First Musings of 2009
Well, here we are, y’all; facing a brand-spankin’ new year! Yessir; we got us a clean slate, just sittin’ there waitin’ for the squeak of a new piece of chalk.
It’s a fresh white page, ready for those powerful and purposeful words locked up inside of us. A big giant turkey, ready to be stuffed with all sorts of good things. (OK, maybe that last metaphor was a little strange… but hey, we are at the tail end of the holidays, you know.)
Anyway, the point is, the start of a new year is traditionally when we take a moment to consider the things we expect, hope, or even dream will happen this year. And yours truly is no exception.
A Look Ahead
First off (and I know you were expecting me to say it), there’s our big annual Middle Zone Musings extravaganza: Blogapalooza. I truly hope y’all decide to participate, ‘cause it’s really gonna a be a great time! I’m accepting entries right now, as fast as you can get ‘em to me. (And I’ll take ‘em as late as January 24. But I beg you – please don’t wait until the last minute!)
Now, one of the benefits of goin’ through all the old posts from last year (you know, for my own Blogapalooza entry) is I had a chance to reflect a bit on the things I’ve written. I’m tellin’ ya, after reading so many good posts (if I do say so myself), I am amazed and tremendously blessed for the great friendships and interesting conversations generated throughout the year.
Lemme just say how grateful I am to you folks! Many thanks, and of course a big ol tip o’ the hat to ya!
An Inadvertent Theme
While perusing my posts, though, I did notice was one interesting thing. Starting back in January and continuing over a period of several weeks, I happened to write several articles about facing big changes, taking a leap of faith, and stuff along those lines, namely:
Jan 25 – A Leap of Faith
Jan 28 – Just Close Your Eyes and Floor It!
Jan. 29 – Three Points to Ponder When Your Ship Comes In
Feb 20 – 4 Fundamentals to Overcome the Fear of Change
Feb 21 - How to Reach Your Goals: 8 (plus 2) Tips to Stay on Track
What was ironic (which I believe is a Tasmanian word that means made entirely of iron) about writing these posts is, unknown to me, fellow writer Joanna Young happened to be dealing with some big decisions that required her doing that very thing. As it turned out, Joanna was struggling with a decision to move to an entirely new location in Scotland – a decision that required a leap of faith.
How did you know, she asked me once. Hey, the truth is, I didn’t. I just write ‘em as I get inspired, y’know? Who knew my words would be of any real value to anyone? I mean, you write and you hope, but still…
Learn It and Live It
So it’s a mite ironic, don’cha think, that this year, Mrs. MZM and I are facing the very same thing. That’s right: Comin’ down the pike, right at us is a (sound of terrified scream) big, honkin’ change!
Yup; Mrs. MZM and I are facing a rather large change in our lives. Guess I’d better go and read those articles again, y’know? And of course in the coming days, weeks, and months, you will be regaled (and no doubt amused) by our journey as we discover just what the heck is goin’ on.
In any case, rest assured Middle Zone Musings will still be here, swapping lies stories, laughin’ it up, and learnin’ stuff from that most ubiquitous of schoolmasters, Life.
What About You?
Now, if you’re facing a few big things this year, I’d like to humbly suggest you take a gander at those five posts above. And if you find anything of value in ‘em, please let me know.
So now the Big Question is: Are you facing big changes this year? If so, then would you care to share ‘em with us? Do you need any help, or, if you’ve recently experienced such things, can you offer any great advice for those of us about to take the leap?
As always, the door is open; I’ll leave the light on for ya!
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Photo: Looking Ahead, by jigsawpuzzle
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23 responses so far
Middle Zone Musings is a comfortable place to stop, have a cup of coffee, swap a few stories and share practical ideas for the real world. I don't ask for much, just a bit of your brain every now and then. Have a seat, take a load off, and relax...
I am ready to enjoy. Let the good times roll!
AndyCs last blog post..Silent Night?
[...] check out Robert Hruzek’s Blogapapalooza. He’s looking for your best posts of 2008, and he’ll publish links to all those posts [...]
2008 was nothing but change. God’s grace to stop working and be back home and homeschooling with my kiddos. Hubbie taking on two jobs for me to do that. Eldest daughter married and moved two states away. My father passed away in July. Eldest son turned 16 and got his first job. All seven of us moved in with my mom 50 miles from where we were living. Last week 14 year old son was blessed with a part-time job. Change has been in the air. We have lived and breathed it in 2008. My advice – lean in to the Lord and embrace the change. Even if the change is painful – God is there. Be grateful for every breath. Life is hard, but life is an amazing adventure! In Jesus…little ole’ me – Nancy (Oh and I started blogging back in October)
Nancys last blog post..New Year Poetry
Well now you have me completely curious Robert!
Ironically…( ha!) I am hearing this from many others as if 2009 is poised for a bit if this in all of us ..for me change, shift, strident, forward thinking efforts are a wonderful thing. Let me know if I can be a support to you.
Robert
You are always coming up with profound things for me to read.
Your ideas and prose get my gears turning as well and I bet that is true for a lot of your readership.
Thanks a lot!
George
Tumblemooses last blog post..Powerful tools to help your writing
I think they are great topics, but I enjoy Just Close Your eyes and floor it! I am 52 and it gets a little harder to do this but I keep trying. In the last year I have started a business. I have NEVER done anything like this before. I just jumped, although I did have my eyes WIDE open.
We have owned a business for over 24 years, but it was really directed by my husband. My new business is mine and I am having a really goode time. It really is outside my box and stretches my mind, but I need to keep my mind agile and interested as I move on down the road.
@Andy – We’ll see how it goes, Andy. But I’m tellin’ ya; I’m already expecting great things from this year!
@Nancy – Wow, sounds like you’re ready for a breather! But I know what you mean, though. Thanks for the advice!
@Karen – Thanks so much for the support, Karen! You’ll be hearing more as it unfolds…
@Tumblemoose – George, you’re very welcome, Bubba! I’m just happy to be teamed up with you and Brad at Scrambled Toast, too. Great thing a’comin’!
@Gypsy – Way to go! You’ve taken an exciting step – keep goin’!
well I have already made my list of things to do in 2009 and since you asked my largest goal is to relocate from canada to the philipinnes. I have been planning this move for years and 2009 I will take the leap.
Mrs. MZM is expecting? Again?
Conrads last blog post..Now Reverse in Aging Am I
Robert, thanks for reminding me of those series of posts – really I felt like you (and some other bloggers) were writing directly to me in that period before I made the move…
Your words do make a difference. It’s why we should chose them well.
I’m curious and excited about your own plans, and hope it’s going to lead to something good and positive for you both.
I’ll be here cheering you on from the side.
Best wishes
Joanna
Joanna Youngs last blog post..What Did You Learn from 2008? Middle Zone Blogapalooza
@Brennan – Wow, now that’s a big move! Hope it goes well, and be sure to let drop by and let us know how it went, Brennan.
@Conrad – Uh, expecting what, exactly? :-O
Naah, it’s nothin’ like that, Conrad. More having to do with, um, location.
@Joanna – Yeah, that was really weird to find out you were wrestling with that at the time. Now I know how you felt! But it’s gonna be great, however it works out. I just know it!
The most wonderful thing I’ve found about blogs is how God uses things which people thousands of miles away from me idly blog about to challenge, bless and encourage me.
My advice to bloggers is: you don’t have to know WHY you’re writing about something but if God lays it on your heart to write about what happened to you today or what you read somewhere or how delicious your Grandma’s chocolate chip cookies are then write about it!
You have no idea how God is going to use what you write!
You got that right, Peter; and most often, it’s not something I was lookin’ for to begin with! But hey, it’s all good, ain’t it? Oh, and painful, sometimes – but all good!
Robert, maybe I’m a little bit busybody, but I would like to know, is the Palooza Meter on the right sidebar is use for counting the Palooza entries?
Yes it is, Wilson. You can tell (approximately) how many entries there are so far by just checking it now and then.
Robert,
I found you kind of by mistake but you speak to the straighforward common sense side of my brain. 2008 was a terrible year for my business but I think it will end up being a wonderful blessing. We’ve had to make some very tough decisions and develop strategies to create alternative business lines. This is something we’d never have to consider or learn had it not been forced upon us by 2008. In whatever business I am in at the end of 2009 and beyond, I am sure I will be a better person for having going through 2008.
Keep up the good work and have a wonderful 2009.
Hey, welcome to the Middle Zone, Tom! It’s amazing how necessity breeds innovative thinking, isn’t it? Look forward to hearing of good things from you, Tom!
Robert Hruzeks last blog post..BLOGAPALOOZA Starts Tomorrow!