And so begins a year of FOMO
January, the longest year ever…
Did this January just feel longer than all other “this feels so long” Januarys? I swear New Year’s Day was 500 days ago. But honestly, I’m not mad at it. I came into 2024 not quite ready to start. So…I didn’t. Basically. I just sat around for most the month and consumed content, tried to ignore what the year ahead might hold, and forgot how to human in any adult format.
I went down the “9 month world cruise” rabbit hole on Tiktok. Until I realized I don’t really care about cruise people, especially not the types who can afford 9 months on one.
I followed along as Taylor and Travis kept winning at life and love. I’m still not a Swiftie (yet), but I’m invested. And because I’m a sucker for the 2nd leads (a Kdrama thing…IYKYK), I’m now the biggest Jason and Kylie fan ever.
I wore my new blanket hoodie almost the entire month. (don’t worry, I actually have 2 that I switch out on laundry days :) I’m a sloth, not a monster!)
*I also have no idea how to make this image smaller so…warning: jump scare!*
And while I was lounging around avoiding 2024 to officially officially begin, I realized this is going to be a long, hard year where I battle some serious FOMO. I don’t have a book releasing this year. Which means, WHO AM I EVEN if not self-promo’ing, marketing, wearing concealer and eyebrows and semi-clean clothes? Watching everyone else make “Most Anticipated” lists and announcing book tours and getting invited to events. While I…pick dog hair off my socks.
Don’t get me wrong, I do have a lot of WORK in the form of ACTUAL WRITING to do. But that’s the stuff that’s hard for me. Because I’m stuck with myself and my thoughts and my doubts and my self-imposed pressure. An entire year+ of hanging out in my head, the most terrifying place to be. And honestly…I’m scared.
Today I took a walk and tried to pep-talk myself into putting on my adult pants (not the sweat pants I’ve had on since Sunday), and get to work. But I then talked myself out of that nonsense and told myself I’ll start on February 1st. And then hated myself the rest of the way while the anxiety kicked in that I’ve wasted the entire month of January. And then convinced myself I really needed a McFlurry, but reminded myself I’m boycotting McD’s, which turned into deep despair about our government leading us into a possible world war. See? This head of mine is not a place for the weak.
In any case, if you have ANY TIPS or recommendations on how to take bite sized steps towards productivity and pulling oneself back into the land of the living, let me know. I’m open.
On the plus side, I read some INCREDIBLE books and watched some FANTASTIC shows this month.
I loved every single book I read this month without hesitation. They were all STELLAR.
I should say (though I seem to say this with each new release of theirs) that THE PARADISE PROBLEM by Christina Lauren is my NEW FAVORITE CLo book. It was just so smart and funny and sexy (yes!) and was one of those books that reminded me why I love to read Romance. It releases May 14th, so make SURE you preorder it!
If you don’t follow me on Instagram, you’ve been spared my non-stop raving of the K-drama “Marry My Husband”. I’m just……so in love with this show. Revenge plot, time jump, 2nd chance at life and love. I am obsessed with him, er, them. Highly recommend on Amazon Prime Video.
It’s gonna be a very sparse year when it comes to in-person events, but February just happens to be one where I’ll be around. So here’s where you can find me this month. If you’re in the neighborhood while I’m there, let’s hang out! See me now, and then not again until 2025! (just kidding…kinda) Me and BTS…back in 2025! (I miss them)
This might be my one and only newsletter this year. Or, it’ll be the first of many. Truly, I’m not kidding when I say I have NO IDEA how this year is gonna turn out. :) Subscribe to find out! Ha!
It’s almost Feb 1st, so happy new new year to those of us who put it off until now.
xo,
Susan
Find me on all the socials @susanleewrites, scrolling on Titktok, lurking for Kpop content on Twitter, and most active on Instagram.
I’m cozy in my blanket hoodie, and now looking forward to Marry My Husband and May 14. Glad to have these comforts to revel in for the year.
I love your cozy hooded loungewear. That looks perfect. And owing two is the WAY TO GO. Re productivity -- I had some good luck blocking out a couple hours in the morning to really buckle down and get to writing. I wouldn't set a word count goal for myself, just a time goal, but for 2 hours or whatever I'd tell myself that all I was going to do was look at my open document and type words into it. I usually found myself getting into a pretty good flow state after a while, where I wanted to work even beyond the time I'd set for myself. I'm so glad I'll get to see you at Love Y'all!