2013 Bucketlist Item 6: Review an Indie Writer's Book...At Least 6 This Year

As you have probably seen recently here on the blog (and if you haven't you really should check out my post on indie writers), I have become a huge fan of indie writers thanks primarily to connections made on Twitter. While checking out other authors on Twitter to network, I discovered that so many of them were all independently published and doing it successfully. I have read a couple of indie books since then, and they were some of the most incredible pieces of writing I have read in a longtime.  I want to do my part and promote some of them by writing full, in depth reviews of their books...at least six of them this year anyway. It is very helpful that all of the books I have looked at are available in the Kindle store, so I can read them at my leisure.

I feel this will help to further promote all of the talented, great, indie authors out there and get some of these great works in front more eyes.  

2013 Bucketlist Item 5: Read At Least One Book Every Three Weeks

Given how fast I read, I should be able to accomplish this with relative ease. As I look at indie authors, non-fiction topics, as well as my own spiritual growth and book writing project, I will really need to stick with this goal. It is easily obtainable. 

I took a step back recently to see where my time was being used, and found that I was being far too inefficient in coordinating activities, chores, work tasks, etc. By figuring out the time, I have found about 45 minutes a day in which my time could be better used. Of course, there is still the small matter of sticking with it...

2013 Bucket list Item 4: Spend More Time With Friends and Family

This one is short and sweet…and well, a pretty obvious one. The time spent working has to become more in balance with the time spent with family and friends. This is something that I have worked on in the past, but always seem to fall short on at times. I’ll get there…

2013 Bucket list Item 3: Raise Awareness of using Natural and Local Goods

Yesterday I mentioned a couple of topics that I am going to be writing about on the use of natural food and holistic remedies on your pets, cats in particular. I will be looking to promote this for people as well, not only by associating healthy changes for your pet with healthy changes for you, but also by posting here from time to time some of the healthy, natural and holistic breakthroughs and discoveries I have come across.

Topics such as using essential oils as medications, supplements, mood enhancers, stress relievers…the list goes on.  Another key topic is the food and water you intake, how to identify and avoid the genetically modified foods that everyone in the world is banning except for the U.S., and to buy locally grown and produced food when possible versus things imported from Mexico. Some irradiatiated veggies anyone?

Speaking of local foods, buy locally! Seriously…buy locally. Buying local, organic food is always the best, followed by local, non-GMO food. It is pretty easy to find local, organic food even in the winter. Root vegetables are easily stored when done so properly, and the growth of aquaponic, hydroponic, and year round greenhouse growing make organic food readily available year round, even in the coldest of climates. I found a winter farmer’s market in Anchorage, AK, that does just that…fresh, organic vegetables available year round. A quick web search should reveal where these places are. One trick to know is that most winter growers often will sell direct to the customer if the customer comes to their place of operation. Also, keep in mind that this also applies to meat, dairy, eggs, and fish, and other foodstuff products as well…organic is not just a vegetarian thing. A vast world of discovery waits!

And then we have CSA’s, which I will save for down the road to keep this from getting too long.

Local products can be found as well, it is just a matter of getting out and exploring your world. 

Much more to come...so grab your notepad and get ready to take notes.

2013 Bucketlist Item 2: Promote and Expand http://www.raisingourhumans.com

I have had this website up and running for two and a half years and have built up a nice number of followers. This year, I am taking this site to the next level. In addition to the usual cat stories, I will be diving into the benefits of holistic pet care and other cat care topics that I come across from time to time, such as product reviews and playtime tips.

Over the past couple of years, my girlfriend and I have experienced so much in regards to cat health and holistically treating ourselves and the cats. One of our cats was diagnosed with asthma, which is what began our journey towards better health for us and the cats. Instead of treating him with steroids that would ultimately poison and weaken him, we found a mix of essential oils that does the job without all of the side effects. The oils work for us as well, and have replaced almost all of our medications in our medicine cabinet.

 

Other topics of discussion will be: 
--How your energy reflects itself on your pets . 

--Proper feeding of your cat. Raw and natural are key. Most commercial pet foods on the market are an extension of the processed human food out there; loaded up with tons of junk your pet does not need. I will also cover getting your pet off of dry kibble, which is extremely harsh on their little systems and dangerous to their health over a period of time .

--Pet communication.

--Litter choices out there. Clay litters are great for clumping, but have you noticed all the chemically laded dust you and your pet are breathing each time you scoop or when your cat is digging around in its box?

--Pet massage. Oh yes, they all love this, too. 

All this and much, much more.

2013 Bucketlist Item 1: Complete a Book Idea

This is one that I have already started, but have decided that it needs a serious kick in the rear end. I have completed four chapters in my book, but find myself referencing various books and sources to refresh my memory of small details for various scenes in the book that work to enhance the storylines.

My book topic falls into the historical fiction genre, which has led to quite a bit of research on the time period and the events of the period. This has slowed down my writing a bit, but I believe this will be beneficial for the book, its readers, and myself. 

So....my focus for for the first part of the year is going to all be on research. Finish up the writing during the second part of the year, while I decide if I want to publish it through a traditional publishing house, or to go it alone. I already know which way I am leaning on this, and the clues to this can be seen on some of my previous posts.

I will leave you to the start of your own 2013 experience. Make this year your own. You control what you feel, and what you want to do. It may be difficult, but it is always better for you in the long run. 

Happy New Years, blessings, and namaste. 

New Years Resolutions?

It is now 2013, and everyone around me is making resolutions to live by for the new year…or at least for a few days. I started to wonder why we wait for New Years to “resolve” to improve ourselves. What is so significant about the January 1^st date that makes it a universal day of change? Do we not need to do this on a daily basis?

I did a little research into the origins of New Year’s resolutions, and here is what I found.

The earliest known resolutions were not resolutions at all, but were promises made by the ancient Babylonians to return things they have borrowed and to pay debts. The first known form of a New Year’s resolution came during Roman times, when Romans would begin the new year by making promises to Janus, the Roman god of gates and doorways (or simply a doorkeeper). It is after Janus that January is named. In Medieval times, Christian knights would take the “peacock vow” (a sort of romantic vow) at the end of Christmas celebrations to reaffirm their chivalrous commitments.

Interestingly enough, the trend of New Year’s resolutions has been on the rise. During the turn of the 20^th century, about 25% of American adults formed resolutions. Today, that number is more like 40%. The source on this, for those who have a deeper interest, is a book called Psychological Foundations of Success by Stephen J. Kraus.

I am breaking tradition. Not only will I set a path for self-improvement daily from this day forward, but I will set forth a bucket list of 13 items I want to accomplish in ’13. A bucket list? Yes, a bucket list. By the time 2013 “passes away”, I will have the 13 things on my list checked off. I will post, over the course of the next 13 days, one item each day. This will take me directly to the moment I begin my journey towards Reiki attunement, which I will complete exactly on my 40^th birthday. Coincidence? There is no such thing…