Sharon Vander Meer

In a recent post I proposed a challenge to readers asking, “What quote or comment – your own or from another source – defined 2017 for you? What do you want 2018 to be like?”

My responses to the challenge are–

What I learned in 2017 is that no matter what happens, forge ahead. Life’s ups and downs are temporary. Live life to the full in the best way you know how.

Mark Twain is my inspiration for 2018: Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

You are never too old to explore, dream, discover.

Below are the responses I received, and the winner of a signed copy of my newest novel (release date Jan. 31) is… everyone who responded! Thanks to each of you for your thoughtful consideration of the questions.

Beth Urech: “Do not do what someone else could do as well as you. Do not say, do not write what someone else could say, could write as well as you. Care for nothing in yourself but what you feel exists nowhere else. And, out of yourself create, impatiently or patiently, the most irreplaceable of beings.” Once again, I’m pinning Andre Gide’s words above my desk!

Karen Topping: For 2017 for me it was this, “Let what you love be what you do,” and my inspiration for 2018 is, “Do not be dismayed by the brokenness of the world. All things break. And all things can be mended. Not with time, as they say, but with intention. So go. Love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally. The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you.” – L.R.Knost (Taken from an Instagram post). I also like a very simple one for 2018. “Be Good, Trust God, Enjoy!” – taken from Guideposts article on how to live life and face death.

Kathleen Rodgers: In 2017 I experienced grace, mercy, hope, forgiveness, healing, and restoration. For 2018, I will once again seek peace and try to be empathetic to others who may be suffering.

Niki Sebastian: For 2017, it was mostly a “been here, done this before, didn’t think I would have to do it all again” year on the social level, and a learning how to shut out the ugly hysteria engendered so I could continue personal growth. 2018 looks like being mote of the latter, gratitude for what is in my personal life that I will defend from assault by the ugly social havoc, as best I can.

Andrea Gottschalk: My ending of 2017 is realizing the things that define, imprinted and limited me and prevented me to expand myself into greater joy and fulfillment of life itself. My favorite quote ever out of a movie called “Dan in real life” (which is also one of my favorite movies ever) is:  “Plan to get surprised!” I used that quote for the last few years as a New Years resolution!

Steve Leger: I play music because it makes me a better person.

I hope all the winners enjoy reading “Blind Curve,” which you will receive as soon as I can get it to you after publication. My wish for each of you – and all One Roof Publishing readers – in 2018, is fulfillment of your dreams and the satisfaction that comes from your creative spirit, whatever form that may take.

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Please Follow, Like, Comment and Share this article. Your feedback is important to me. Thanks for reading One Roof Publishing Magazine. One Roof Publishing may be reached by e-mail at fsharon@msn.com. Publisher and primary writer, Sharon Vander Meer. Guest posts are welcome.