Looking forward...

Traditionally at this time of year people take time to reflect on the accomplishments, good decisions and bad for the past year, and set some goals for the coming year. I think it's a natural human trait to stop and assess where we are in our lives. The closing of a year is a good time to think about what we want to accomplish in the coming year.

When I was a much younger woman, New Year's resolutions were a popular tradition. I've noticed that it's a tradition that seems to be passing away pretty much. And perhaps that's not a bad thing. Resolutions somehow are so concrete that they set us up for failure when we can't keep them. Personally, I believe setting goals is more positive. A goal is something you can strive for, yet it isn't a failure it you don't reach that goal. It's a destination, not the journey.

This past year has been a year of highs and lows for me. I've had sadness and joy, success and failure, good news and bad. I accomplished more than I dreamed I would, yet less than I hoped. There is much to look forward to as I leave 2008 behind me.

My goals for next year are simple.

I would like to walk every day. I know that there will be days that this will not happen, but it is a worthy goal. I will not set a distance or time, but I will set the goal of walking every day. This is a goal I'm continuing from last year. I admit that I was not very successful at this goal, but hope springs eternal, they say.

I compiled a tentative schedule of books I would like to write in the coming year. My goal is to stick pretty close to my schedule. That will require less time online, less time putzing around, and more time actually writing. All of the above will require more self discipline. Hmmm. Well, I was partially successful with this goal. And it's a worthy goal so I will keep it and hope for more success with this goal in the coming year.

I am a terrible housekeeper. I have set a goal of straightening up before I go to bed every night. It would be better if I had nothing to straighten up, but after all these years, that doesn't seem like a likely event, so perhaps I can start by simply picking up stuff before I go to bed. I don't hold out a lot of hope for this goal, but I've been surprised before. I must confess that this is also a goal from last year--a goal not met. I'm of two minds about whether to keep this goal or not. I will think about this goal over the next couple days.

I will add a new goal this year. That is to eat healthy. By that, I mean that my goal is to eat three meals a day with the correct components so that my sugar stays in the safe range. This is also a worthy goal so I will work hard on this one.

That's my entire list.

At my age, I've discovered that I can't do everything or be everybody or be everywhere. In many ways, this is a liberating realization. I no longer have to strive to meet anyone's expectations but my own. Looking forward to a new year I can anticipate finding out what I can accomplish for myself.

What about you? Do you have a hope or dream for the new year?

Anny