When you don't meet that Goodreads goal.

I'm not proud of the fact that I've missed a few deadlines here and there. I'm not proud of the fact that my Goodreads goal wasn't met the first year I tried it so I refused to make another one the next year. I'm not proud of the fact that it seems I can't put an ending to a story. I'm not proud of so many things.

 But you know what? I shouldn't be ashamed of those things either.

 I used to get so much anxiety over the things I would post here and on my bookstagram. If I didn't have the most perfectly shot and edited photo to post, I just wouldn't post anything. Or I would and I would write a degrading caption about myself and the photo. (Talk about annoying.) If I couldn't think of the best caption that would draw people's attention and make them want to comment, I wouldn't post.

Sometimes, my  posts flop. Sometimes I don't get any comments and only a few likes. And I start ragging on myself. "You used to do so much better before you took a break from posting" and "People don't want to comment and invest in your time because they know how shaky you've been with putting out content."

Do I actually think people are saying those things about me? No. Bookstagram and authorgram have led me to meet some of the most amazing people. People I know are way too kind to speak hurtfully behind my back. But those thoughts all lead back to anxiety.

 My struggle with anxiety and depression is something I'm fairly open about on my page. I don't like this thought that we should hide our feelings. But that's something society shoves down our throat. 

So my thought is don't be ashamed when you don't make a deadline. Don't feel terrible if your post flops on Instagram or you get little views on your blog post. Don't feel like you're a bad person if your Goodreads goal remains unmet for the next year and a half. (or whatever time line) IT'S OKAY.

You are only human. And sometimes our mental health takes priority over the expectations we put on ourselves. I hope I can convince you of that as much as I try to convince myself. 

Give yourself a break. You deserve it. This world is a crazy place full of unreachable expectations and our bodies need a chance to rest from that. 

I hope you guys are doing wonderful and do something today for your self care. 

Love, Rebekah. 

Book review for, Forever Hidden by Tracie Peterson.

 

About the book:

For Havyn Powell, growing up on her grandfather Chuck Bondrant's dairy outside the 1904 gold-rush boomtown of Nome, Alaska, offered all she needed. She had the love of her mother, two sisters, and grandfather. But now, at 23, Havyn realizes the stability of her life may soon vanish. Havyn is determined to find a way to keep the family together, but her grandfather's health is declining and everyone seems to be holding secrets from each other, including the handsome, dark-haired stranger who recently arrived.

John Roselli arrives in Nome looking for a steady, consistent job. He has grown tired of the promises of getting rich quick and just wants an honest job with honest pay. His grandfather once knew a Chuck Bondrant, and so when John arrives at the dairy, he's quickly offered a job--and a path to more if he wants it.

Havyn's plan for helping out the family means using her beautiful singing voice and her sisters' musical talent at a local roadhouse. They're an immediate hit, and it looks like her plan will be a success. But the spotlight brings with it dangerous eyes that covet Havyn and are jealous as she and John grow ever closer. But will they realize the peril before it's too late?

My thoughts 5/5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This is a story of forgiveness. With accounts told from first hand experiences from the authors. All told in a really incredible way. 

I became attached to the Powells and John Roselli very quickly. I'm so looking forward to book two! 

 I loved how passionate Hayvn and her sisters, Madysen and Whitney are. About music, and family and life. It really showed those things in a beautiful light. 

 I related a lot to Hayvn and her struggles. I found myself praying along with her. It seems whenever I read a tale told by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse I connect so so much to the characters troubles. And many times I'm able to heal along with them. That's my absolute favorite thing about this duo's books. I get so much inspiration and encouragement from the testimonies they write! 

  Plus there was a lot of cute chicken anecdotes thanks to Kimberley Woodhouse! 😂

  The only thing I didn't love was things started out a little slow and there wasn't a ton of drama. (But maybe I'm just too dramatic. 😆) 

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are completely my own. 

I hope you do something today that makes you happy! <3

-Rebekah.