When I looked back on May 2026 to find my Theme of the Month, at first I struggled to see beyond a recent disappointment in my hockey world that had me asking “Is it October yet?”
After exiting the regular season with the Presidents’ Trophy, the Avalanche roared into the Stanley Cup Playoffs, sweeping the Kings and taming the Wild. And yet, the Avalanche did not win a single game against the Golden Knights in the Western Conference Final.
Why, you ask? It wasn’t any one thing that kept the Avs from conquering the Knights. There were injuries, mistakes, opportunities missed, choices made, shots not taken, penalties called and uncalled.
Last week, I described my writing life as being in a season of grappling. May was hard. I set several goals for myself but failed to complete them. I had a goal to identify agents to query—I researched but didn’t make any decisions. I had a goal to write 50,000 words toward a new novel draft—I managed just over 30,000 words. I had a goal to submit at least one short story somewhere—I didn’t. I struggled to meet my standards in other areas of my life too.
Why, you ask? Much like the Avs, there wasn’t a single reason for my failures, but one reason does stick out to me. It wasn’t that I gave myself too much grace—quite the opposite, actually. I could say I struggle with perfectionism, but it comes naturally to me. I strive for consistency, excellence, concision, elegance, precision—all good things, certainly—but when I miss the mark and think I could’ve done more or better, I’m very hard on myself. I focus on the ways I failed instead of what I achieved.
Despite the fate of the Avs, as a hockey fan, I am still having a fantastic year. In the regular season, the Avalanche were the best in the Central Division and won the Presidents’ Trophy. In the playoffs, they swept the Kings then beat the Wild in 5 games and advanced to the Western Conference Final. The Colorado Eagles are still battling in the AHL Western Conference Final. Back in April, my University of Denver Pioneers won their 11th national title and I am still thrilled about it. There is a lot of good hockey to celebrate.
If I’m honest, there is a lot to celebrate in my writing life too. This year, I tackled a big revision project, attended my first conference, made business cards, got this website online, started blogging, submitted short fiction. I’m drafting a novel, preparing to query, and in general, I get to do what I love.
My theme for January was about celebrating every achievement, big or small. In February, my theme was a reminder to start, even, and especially, if I think I should’ve started sooner. For March, my theme highlighted persistence amid struggle. In April, I recognized my need to give myself more grace when I can’t meet my own expectations.
My Theme of the Month for May might be more commonly talked about in November: intentional gratitude. There is always something to be grateful for, even in times of heaviness, frustration, and disappointment. As I begin June, one of my goals is to practice daily identifying and focusing on the good things in all areas of my life. Will you join me?
I’ll keep you posted on my writing life and pursuit of publication, and as always, LET’S GO PIOS! GO AVS GO!
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