New Year's Eve

This year is coming to an end today. Tomorrow I start writing "my next chapter" for 2011. What will it bring? The most important thing that I can do to enter the new year is think about what holds me back. When I analyzed the things that I want less of, I realized that they are fear-based.

• worry about the future - should I apply for a new job? should I sell the house? what about money for retirement? what about my health? what about my family? will I ever get to live in Maine? do I have a writing voice? do I have something to say?
• critical thoughts and words - about people that I know, about strangers who slow me down, about people who are different, about work, about myself and past choices, about my health
• procrastination, excuses, lack of followthrough - in writing projects, in healthy habits, at work

So, is it fear that holds me back from being the best that I can be? What am I most afraid of? It is success or is it failure? In order to move into 2011, I commit to letting go of fear. There's a great book called Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway. That's my commitment. Yes, there's fear when I think of taking on a new job, of selling my house, of sticking with my writing projects. That fear is okay. I'll use it as reminder that while I am facing challenges, I am confident that I am ready for them.

This quote from Abraham-Hicks Publications describes how I feel at this moment:

You can be fully satisfied with where you are, understanding that you're eternally evolving. When you get into that place of feeling appreciation of where you are and of who you are, and appreciation for what you are, and you accept that you are a never-ending, always unfolding being, then you can stand in that delicate balance of being optimistic about what is to come, without being unhappy about where you stand. Find a way of eagerly anticipating future changes, while at the same time you are in love and satisfied with who, what, where and how you are.

My focus for the new year is to stay in that place of satisfaction while maintaining optimism and excitement about what the future holds.

As I contemplate the next chapter of my life, the season of the year is about to change following a total lunar eclipse tonight, and the new year will begin next week. It's a time of transition, a time to reflect and dream, a time to commit to positive changes.

My next chapter will be based on my guiding principles: health, financial independence, writing, making a difference, meaningful work, and living in Texas and Maine; I will make choices toward continuous improvement in these areas.

What are some things that I want less of?

* craving for sugar and chocolate
* worry about the future
* procrastination, excuses, lack of follow through
* critical thoughts and words

What are some things that I want more of?

* maintain healthy habits - small meals, lots of fruits and vegetables, exercise, rest
* make good use of my resources - time, money, possessions, energy
* stick with my writing projects - journal, blog, essays, books, reading
* love my current situation and be open to opportunities
* look for ways to make a difference in the lives of others

My blog this year will be a place for me to reflect, plan, dream, and enjoy this next chapter of my life.