick them off, especially if we dared to write “New Year’s Resolutions.”  Focusing on those things is a real drag.

As we begin the New Year, I invite you to recount the things you DID accomplish in 2017. Regardless of life getting in your way from time to time, I can imagine there are many successes. Make a list.

Maybe you fulfilled a dream or wish—or at least took action toward making it a reality. Maybe you undertook a new job or hobby, or finished a project. Perhaps you began taking even better care of yourself and now see a difference in how you feel or your “numbers” at the doctor’s office. Maybe you stepped outside your comfort zone and learned that it wasn’t so uncomfortable after all. Make your list.

This week’s poem suggestions:

• Write your poem about a 2017 accomplishment (or several). 
• OR make your list into a poem. 
• OR free write “Though I didn’t _____, I _______ed” and find the poem within.

Word Bank Prompt:

Success

In spite of

Achievement

Elated

Unexpected

Photo Prompt:

Coos Bay, OR Prefontaine Memorial Run
Photo by Annis Cassells

Please share the link to your poem in the comments below. Or go ahead and post your poem. We're looking forward to reading your work.

Poetry Guide:
 
The Poet's Companion: A Guide to the Pleasures of Writing Poetry

ISBN-13: 978-0393316544

ISBN-10: 0393316548

From the nuts and bolts of craft to the sources of inspiration, this book is for anyone who wants to write poetry-and do it well.

The Poet's Companion presents brief essays on the elements of poetry, technique, and suggested subjects for writing, each followed by distinctive writing exercises. The ups and downs of writing life—including self-doubt and writer's block—are here, along with tips about getting published and writing in the electronic age. On your own, this book can be your "teacher," while groups, in or out of the classroom, can profit from sharing weekly assignments. (Amazon.com)

Annis Cassells is a writer, poet, life coach, and teacher.  She divides her time between Bakersfield, California and Coos Bay, Oregon. She is a member of Writers of Kern, a branch of the California Writers Club. See Annis’s blogs at www.thedaymaker.blogspot.com and www.poemsbyannis.blogspot.com and her website at www.connectionsandconversations.com