Fireworks by Melissa Bowersock

Today we start a new year. As Anne would say, “…isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?” Yes, it is a beautiful thought, Anne, one that I hope to remember this year as I keep working towards my goals.

Wikipedia lists several origins in New Year Resolutions and the knights “peacock vow” has got to be my favorite: In the Medieval era, the knights took the “peacock vow” at the end of the Christmas season each year to re-affirm their commitment to chivalry. What a thought, all those swoon worthy knights making their commitments, very nice.

Okay, yes, getting off track. Where was I? Oh!

This year has no mistakes in it yet and that’s romantic too, but I’m not searching for perfection here. Nope, I don’t want to set impossible goals. I want to do what I can to keep my feet moving forward, forward towards my goals. I want my eyes to stay open and not shadowed by negative thinking.

My Grandpa has a motto: work hard and play later. I try to live by his pledge and I do pretty well. It’s important to remember the play is just as important as the work, you need both to keep moving forward. Last January I joined ROW80 and I will continue with them this year, fabulous group. The pattern and routine works for me. Wiki Answers says it can take 21 times before something becomes a habit and I believe it, something to ponder in the weeks ahead. But, what do I want my goals for the year to be?

I want to do more with my writing, I want to do more with Nia, I want to be healthy, I want to live life to its fullest and I want to be happy. <– That’s a mountain of a list. I’ll break it down in my ROW80 posts, but I’ll make my main goals here.

SJ’s 2013 New Year Resolutions:

• Participate in ROW80 and work EVERY day on plotting, word count, editing, or craft.
• Recommit to my healthy journey and lose that last 5-pounds, after the holidays it’s probably more like 10-pounds.
• Recommit to my Nia training and spend time with my studies EVERY week.
• Read more. I read 53 books in 2012, I’d like to blow that number up in 2013.
• Find time for the things I enjoy outside of books and Nia, like downhill skiiing, biking, walking on the beach, gardening, and visiting with friends. Take time each week to make sure one of these things is on my calendar.
• Stop and smell the roses, literally and figuratively.
• Get a tattoo 🙂

It may be a short list, but it’s packed with all the things that will make 2013 my best year ever. I’ll remember it takes 21 repetitions before my new normal becomes habit and each day is fresh and new waiting for me to try again. I will keep trying. I will move forward.

Are you making a list this year? How are you going to keep yourself moving forward? Regardless, I hope this is your best year ever.

Happy New Year!!!