As the roller coaster of a year, 2018, comes to an end, I started my annual review of what I had planned, the goals I set, some of the hiccups and falls, and I decided this year I wanted to do something different with my New Year’s Resolutions.  So, take a look at my top 7 New Year’s Resolution alternatives

7. Instead of vowing to speak to every person in my contact list daily, maybe I will try to keep my phone a little closer (and audible).  It may be a stretch, but I think I will check my personal email daily, too.

6. I always come up with great ideas about projects I want to embark on.  I mean, some of this stuff is really good.  Well, in an effort not to be horrible at 25 projects, I figured, it may be better to take on 4 (maybe 5) projects that I can focus on.  I was thinking one per quarter.  So, perhaps this year, some of the half-completed projects from the last 5 years’ worth of resolution may actually happen.

5. I say I want to be a better friend to those close to me, but I may start being a little selfish.  I genuinely love taking care of people, but um, self-neglect is not a fix for a friendship.  You can’t make people do anything they don’t want to do.

4. I know I am not alone when I say, “This year, I am going full beast-mode.  I am going to get fit (again) and run the Army 10-miler.”  Well, I figured I might start by drinking more water, and cut back on some of that chocolate cake and mac n’ cheese I love to eat.  That may be a better option than trying out for the next Warrior competition.

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3.  This year, I will laugh as often as possible.  There are so many things to be upset about, and most of those things are out of my control.  I love the feeling I get when I laugh so hard, tears flow.  I need more of that this year.

2.  This year, I will say I love you to all those who mean the most to me, not that I don’t say it now.  I’m a spoiler, and I want my friends and family to know they are valued by me.

1.  This year, I want to take more risks.  No, I am not planning on bungee jumping or train hopping.  I want to follow my intuition and take a chance on my knowledge, skills, and abilities.  I’m worth it.

So, this year, have fun, laugh a lot, love even more, but work on those things that bring you joy.  Find different ways to relieve stress.  If you’re an artist, create something beautiful.  If you’re technical develop something unusual.  Don’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself.  Life is finite. So, ‘live life like there’s an engine revving in it’- Tanya Stephens.

Keep on pushing,

Visionary Trailblazin’