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.