A New Year

We're three days into the new year.  2012 is here—ready or not!  I've been thinking about this post for the past few days and I am still not exactly sure what I want to say.

You know how hard it is to start writing sometimes (think back to college papers!)?  That first page, that first sentence, that first word... so with this being the first post of the year, I guess I've been psyching myself out.

via Pinterest

Now is the time of year when we all make resolutions and goals for the upcoming 12 months.  We talk about what we want to do, what we want to stop doing, and where we want to be in one year.

But with so much of my life changing right now, I have a hard time imagining where I might be in one month, let alone one year.  (Okay, I plan to still be physically living in Chicago, but you know what I mean...)

Being a perfectionist, the idea of setting goals just plain freaks me out.  What if I set a goal and don't achieve it?  Deep breath... it's not the end of the world.  Maybe it's not meant to be; maybe something better will take its place.  But for someone like me, I might just feel like a big, fat failure.

Thanks, Jess :)

They say you have to craft goals that are specific in order to effectively work towards them.  That specificity might help, but I think that's what really makes me nervous.  So to relieve some of the pressure (that I'm putting on myself), I have come up with some general goals—thoughts about what I want to do this year, what I hope to accomplish, how I want to allow the real, true "me" to shine.

Bottom line: I'm excited for the year ahead (ahh, all the possibilities)... and a little nervous too.  Maybe one of my goals should be let go of the idea of perfection. :)

Here are a handful of general resolutions (I'm sure I could add many more!)...

> Connect with people more often—friends, family, business contacts.
> Believe in myself.  Refuse to be afraid of rejection.  I am who I am, so second-guessing myself and my abilities won't get me anywhere.
> Continue to nurture my marriage.  It's an important part of my life—and will be for the rest of it.
> Pray... in good times and bad.  Trust God.  Make time for quiet.
> Treasure the little moments, the little joys.  Drink in life with all five senses.
> Clear out (some of) the clutter.
> Keep pushing myself to get out of my comfort zone (definitely been doing this the past few months!).
> When life gets busy, remember to take things one day at a time.
> Take care of myself (exercise, nutrition, sleep) which hopefully will result in more energy... to do everything I want to do!
> Foster and express a genuine sense of gratitude.

Some amazing things I'm looking forward to in 2012:

> Becoming an aunt
> A possible trip to Europe (fingers crossed that we can make this happen!)
> Completing my master's degree in Writing & Publishing
> Celebrating 2 years of marriage on June 5
> Growing my business (and getting published!)
> The birth of two friends' babies
> Walking another half marathon
> Standing up as a bridesmaid in two of my closest friends' weddings
> Trips home to Kansas
> And so much more!

It's like a little inspirational pep talk... or perhaps words to live by.