I’m so grateful for a new year. I need some renewal, some rejuvenation, some revival, some rebirth.

I do like making New Year’s resolutions. I’m drawn to the challenge of it. I usually pick one or two small things to improve upon or achieve. One year, instead of the typical crime or spy novels I favor, I read only classic literature all year long. That was a good one, and I should do that again. Last year, I resolved to read and study a Bible verse each day. It has been so enlightening and fulfilling. I intend to keep it up.

This year, however, I’m not going to go pick one or two “doable” things. This year, I’m going to adhere to Nike’s renowned ad campaign – Just Do It. There is so much I want to do that I usually just think about. I’m a planner. I like to plan things out very strategically. I can’t help myself. Sometimes I find myself enjoying planning something more than the actual thing that I’m planning. This I’ve come to realize, is not allowing me to just enjoy life as it happens.

So, instead of carefully planning out how I’m going achieve what I set out to do, I’m going to Just Do It. I may give up along the way, but this way I can at least do something instead of always thinking about doing it. Who knows where this will take me!

A couple things I know I must do:
1) Maintain a healthier lifestyle (i.e. eating better and exercising). I’m not talking about some New Year’s diet to fit into skinny jeans. This is about my health. Daddy’s stroke was a wake up call for me. I already have high blood pressure and I’m only 40. I need to take better care of myself.
2) Stay on track and finish college. After Daddy died, I had thoughts of just quitting. It was so tempting to let my depression take over and give up. But I need to do this. I need to finish. I promised Daddy, and Mommy too for that matter.

Those are the two big things, but mostly I just want to be more present. To take life as it comes. To fully embrace and enjoy every moment.

Here’s to a new year!