New Chapters(Day 155)

What an amazing year 2014 has been!

It's the season for reflection, and for statements of resolution toward change. I have this tendency to go a little overboard with resolutions. I get so excited for a new mark in time that I think this is the year everything's going to change all at once - and it never is. Change doesn't happen all at once. 

I almost did it again this year. I almost put together a long list for myself that included things like finishing the Harry Potter series in six months (I don't have that kind of time) on top of reorganizing and refurnishing my entire house, learning enough recipes to fill a set of cook books...and it goes on. Really. 

Fortunately after almost five years with my husband, I occasionally get his common sense into my head. I was looking at my list, a question popped into my head: What do I want out of 2015?

It's a good question, and an important one. Stephen Covey even lists the mindset it comes from as one of the 7 habits of highly effective people. It's called "Beginning with the end in mind." I took a step back and said "At the end of 2015, what do I want to have accomplished?"

What do I really, actually want from 2015?

That birthed my 3 (and only 3!) resolutions. 

1. I'm going to keep up on an exercise habit 3-4 times a week (and more if the opportunity arises)

2. I'm going to work on my book for at least an hour every day. 

3. I'm going to recognize my victories when they happen, and accept my failures without beating myself up over them. 

And that's it, nice and simple. It's going to be an amazing year.