Happy Halloween

 

Introducing Beth Writes

Over the years, I've done a lot of blogging. I am one of those people who is interested in a lot of things. Over the past 25 years I've had a crafting/DIY blog, a music-oriented blog, a positivity blog, a personal blog, a book reviews blog...even a "spooky" blog (since I'm interested in and edit books about the paranormal, cryptozoology, and body-mind-spirit topics). I even once wrote a zine (remember those?) called Just ... Beth that included my poetry, prose, and essays. Writing informally is a lot of fun for me.

As I have become busier with paid editing and writing work, however, my blogging has waned. What can I say? There are so many hours in the day. When I would have some time, I'd then be faced with the choice of which blog to update.

Since my fingers still itch to write a blog, I decided it would be best if I just put everything in once place.

Beth Writes is a space for me to put the intermittent writing that I long to do but isn't part of a book or a paid project. I hope it'll be an interesting space for visitors who want book recommendations, thoughts on writing, editorial tips, and a personal thought or three on a topic. It gives you a chance to see the person behind the website, too!

In the sidebar you'll see a list of topics. If you're interested in a particular topic, simply click on that category and you'll be taken to all posts that qualify. The topics list will grow as I go, so make sure you check back often.

In terms of topics, I feel like I should address one more thing. What Beth Writes won't address is politics. 

I have sometimes been asked by readers to give my thoughts on politics or current events, but that is something that I'm not very interested in doing here. The political climate is pretty divisive and people become easily worked up, so I prefer my discussions in that realm to be face to face or in small, in-person groups where people truly can connect and communicate rather than get upset up about something they read on the internet. 

As an intuitive who does her best to be a light in the world, I truly believe in the power of positivity, kindness, and keeping our personal energy in alignment with the highest good. That doesn't mean I won't sometimes share something that challenges or worries me, but it does mean I see those challenges or worries as a means to growth, and to share those struggles in an uplifting way can perhaps uplift others.

So with that said: I'm glad you're here. I hope you find something you like. Welcome!

Reflections on 2020

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[originally posted on positively b.e.e.]

It’s finally here: the end of 2020.

Insert a collective sigh of relief: We made it. 

2020 is a year that will probably live in infamy in our minds, what with civil unrest, contentious politics, and a pandemic that has negatively impacted finances, overwhelmed hospital systems, and devastated families, either through loss of life, loss of income, or loss of health (such as for COVID “long-haulers").

It can be kind of hard to feel positive through all that.

This year challenged my mental and emotional state, admittedly. I've had to dig deep many times. I usually take stock of the past year and talk about good stuff and challenges, what I was grateful for and what I learned, but I’ve been sitting here for the last few days, aware that I wanted to make an end-of-year post but not really sure what to say about it. 

I think I'm just kind of "done" with this year, you know? 

So for me, when I take stock of this past year, it’s not about finding the bright spots. It’s not about being positive. Or grateful. I do all those things most days, anyway, but I think for a particularly difficult year such as this one:

It’s important to acknowledge we survived it. 

We may not have thrived. 

We may have felt lonely or depressed or upset or disempowered. 

We might have worried, stressed out, and felt anxious. 

We might have felt like we were riding one of those mechanical bull rides at a bar, getting thrown repeatedly.

But if you're here reading this, then you might be able to relate to the idea that while we may have taken some hard knocks this year...

...we survived.

And right here in this moment, that’s enough for me. 

So if you're just not in the most positive mindset right now for whatever reason...

It’s okay.

Give yourself some care and comfort. It’s been a really wild ride. Acknowledge that we’ve been through some shit. Know that things WILL get better eventually.

I won’t villainize 2020...

...But what I WILL do is close the book on 2020 and look forward to the new year, whatever it will bring. I will clean-slate it, not judging 2021 on what 2020 did to us.

So, if (like me) you’re spending New Year’s Eve in your jammies hanging out on the couch doing not much at all, that’s okay. If (like me) you’re hoping and praying fervently for a better year next year, that’s okay. Or if, on the other hand, you’re whooping it up and popping champagne at midnight … that’s also okay. 

Whatever it is you're doing to transition to a new year...it’s all okay. 

Do what you need to do to acknowledge you survived as long as you do it safely and with kindness and compassion, both for yourself and for others. Let's move forward now...

My hope for you all is a bright and blessed New Year. May good things come to all of you: happiness, love, health, kindness, compassion, and everything you need in life.

Much love from me to you!

* * * * 

If you need any help at all with coping this season or at any time, many places have service on a sliding scale, through insurance programs, or offer financial aid. Here are a few resources that may help if you need that extra support*: 

National Suicide Prevention Hotline  800-273-8255

Better Help (text-based mental health care)

7 Best Mental Health Apps

Teledoc

Lemonaid

...or check with your local network / insurance provider.

*Not personal recommendations; simply a list to get you started if you need help finding resources.