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taking stock
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Hello, friend!
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WELL HERE WE ARE, fully and wholly ensconced in the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Five. And if not ensconced, situated at least, it being only Day 3 and already time is flying.
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Speaking of, where did 2024 go? It's a question I asked and a question I was able to answer as I looked through my trusty 2024 Bullet Journal, the system I use to plan and record the days of my life. It's all there, from my first entry of the year: a poem by John O'Donohue titled "For a New Beginning," to the last: "Dinner and games at the Doyles! So much fun! Happy New Year!" I began the practice in 2019 and every single year the bullet journal method itself ends up being on my "Things That Worked" list‚ something I record in my ANNUAL journal, pictured at the top of the heap.
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I say all this as a way of suggesting (or reminding you, if you have been here a while) there can be incredible value in looking back and literally making note of that which was significant, that which was important, that which was lovely or fun. Or funny! An annual review is a great addition to (or even an alternative to) a next-year resolutions list. Take a few minutes to acknowledge all you accomplished in the past year, all you learned, all the times you did not give up or you did give up and what a healthy choice that was! Count the times you can, in retrospect, feel proud for being brave, or being honest, for showing up, for doing the work, for being a good friend or offering love or having compassion or being patient. For the times those things were offered to you, and it mattered! How these things matter.
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For me, I track my annual lists in a journal titled ANNUAL (brilliant, I know!) which I reserve for year-end reflection. The questions I tend to ask and answer are:
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- What were the best parts of the year?
- What am I proud of?
- What worked well?
- What surprised me?
- What were the best conversations I had?
- What moments will I remember most?
- What were my Top Ten books? Top Ten TV binges? Top Ten songs?
- What did I learn that I want to remember, always?
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(I never answer all of these. Somehow the year influences which feel more significant. And I customize. For instance, in 2019 it was on my mind so I asked myself Why was this year so hard? I had 15 answers, and looking back at them now, I'm so glad I acknowledged them.)
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Lest you worry you're too late to this practice, let me assure you, you most certainly are not. Reflection takes time, and as in every year before, I'll be working on my lists all through January. (Just this morning I reached for a Vitamin C serum I've been using and thought: I have to add this to my What Worked list!) And if you're interested in learning more about the Bullet Journal method for tracking your daily activities, notes, plans, etc., there are resources ALL OVER the internet. You can learn about the official method here (I think it helps to watch the video so you understand the concept—but let me be clear it is how you are able to CUSTOMIZE the method to meet your lifestyle that matters) and you can get a Bullet Journal method play-by-play here. You can also email me if you have questions.
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the latest book news
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What a thrill it was to find on our doorstep a box of ADVANCED READER COPIES of my novel, That Which Binds Us! While the official print run of the book won't be out and available until June 10, 2025, these "preview" babies go out to folks who might endorse and also help create buzz for the novel—reviewers, those who endorse via blurbs and the like. I have one final, final edit to go, and it's been such fun to do this by reading the story in actual book form! Thanks so much to all of you who have already pre-ordered copies. I am humbled and overwhelmed and GRATEFUL because those pre-sales are what the publisher and industry insiders use to judge how successful a book will likely be and good sales really give the novel an important leg up. THANK YOU! And if you don't know much about the novel but are interested in learning more, all the details are on my website!
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(If I could play the video here, you'd see giddy me jumping up and down.)
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I want to also thank you for being here. I never—never, for a single second—take for granted the privilege of your time and trust. I've written 1,024 posts on The Daily Grace since 2010, and this is issue #64 of this Grace Notes newsletter. I love writing them as much today as I did at the very beginning. You are the joy for me.
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All the very best to you and yours as we jump rip-roaring into this new year!!!
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The God of the Woods, by Liz Moore
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The whole world has read and loved this book, including President Obama who has exquisite taste and put it on his summer reading list. I chose it specifically for my holiday reading—I wanted something immersive and consuming for the week between Christmas and New Year's, when I knew I would have some "sit down and sink in" time. It fit the bill perfectly. A page-turner about an exclusive summer camp, where a camper goes missing and a thousand secrets are revealed, I did not find it to be a perfect book but it is certainly a worthy read. Note: I tried this on audio several months ago and had trouble keeping up with the timeline jumps and multiple characters. I found I enjoyed it much much more in book form. Thank you, Richland County Library!
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Does this even need a description beyond "Jude Law"? I mean, seriously. Although I will offer the bonus rec of listen to Hugh Grant's episode (I love him and in the best way he rattles the hosts with his charming, irreverent Hugh Grant-ness) then listen to Jude Law who is smart and charming and funny. I love them both so much. They are so different! Who knew?
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I'd never heard of a Commonplace Book but I love this idea! I've kept versions over the years but am definitely committing to this for 2025 and beyond. ANOTHER BONUS: I subscribe to The Good Trade newsletter and really enjoy it. You might, too.
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from the archives on THE DAILY GRACE
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The Most Civilized Month of the Year
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Of all the months, January is my favorite. And no wonder. There is so much to love about this quiet time of the year.
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last winter, on Cat's Mountain
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Happy New Year!
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