This guy is clearly dressed for the occasion. |
The year's end is almost upon us. And when your clock strikes twelve and you toast to the possibilities of a new year with friends and loved ones, remember how your past has forged your present when you look to the future.
I have learned a lot this past year. I have learned of my own resilience and strength. I have learned of my ability to overcome the physical pain of my chronic illness to experience the accomplished sense of pain after a strenuous workout....losing nearly 50 pounds in the process. I have learned that I can successfully operate my own blog without technical help and even gain a loyal following thanks to my enthusiastic readers. I have learned that money does not make the writer, though it would certainly help pay the bills to be published more often. I have learned that I'm actually a pretty decent photographer and aim to be more visually conceptual. I have learned that procrastination is the devil and it is all too easy to just take a long nap and just do it "later." And I learned that I still have a lot to learn...about myself.
With that said, I have developed three main goals for 2012 and beyond:
- Explore. Look for new possibilities for the blog, in my freelance writing and aspiring photography career. Branch outward professionally and socially. Meet new people. Travel new destinations. Document anything and everything that I find inspiring.
- Be Invigorated. I've already added a punching bag, the elliptical, resistance training and power walking to my regular routine. What other athletics can I condition my body to accomplish? Mixed Martial Arts? Zumba? Mud runs for non-profit awareness? With nearly 50 pounds less of me already, I plan to cross-train into a healthy, toned body I can be proud to call my own.
- Stick to a Schedule. While not all things can fit into neat little time slots, much more can be accomplished with a game plan. Dedicate allotted time for exercise, reading, writing, photography, blogging and of course, thrifting...all miraculously revolving around the day job, of course.
And there you have it, my list to live-by in the year 2012. Of course this will all start no later than January 2nd, as the actual holiday will be spent celebrating the mere arrival of this fresh, new start....with plenty of champagne. So have fun. Stay safe. And make some goals of your own.