F U 2012, I'm Not Changing!


Well friends, it's that time of year again. It's time to say goodbye to 2011 and hello to 2012. Out with the old, in with the new. Goodbye. Sayonara. Don't let the door hit your ass on the way out. Mama's got a new year coming and she needs to make room, because this is the year its gonna happen. What's going to happen, I haven't the slightest of clues, but if it's going to happen, it's going to happen in 2012, right?

After all, isn't that what all the celebrating is about? Saying goodbye to the old and ringing in the new year with a bang? You know what it is also time for? Resolutions. But this isn't going to be your everyday “New Year's resolution” post because of this one question,

What if 2011 wasn't all that bad?

2011 was the start of self-discovery for me and it was largely due to social networking. *glares at Twitter* (I say “start” because I have a lot of things to figure out still.) And although these new discoveries lead to some tough times, I feel that they also put me on the path to a happier Karen. So, instead of listing things I'm going to change in the new year, I'm going to list three things that I'm not changing… ever! So there.

I couldn't say it better myself, Calvin. Let's get started, shall we? *ahem*

1. Speaking my mind.

I know. I know. You're probably sitting there thinking, “HA! Like she ever kept her mouth shut.” Well, truth is, I used to bite my tongue… a lot. I would rather accept blame, accusation and stress than tell someone how I really felt. I had avoiding the truth to keep the peace down to an art. But its not healthy and in the long run, I wasn't doing anyone any favors.

I don't know why it became easier for me to speak my mind this year, but it has been. So, this is good, right? Right. However, there are consequences to speaking your mind, even when you do it properly. I hurt a lot of people this year with my true feelings and I feel awful about it, but in the long run, it's for the best.

In turn, I was hurt this year by people avoiding truth in the hopes of sparing me bad feelings. Unfortunately for me, it just made it worse. So no more. If you piss me off, I'll tell you. If you do something wonderful and sweet, I'll tell the world. If I screw up, yeah, I'll be a big girl and admit it. If you screw up… ๐Ÿ™‚

2. Using adult language.

This may seem strange to you but just bear with me. It's not like I haven't cursed before, I grew up with three older brothers for goodness sake. ๐Ÿ˜‰ However, my mom raised me with the saying, “If you have to resort to foul language then you don't know enough words.” Well, mom, I love you, you know I do, but saying “Phooey on that stuff” just doesn't hold the same weight as, “Fuck that shit.”

It is a clinically proven that letting out a stream of curse words at the top of your lungs helps reduce stress and pain. Don't believe me? Go to your toolbox, get out a hammer and hit your thumb. Do nothing but just stand there. Now, pick the hammer back up and hit your other thumb. Proceed to scream curse words at the top of your lungs. Feel somewhat better? No? Well, you get my point. Now put the hammer down before you hurt someone else.

I found that this holds true in my life. However, I've noticed that I slip in a colorful word even when I'm not angry. What can I say? I'm surrounded by kids all day and talking baby talk was just never my thing. So, give me my adult language. It makes me feel like a big girl and its not hurting anyone. And it's not like I'm sitting in church reciting George Carlin's 7 words You Can't Say on Television or anything. Although, I do find myself humming Blink 182's version of it. ๐Ÿ˜‰ (*Note… ok, so one thing I do need to change is making sure that my kids aren't around when I relieve some stress. I don't need my 4 year old teaching her classmates some new words.)

3. Helping Authors.

What? Wait! That's kinda like a New Year's resolution, isn't it? It's positive, it's admirable, it's… tough. Stressful. Aggravating. Then why do I do it? Because I want to. Because I like reading, I like spreading the good word about great written words. Does it drive me up a freaking wall when I go to promote someone else's book and they don't send me the requested author pic or short bio I'd like to put on my page. Yes. Do I want to commit bodily harm to authors when I have to go find links to where their book is selling. Hell yes.

I've had authors tell me they'll send me a guest post then disappear and not answer my emails, tweets or DMs. I've had authors say they'll send me all the information needed to promote their book properly then tell me to go get it myself, THEN tell me that I grabbed the wrong links.

So, why do I continue to do it. Well, to go along with 1 and 2 of this post… because I'm fucking awesome, that's why. ๐Ÿ˜‰ Because at the end of the day, those authors are only hurting themselves. And luckily and thankfully because of my little venture into helping the self and indie pubbed authors I've met some truly talented and gifted writers. I've met people that appreciate receiving reviews and help me push other authors.

This is a great community and I will continue to do what I can to push forward those authors who are serious about their craft.

So, that's it people. My non-resolution, resolution post. ๐Ÿ™‚

Oh fine, I can't resist. I do have a couple of New Year's resolution-like things…

1. Get my ass back to the gym, regularly.

2. Write at least 5oo words a day. (Thanks to Cara Michaels #WIP500)

3. Read a book a week. (Really, I used to be able to read a romance in 1-2 days, I'm seriously slacking in this department)

So with all this said, I wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. I hope 2012 is everything you hope for!

I'll see you all on the flip side.

Cheers!

 


Stop by the bar on Monday to see Charlie Cole's guest post, “Sex and Car Crashes.” Really, you don't want to miss it.

 


4 responses to “F U 2012, I'm Not Changing!”

  1. Great post! This year definitely had its ups and downs, but 2012 looks to be the same Here's hoping to a more fun, less tumultuous time for all of us! Oh, and thanks for the 500 words a day idea! I think I might take that on, too! Happy New Year!

  2. 2011 held some of my most highest and lowest days. It truly was one hell of a year. I'm hoping that I'll have more good days than bad this year but 2011 set me on the right path… I hope. *crosses fingers* ๐Ÿ˜‰

  3. There are days I want to curse out 2011 for being so ridiculously harsh and cruel then others I want to sing its praises to anyone who'll listen. It was one that I'll never forget. Best of luck in the new year and I hope you do take on the 500 word challenge, it *seems* easy enough. ๐Ÿ˜‰