Tag: #timetorefresh

  • How to Boost Your Attitude to Write Every Day

    How to Boost Your Attitude to Write Every Day

    How to Boost Your Attitude to Write EverydayUpdated October 2021

    If you’re looking to boost your attitude so you can write every day, then you’ve come to the right place.

    The life of a writer can be challenging. Whether you work as a full- or part-time writer, it’s sometimes hard to muster up the courage, strength, and discipline to write every day.

    And if all of that is not enough, most writers deal with invisible obstacles like doubt, fear, or negative thoughts.

    If this is you, I know how you feel. But these obstacles, especially negative thoughts, are such a waste of time and energy. And let’s be honest, ain’t nobody got time for that.

    I adopted the thing as part of my daily writing routine to boost my attitude to write every day: focus on the big picture.

    I changed my focus from negative self-talk to the big picture goals I outlined for myself as a writer to boost my attitude. First, I revisit my vision board to see what I outlined for the year. Then, I focus on new ideas that help me write the story I want to tell.

    So what steps do I take to focus so I can boost my attitude? In this post, I outline seven steps I take to boost my attitude for writing.

    Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

     

    Here are 7 tips on how to boost your attitude to write every day  

     

    Tip #1 Sleep

    I realize for some people, getting a good night’s sleep is easier said than done. But, for me, all I needed was to make a few adjustments in my bedtime routine.

    First, I try to go to bed at the same time every night, Sunday through Thursday (I stay up a little later on Fridays).

    Second, I downloaded Calm, a relaxation app, which offers soothing music and bedtime stories to help me sleep.

    Finally, I bought the Moonbow Bedphones, wireless sleep headphones that allow me to lay on my side without feeling the pain of an earbud in my ear.

     

     

    How to boost your attitude to write every day
    Moonbow Bedphones

    Tip #2 – Eating

    Another crucial area that offers me an attitude adjustment is what I eat.  Since adopting a Pescatarian diet six years ago, I feel much better. In addition, eating more fruits and vegetables has helped a lot.

    But, full confession, I’m in love with sugar.  So I decided to watch Dr. Mark Hyman, who offers excellent advice in his books, Food: What the Heck Should I Eat? and Food: What the Heck Should I Cook?

    As a result, reducing my sugar intake gives me more energy throughout the day to get more writing done.

     

    Tip #3 – Physical activity

    Even if I only have 30 minutes, I like to include a workout as part of my morning routine.  Research shows exercise improves body image, self-esteem, and mental health. So after being inside writing for a long time, I go for a walk. The walk gives me a boost of energy and helps me reflect on my day or stir up ideas about my latest projects.

    How to boost your attitude to write every day

     

    Tip #4 – Keep an idea notebook

    How to boost your attitude to write every day

    Since I come up with ideas all day, I love keeping an idea notebook.  It’s an excellent way for me to get my thoughts out of my head and on paper.  I used to write my ideas everywhere – Post-it Notes, sheets of paper, and the back of napkins.  Using a notebook helps me organize my thoughts. Any notebook will do the trick.  This Bright Ideas Journal is full of color, but Kraft Paper Notebooks work just as well.

     

    Tip #5 – Connect with other creatives

    In addition to client meetings and coaching sessions, I love meeting with other creatives. The life of the solopreneur can be lonely. Meeting with other creatives – either in person or online – inspires me and helps me return to my writing projects with fresh ideas. A few weeks ago, I joined ProBlogger’s FREE 7-Day Content Sprint Course.  It was great meeting Problogger Darren Rouse and other creatives each night for seven days. Not only was Darren gracious enough to share his knowledge about writing blog posts, but it was great to see comments from other bloggers. I came away from those sessions inspired and ready to write new content.

     

    Tip #6 – Make time for play dates

    Throughout my career in public relations and corporate communications, there have always been deadlines. Some days were more demanding than others. The same is still true now that I run my own business. I learned the hard way that all work and no play make me unfocused and uncreative. Sometimes giving my writing a boost means going for a bike ride or playing a game with family and friends.

    Tip #7 – Unplug by not doing any writing

    Sometimes the best thing I can do for my writing is to take a break from writing. On the days that I unplug, I don’t write or work. My laptop is off, and I move work out of my mind. The break allows me to rest and return to my writing refreshed.

     

    For some, writing every day comes easily. But for me, I can remember days of not being in the mood to write.

    In those moments, I readjust my mindset to focus on the big picture. I quickly ask myself, ‘Why am I writing? What’s the result of my work as a writer?’

    Does it take effort? Yes. But it is so worth it.

    How do you boost your attitude to write?  Let me know in the comments.

    If you found this post helpful, please share it with others.  Thanks!

     
    How to Boost Your Attitude to Write Every Day

  • 6 Powerful Time Management Solutions for Time-Crunched Writers

    6 Powerful Time Management Solutions for Time-Crunched Writers

    Laptop with hour-glass 6 Powerful Time Management Solutions for Time-Crunched Writers

     

    Are you a time-crunched writer looking for ways to manage your writing life?

    If yes, you aren’t alone. 

    Many writers crunched for time look for ways to fit more time into their writing routine while eliminating distractions. 

    For this reason, it’s good to find a few time-management tools to help you enhance productivity. 

    In today’s post, I highlight some useful time management tools that will help you eliminate the noise, eliminate distractions, and manage your writing projects more efficiently.

    Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links. 

    RescueTime 

    Do you often end up scrolling through Instagram for hours, and when you glance at the clock, you can’t believe how much time you wasted?

    RescueTime is here to rescue you from this feeling. This app records the exact time you spent on each activity. At the end of the day, you can identify the things that take up too much of your time. 

    This app can also help you set achievable writing goals and give you insight into where your time went.

    Rescue Time

    MeisterTask

    MeisterTask is an intuitive tool for project management and task management that helps you organize your writing to get things done. The tool allows you to manage your writing projects, to-do lists, and checklists in one place.  I like that it helps me create electronic and flexible Kanban boards.  I also like that it allows me to share information with my students or other writers.  

     

    MeisterTask

     

     Doris

    If you have limited time to write, it can be quite hard to juggle everything. You forget deadlines, and all of a sudden, it dawns upon you that you’ve missed the deadline. There’s no feeling worst than this! 

    With Doris, you can list all your tasks and set them in order of priority by drag-and-drop. It’s a free website that you can easily sync across your devices and keep track of all your deadlines without having to worry about them.  

     OmmWriter

    If you are one of those writers who easily get distracted while writing, OmmWriter helps you stay focused. It frees your screen from distractions, so you only focus on what’s right in front of you. It also offers relaxing music to make writing more productive. I used this app to write my first book, and it worked great. It’s available on Mac, PC, and iPad, so it will follow you everywhere you go.

     

    OmmWriter 6 Powerful Time Management Solutions for Time-Crunched Writers

     Toggl 

    This app lets you keep track of your time on a particular writing task. This is quite helpful in understanding your strengths as a writer. You can also use this app to stay organized and stay in control. If you work with clients on an hourly basis, you can use Toggl to send reports to your clients for invoicing. 

     Focus Booster

    Focus Booster is another fantastic tool many part-time writers love. It works on the Pomodoro Technique – 25 minutes (or more) of work followed by regular 5-minute breaks. 

    Focus Booster tracks your time and makes sure that you take a break. So, it helps you stay refresh your focus and rejuvenate your energy every twenty-five minutes. Thanks to this technique, you won’t ever feel burned out as a writer. 

     

    Find time management tools that work for you

    There are lots of time management apps and tools to help writers. Explore as many options as you can and pick things that work for you.  But don’t try to apply too many. With a few time management and productivity tools, you can manage your writing life effectively and reduce time anxiety. 

     

    Pencil on notebook with a clock

  • How to Survive Swimming in Strange Water

    How to Survive Swimming in Strange Water

    How to Survive Swimming in Strange Water

    As a follow-up to Alexandra Franzen’s guest post, Will You Mow the Lawn to Follow Your Dream, today’s post highlights Alexandra’s book, You’re Going to Survive.  As someone who survived three job layoffs, I know how it feels to have to restart your career.  Whether you know your next move or you feel like you’re swimming in strange water, I am a living witness that you can make it.  Please feel free to share your survival story in the comments.    

    Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

     

    You’re Going To Make It

    The loss of a job feels a lot like swimming in the ocean.

    When you first hear, “We’ve decided to let you go,” you feel a cold sensation wash over you.  After the words sink in,  you drift towards emotions like disappointment, frustration, rejection, anger, and maybe, fear.

    Looking back,  you never saw a layoff in your future.  You never dreamed you would have to swim in the strange water of unemployment.

    But you don’t have to drown.

    During my swim, I found lots of lifebuoys to help me survive.  I prayed, talked to friends, and read lots of books.  One book I would recommend, which I recently read, is Alexandra Franzen’s, You’re Going to Survive. 

    Throughout the book’s 306 pages, Alexandra encourages the reader to move forward no matter what happens.  Throughout seven chapters, Alexandra covers disappointment, bad reviews, bullies, doubt, and rejection.  As she explores each area, she assures the reader that not only are their feelings normal but that everyone goes through the same experiences at some point in their life.

    My favorite quote:

    No matter what’s happening in your career right now, and no matter what happens next, you’re going to make it through this day. 

    Yes!  I love this. I cannot tell you how many times I told myself this over the past three years.

    If you are facing unemployment or dealing with other life challenges, I recommend Alexandra’s book, You’re Going to Survive.

    How to survive swimming in strange water

    Survival in Strange Water

    “Survival is the ability to swim in strange water.”  from Frank Herbert’s Dune

     

    While reading, You’re Going to Survive, I remembered my layoff in 2017.

     

    When I got laid off, I decided immediately that I was not only going to survive but that I would also thrive. I set up a website, started a blog, volunteered in my community, and published my first book, Time to Refresh.

     

    Before doing anything, I went to the beach for the weekend to map out a plan.  Part of the plan includes the following seven steps below.

     

    Accept the news immediately.

    Unless another job is available in your company, accept the news quickly, and take the following action:

    • Process your feelings about the news.
    • Review or make a budget.
    • Talk to trusted friends or counselors provided by your employer.
    • Talk to your manager about your assignments leading up to your last day at work.

     

    Make a personal peace plan.

    Use journaling to write about:

    • What makes you angry about being laid off?
    • The reasons you are happy to leave your job?
    • What will you do every day when your job ends?
    • Identify the key things you want your next job to include.
    • How will you ensure peace in your life during this time?

     

    Create a journey map

    As the author of your story, write the next chapter of your life.  A journey map is a visual tool used to accomplish a goal.  Whether your next target is a new job or a new business, a journey map allows you to list the steps you will take to reach your desired goal.

     

    Research new ideas

    Examine your journey map and list any items that require research.  Explore new courses, seminars, or workshops offering the information you need to reach your goal.  Set up interviews with people already on the path you want to take.

     

    Set a regular schedule

    Once your job ends, determine what you will focus on during the day.  Brush your teeth, comb your hair, and wear real clothes every day.  Resist the temptation to stay in your pajamas or workout clothes all day.  Plan to meet people and network.

     

    Get moving

    Make sure your daily schedule includes movement.  Whether it’s a yoga class at your local gym, a trip to the dog park, or a daily walk around your neighborhood, make plans to get out of the house each day.

     

    Find peace through faith and prayer.

    Relying on faith and prayer can bring comfort during challenging times.  For me, this meant attending church regularly, personal and corporate prayer, and Bible study. Find the peace you need to help you survive.

     

    At the end of her book, Alexandra reminds us that we are built to handle all of the challenges we face in life.  She writes:

    “You’re made of carbon, just like the stars in the galaxy, and oxygen, hydrogen, and sodium, just like the oceans, and you’re just as powerful.”

    If there was ever any doubt in your mind, know this:  You’re going to survive!

     

    How to survive swimming in strange water

  • Time to Reflect:  Time to Refresh Honored

    Time to Reflect: Time to Refresh Honored

    Female writer with notebook Time to Reflect: Time to Refresh Honored

     

    Since it’s been one year since I wrote my first book, Time to Refresh, I thought now would be a good time to reflect.

    This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

     

    Expect the Unexpected

    When I started writing, Time to Refresh, I didn’t know what to expect.  All I knew was that God told me to write the book.

    I was driving home from the gym one morning thinking about being laid off.  While sitting at the light, a ton of thoughts flooded my mind.  What will I do with my time?  Why do layoffs bring fear and shame? Why is joblessness so hard to talk about?  How can I show people they can find peace in the midst of a job layoff?

    There were so many directions I could take the book, but God only wanted me to focus on one thing:  Be transformed by renewing your mind.

    I took  God’s command just as serious as Habakkuk did when God said,

    Write the vision. Make it clear on tablets so that anyone can read it quickly.  (Habakkuk 2:2).

    My prayer was this: Lord, teach me how to write this book so you will get the glory.

     

    Pressing Forward

    Before I started writing, I created an outline, researched Scriptures and information, and reviewed Bible study notes.  I wrote every day for a minimum of two hours while standing at my kitchen island. As I completed each chapter, I stood in awe of what God was doing through my hands.  I couldn’t believe I was actually writing my first book. I pressed forward every day, even on days when I didn’t want to until I finished.  Since writing my book, I created a 10-step guide to help others with their writing journey.

    Since releasing Time to Refresh to the world in August 2018, the response has been positive.  I enjoy hearing how the book is helping people deal with their challenges.  But more importantly, readers have told me the book is helping them see life through new eyes.  My response:  To God be the glory! (Galatians 1:5)

    A Brand-New Thing

    On November 13, 2019, my book was honored as a Finalist in the Religion: Christian Inspirational Category of the 2019 Best Book Awards sponsored by the American Book Fest.  According to Jeffrey Keen, President, and CEO of American Book Fest, this year’s contest yielded over 2,000 entries from mainstream and independent publishers, which were then narrowed down to over 400 winners and finalists.

    I am grateful for how far the book has come and how God is using it to speak to so many people. It is clear to me how God can use anyone and any challenge to inspire hope. I appreciate Isaiah 43:19:

    For I’m going to do a brand-new thing. See, I have already begun! Don’t you see it? I will make a road through the wilderness of the world for my people to go home, and create rivers for them in the desert!

    No matter what you are going through, trust God.  You never know what God has planned in the next chapter of your life.

    To God be the glory!

    Karen

     

    Time to Refresh with Best Book Award Seal

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Let’s embrace our time of refreshing

    Let’s embrace our time of refreshing

     As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Do you remember playing team sports as a child?  Did you hate being picked last or, if the teams were uneven, being asked to, sit this one out?  Unfortunately, that feeling of being overlooked or left out never seems to go away on its own.  

    When I got laid off in 2017, my instinct was to return to the emotions from my childhood.  At 51, after 16 years of devoted service, I was being told the team no longer needed me and the company no longer wanted my service.  I was suddenly out of a job.

    But instead of returning to those familiar feelings of rejection and loss, I went out on a limb and trusted God.  And I am so glad I did.  I saved so much time and energy not worrying, complaining, lamenting or questioning what was happening around me. 

    Time to refresh

    Instead, I embraced my time of refreshing.  I told myself, ‘You’re okay whether you are on the team or not. God’s got it all under control.’

    During my time on the sidelines, I have been blessed to publish my first book, Time to Refresh:  A 21-Day Devotional to Renew Your Mind After Being Laid Off, Fired or Sidelined.  So many people have told me how the book is blessing them.  You can check out a few comments here.

    The road ahead

    Below are five steps I took to help me deal with my layoff.  I originally offered this list to my sister in Christ, Wendi, and her readers over at Strength 4 Spouses.  Look at the list and offer any additional tips on how to hold on to faith during difficult times.

    Be honest about how you feel

    When faced with difficult times, tell God exactly how you feel. If you are mad, frustrated, or worried, let God know your heart.  If you are having a hard time, ask God to show you how to deal with what’s going on in your life.

    Ask God for help

    According to research compiled by Barna Group, of the American adults who regularly pray, only 49% ask for guidance during a personal crisis. Don’t be afraid to ask God for help.  He does not expect you to figure everything out on your own. 

    Be prepared to fight for your faith

    Ephesians 6:10-20 represents a call to battle in a spiritual war. The imagery of battle comes to life in verses 14-17 as we see a warrior outfitted with God’s armor, clad with truth, justice, salvation, and faith. During the hardest times of your life, the enemy will attack your faith.  Put on your armor to defend your faith in God.

    Grow your faith

    It’s one thing to say you have faith, and quite another thing to act like it. If you feel overwhelmed about the difficulty you face, go to God’s Word for guidance. As you continue to learn about faith, put God’s Word into action. 

    Find a mentor

    Ask a mature Christian friend to mentor you during tough times. Learn from his or her walk with Christ. 

    Would you like to be Inbox friends?

    I’d love to connect with you on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. I share tips on writing, following your dreams and embracing God’s divine plan for your life. 

    Follow my blog with Bloglovin

  • Time to Refresh Goes on Tour

    Time to Refresh Goes on Tour

    This year has been fantastic!

    I started my own business and wrote my first book, Time to Refresh: A 21-Day Devotional to Renew Your Mind After Being Laid Off, Fired, or Sidelined.

    The book, a 21-day devotional I wrote after being laid off this year, is doing good.  So many people have told me how the book is blessing them.  But the truth is, the book has been a blessing to me.

    Photo by Lakisha Newell

    Meeting people and hearing them talk about their journeys has been great. And now Time to Refresh is going on a virtual blog tour.

    Starting Monday, November 26, my book and I will make stops on more than 20 blogs.  Along the way, I will share my thoughts on faith, writing, change management, parenting, and how to juggle a busy life.  Here’s a look at the schedule:

    November 26th @ The Muffin
    What goes better in the morning than a muffin? Grab your coffee and stop by the Muffin blog, where you can read an interview with author Karen Brown Tyson and enter to win a copy of her book Time to Refresh.
    muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

    November 29th @ Bookworm Blog
    Be sure to stop by Anjanette’s blog, where you can read Karen Brown Tyson’s guest post on managing career, home, and ministry.
    bookworm66.wordpress.com

    November 29th @ The Frugalista Mom
    Visit Rozelyn’s blog, where you can read her review of Karen Brown Tyson’s book Time to Refresh.
    http://thefrugalistamom.com/

    November 30th @ Amateur Twin Mom
    Visit Jonelle’s blog to read what she has to say about Karen Brown Tyson’s book Time to Refresh.
    https://www.amateurtwinmom.com

    December 3rd @ Beverley A Baird Blog
    Visit Beverley’s blog, where Karen Brown Tyson talks about how to improve your writing life.
    https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

    December 5th @ Break Even Books
    Stop by Erik’s blog, where you can read Karen Brown Tyson’s blog post about building your personal brand.
    https://breakevenbooks.com/

    December 5th @  Jill Sheets Blog
    Stop by Jill’s blog today, where you can read Karen Brown Tyson’s blog post about how to improve your writing life.
    https://jillsheets.blogspot.com/

    December 6th @ Beverley A Baird Blog
    Revisit Beverley’s blog, where she shares her thoughts about Karen Brown Tyson’s book Time to Refresh. 
    https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

    December 7th @ Bookworm Blog
    Revisit Anjanette’s blog, where she interviews author Karen Brown Tyson about her book Time to Refresh.
    bookworm66.wordpress.com

    December 8th @ A Storybook World
    Visit Deirdra’s blog, where you can read Karen Brown Tyson’s blog post about fearless writing.
    http://www.astorybookworld.com/

    December 9th @ Reducing Overload
    Stop by Peggy’s blog to read author Karen Brown Tyson’s post about journaling and stress management.
    http://reducingoverload.com/

    December 13th @ Memoir Writer’s Journey
    Visit Kathleen’s blog, where you can read Karen Brown Tyson’s blog post about fearless writing.
    https://krpooler.com/

    December 13th @ M.C. Walker’s Blog
    Visit M.C. Walker’s blog where she interviews author Karen Brown Tyson about her and her book Time to Refresh.
    https://seeminoltawrite.com/

    December 14th @ Strength 4 Spouses
    Visit Wendi’s blog, where you can read Karen Brown Tyson’s blog post about having faith during difficult times.
    https://strength4spouses.blog/

    December 15th @ Jessica’s Reading Room
    Visit Jessica’s blog, where you can read her thoughts on Karen Brown Tyson’s book Time to Refresh.
    http://jessicasreadingroom.com

    December 16th @ 12 Books
    Visit Louise’s blog where she shares her opinion on Karen Brown Tyson’s book Time to Refresh.
    http://www.12books.co.uk/

    December 18th @ Look to the Western Sky
    Visit Margo’s blog, where you can read Karen Brown Tyson’s blog post about parenting.
    https://www.margoldill.com/

    December 20th @ Strength 4 Spouses
    Revisit Wendi’s blog, where you can read her opinion about Karen Brown Tyson’s book Time to Refresh.
    https://strength4spouses.blog/

    December 20th @ The Faerie Review
    Visit Lily Shadowlyn’s blog, where you can read Karen Brown Tyson’s blog post about journaling.
    http://www.thefaeriereview.com/

    December 21st @ The World of My Imagination
    Visit Nicole’s blog, where she shares her thoughts about Karen Brown Tyson’s book Time to Refresh.
    http://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com

    December 23rd @ Look to the Western Sky
    Be sure to stop by Margo’s blog again, where you find out what she had to say about Karen Brown Tyson’s book Time to Refresh.
    https://www.margoldill.com/

    December 23rd @ Coffee with Lacey
    Visit Lacey’s blog, where you can read Karen Brown Tyson’s blog post about journaling.
    http://coffeewithlacey.wordpress.com

    December 24th @ Coffee with Lacey
    Stop by Lacey’s blog again, where she reviews Karen Brown Tyson’s book Time to Refresh.
    http://coffeewithlacey.wordpress.com

    December 27th @ The Frugalista Mom
    Be sure to revisit Rozelyn’s blog, where you can read Karen Brown Tyson’s blog post about change management.
    http://thefrugalistamom.com/

    Let the adventure begin!