The Courage to Come Back
Happy (almost) New Year, Writer’s Block Party Crew.
As I sat introspectively, I felt an unsettled call to come and connect with all of you one last time.
2025 has been…a year.
I’ve talked to countless friends who are crawling to the close of this year, hoping for better days. And I’ve suffered some personal setbacks that made me question whether, what, how, when…everything. On days when I couldn’t make sense of so much, I put one foot in front of the other and found my way back to the calm of the page.
It’s easy to quit.
And the more times you fail or fall short, the more compelling quitting can become. But if we’re listening, the same things call. And that quiet, continuous whisper is often a guide to fulfillment, a voice of reassurance reminding us that even though it may never be easy, the path forward will be worth it.
Part of that call for me has been just this: writing and sharing my thoughts openly and honestly without fear of the consequences.
And in a time of book bans, attacks on truth, and tremendous uncertainty, I celebrate the success of continuing to show up and be seen. It takes courage to find or fight your way back when a situation, political climate, or personal challenge keeps kicking you while you’re down.
This now yearlong Writer’s Block Party journey has been nothing short of amazing. And amidst tremendous highs and terrifying lows, I’ve found the courage to come back, over and over again.
Whether it’s a creative endeavor, a professional next step, a volunteer project, or a challenging but worthwhile relationship that calls, my advice to you is simple: answer.
With that, I’d offer a few thoughts in hopes that they reach someone who’s sitting still, uncertain and anxious about what the new year will bring:
See Beyond Your Circumstances
Maintain a vision beyond your present reality. Call it a daydream, a personal goal, or a prayer. Never allow yourself to be limited by what you see before you. More is possible, and you’re deserving of all that you seek.
Align with and Invest in Community
I’ve said it time and time again, community is everything. Make time to nurture yours. Find authentic connections and seek the company of people who are good for your nervous system. Connect even when your to-do list discourages it.
Choose people who challenge you, support you, and make you feel seen. And watch how situations that seemed insurmountable bend in your favor and shift in support of your greater good.
Remember Your Why
Don’t just hear the call, clarify your “why.” The start of the year is the perfect time to return to your personal mission statement. It will root you when you confront resistance and ground you when you need grit.
Give Back
You’re uniquely positioned to have a profound impact. Open your heart to what the world needs from you and be willing to give freely and frequently to the individuals, organizations, and causes that call. Start small if you must, but don’t sit on the sidelines for another year when it’s on your heart to give back.
And Before You Go: Thank You!
A year ago, this was just a dream. One year, thirty-eight Substack posts, a weeklong writing workshop, 141 writing group sessions, a Buckhead billboard (shout out to The Unsealed), forty-one submissions/applications, a completed first novel, and countless lessons later, you’ve made it real.
Thank you for your encouraging words, for your enthusiasm, for your engagement, and for indulging me as I put loud thoughts to the page in hopes of finding connection. You are everything!
And there’s so much more for us to chat about, celebrate, critique, and confront in 2026.
Wishing you the very best in the year to come.
May we achieve immeasurable success, give gratitude for quiet moments, take setbacks in stride, smile more, and find the courage to come back. Again, and again.
A Quick Word on Resolutions…
…I don’t really do them. But I do believe in the power of vocalizing intent aloud to those who will hold you accountable.
So, in 2026…
I’ll be back here (hopefully) in a more consistent cadence (I’m thinking monthly, what do you think?). I’ll continue growing my creative coaching company, The Writer’s Block Partner, which has brought me so much joy this year. And I will finish my second book come hell or high water.
I can’t wait to share more of me with you! And to grow the momentum and spread the magic of The Writer’s Block Party!
Until next time…
The Writer’s Block Party’s 2025 In Review:
Your Favorite 2025 WBP Pieces (based on views, comments, and reactions):
My Favorite 2025 WBP Pieces:
I’m so glad you’re here!
Wishing you the Happiest New Year! May 2026 be your best year yet!
🎉🎊🎉Wishing a very very happy new year to you too 🎉🎊🎉 . All the best 💐