Top 3 Ways to DeStress (Julie)

Life changes. Sometimes there are many changes at one time and sometimes just one or two. For me, I'm in the stage of OH MY GOODNESS there are a lot of things going on. But that's okay because they are very exciting things!

I just moved to a new island to start a new teaching job, but also because it's where my fiance is. And we're getting married in 3 months!! So yea, much to do.

With all this staring me in the face, it would be so easy to stress out and go hide in a corner. I won't lie that sometimes I look around for that corner. But instead of putting myself in the corner, I tend to steer toward any or all of the following as ways to get my focus back:


1) Stay in the Word/prayer. Staying rooted in God's Word helps me refocus on what is important.

2) Read. Immerse yourself in a good book. Personally, I prefer to get lost in a fantasy as I want to get away from the real world for a bit.

3) Get outside. Vitamin D and fresh air work wonders from clearing the overworked brain.

How do you de-stress? Do you do any of the above or is there something else you do that works wonders? 

To Ditch or Dig In (KaLyn)

You've probably heard the story of how [insert famous inventor] failed [add a high number] times before finally finding the one way that worked. It's an inspiring reminder to keep going when we encounter frustrations while pursuing our goals.

But, not every idea is worth pursuing.

Sticking with something and not giving up is a good attitude to have, as long as it's balanced with reason. It's just as important to know when to walk away.

So, how do we know when to ditch and when to dig in?

I've done plenty of both in the last year. Ditching chapters, ideas, and marketing approaches, while digging in to finish a book, publish a few short stories, and take advantage of opportunities. And the only thing I can tell you about the answer to that question is to pray.

When an unshakable peace surrounds a decision, then I know it's the direction God wants me to follow. Even if it flies in the face of conventional wisdom.

It's how I knew it was time to step away from my post as a regular contributor on Lands Uncharted. I prayed, poured my heart out to God, and felt him leading me to focus on building opportunities to support others and maintaining a better work-life balance between writing and homeschool.

How do you know when to ditch and when to dig in?

My last post will be on May 25th. I'm excited for y'all to meet the new contributor!

A Season of Change: Personal Notes (Jill)

 If any of you have seen my posts on social media, you might have been aware my oldest child graduated from high school. I shared in my author group, the Pyromaniacs, how I felt happy and sad and nostalgic and, and, and...

My daughter isn't the only one who's adjusting to this new phase of life. The whole family's been learning how to handle our "new normal" (although my husband seems to be doing better than the rest of us). My youngest daughter is adjusting to a life with less quality time with her big sis. I was unprepared for how much of a change it would be for me. My "baby" is now officially an adult and is enrolled in a Big Ten college with a full fall semester of credits. Aside from the financial information I've been sifting through (which strikes terror in my heart), I've also been dealing with a messed-up neck and shoulder. Multiple smaller projects, and the promotional and marketing stuff all writers are required to do, have filled my plate.

After a particularly grueling weekend, I realized something had to give. After much thought, discussion, and prayer, I decided to step down from blogging here at Lands Uncharted. I still have my own blog (www.jmhackman.com), but this will be my last blog post here for awhile.

From the beginning, my fellow bloggers made me feel very welcome here at Lands Uncharted. I made new friends, learned to write faster, became more adept at writing book reviews (something that's difficult for me), met new authors, and connected with some awesome readers! Thanks for visiting and commenting on my posts!

I enjoyed getting to know all of you. Please, stop by and say "hi" on social media. :-)

Personal Notes: Wonder (KaLyn)

The past five months have been a barrage of changes, trials, illnesses, and deaths during a season of waiting. Middle of the night phone calls, knowing people you care about are hurting and you can't do anything about it... we even moved 900 miles away (a blessing to be near family again, but the process of moving also comes with challenges).

I have felt loved and blessed through it all. How strange that must sound. But it's true, nevertheless.

In the past, my anxiety would have been thru the roof. I would have been downing gallons of Chamomile tea, alternating between tears and pacing the floor (not constantly, mind you, but there would always be those days).

But not now. Not this time.

The changes have kept me busy, with little time to dwell - as it should be. Prayer and watchful eyes have shown me all the ways God has comforted and carried me during this time.

I am in awe at the wonder of it.

Have you ever felt that way?