Marie Schaeller

It is hard to believe that the Christmas holiday has snuck up and passed by already. I am grateful to have been able to spend the holidays with my family around me. Although, it is bittersweet to watch as holiday traditions disappear as loved ones pass on and times change, there are no guarantees as we just try to adapt and adjust as the times change.

As 2017 is quickly approaching, I'm grateful for the gift of creativity in my life. It is a time to take a moment to look back on the previous year with its highs, lows, and in betweens. In an effort not to dwell, I'm looking forward to the new year with hopes and goals to work toward. I want to make sure to continue to show my gratitude by acknowledging three things (big or small) every day that I'm thankful for as well as continuing my Morning Pages daily writing.

My publishing goal for this year includes a travel memoir about a solo trip to Canada driving through the Eastern Maritime Provinces I enjoyed. I finished off the rough draft and sent it to my editor for the first round of edits right before Christmas. Tentative publishing release date for the book will be end of January or early February depending on a host of variables.

The highlight of 2016 for me was writing and publishing my first book, Breaking the Chains of Silence. It has been a game changer for me, and I have met many wonderful people through the process. I hope to build upon this strong foundation for the upcoming year. Recently, I also was able to be interviewed for my first podcast interview. The podcast is Bare Naked Bravery, hosted by Emily Ann Peterson.

I am a huge fan of the podcast, and I suggest you listen to an episode on iTunes like I do (or Stitcher, iHeart Radio, Google Play). Some of my favorite episodes are:

Episode 013: Losing Sight, Starting Over, & Building Intuition with Maximiliano Campos
Episode 008 Practical Ways to Respond with Empathy from Author Brittany Barbera
Episode 001 Giving Up & Getting Up with Naomi Wachira
Episode 010 Facing Your Abusers, The Dance Floor & End of Life with Author Wendy Van De Poll.

Stay tuned, I look forward to announcing when the episode Emily Ann Peterson interviewed me will be on. In the interim, click here to listen to any of the episodes above. She made the whole experience cozy and the time flew. Her interviewing style was seamless and inquisitive- more like friends chatting. I was nervous and unsure I would have anything to say in the moment, but she set me at ease. Time flew and the interview was over, I just hope that it can reach someone at the right time to help them feel less alone.

I hope your holiday is safe, blessed, happy, and filled with love.