I was reading my journal from last January, and one of the things I really wanted to do was to write a regular column for another blog. And I realized I’d started writing for Think Simple Now this year. Yee haw! I did it!
Sometimes I get nervous to blog about things like that. After all, if it doesn’t happen, I’ve just broadcast my own defeat to whoever wants to read about it.
This is why I would often not tell a soul when I tried to quit smoking. But the time I actually succeeded was when I put a widget on my Facebook page telling everyone how long I’d gone without a cigarette. Success came when I risked (in my mind) a very public failure.
Since then I’ve been more open, writing about trying to get my book published, sharing my impossible list and now my goals for 2013. I’ve been spending a lot of 2012 doing daily Tarot readings, so I thought I’d combine the two for this list.
Learn more about investments. I’ve got the 401k and Roth IRA thing down. It’s time to learn how to make our money work harder for us, rather than just sit in a savings account. I’ve got a book, e-courses and a smart cousin to help with this education.
Finish advanced directives and other documents. I know what I need to do in order to make things easy for those who love me when I die; it’s just a matter of finishing it. Yes I realize I’m in my 30s, but getting this done gives peace of mind to myself and my family. And that’s the whole point. Security.
Continue my education. Now that I’ve overcome my fear of heights, I want to learn how to rock climb. There’s a gym right by my house. I’m also planning on spending some time at Witch Skewl. And my Spanish is going to get polished, thanks to my dear friend Nicole who is lending me her language learning software. Score! 
Start and publish my new writing project. This one will be non-fiction and more in the vein of this blog and the stuff I write over at Think Simple Now. Personal development with a bit of practical witchcraft. The best part? It’s going to be available as an e-book or podcast, self-published style.
Partner and write more. I’ve got a few opportunities to do some more writing for new clients and in different channels. But I’d like to do some more guest blog posts for others (if you’re interested, email me) and get another regular writing column this year.
Appreciate my hard work. I’ve spent a lot of time putting my energy out into the Universe in 2012. I sent loads of letters to agents and publishers. No serious interest yet, but I want to pat myself on the back for doing all of that. Rejection isn’t easy for me, and I’m proud of myself.
Be OK with sad feelings. Yes, this optimist has a hard time dealing with feelings that aren’t all bright and shiny. But they’re normal and it would be really weird if I didn’t have any negative thoughts. So I’m working on embracing them.
Process old memories and release them. I’ve had my fair share of bad crap happen to me in this life. A lot of what I’m struggling with is actually processing the emotions that came along with them. Like I said, I’m not good with fear, anger, rage, resentment, etc. So I’ve made a pact to feel those emotions I’ve been holding in for so long. Because it’s the only way to release them.
Embrace change. I’ve always prided myself for my ability to handle this very thing like a pro. What I don’t think I’ve realized though is that change and transition don’t stop. It’s not like you get through one round and then everything stays the same after that. Nope. So I’d like to remember that This too shall pass.
Become a better friend. When I first met Johanna, my dear friend from Norway, it became obvious to me that my friendship skills weren’t as good as hers. So I worked hard at it, but I’ve kinda let it slip to the back of my mind lately. I’m not saying I’m not a good friend; I’d just like to be even better.
I’d like to be more quiet, listening completely. I’d like to answer with questions and thoughts about their conversation, instead of how it relates to me and my past. I’d like to offer less advice and judgment, unless they ask for it. Friendship is priceless and great friends are hard to find. I want to be one of those.
Apply all of the above to myself. I’d like to extend all of the same courtesies I would to my friends to myself. Being your own best friend is one of the quickest path to emotional growth and happiness, which is a huge goal for me.
Keep pushing. There are a lot of things I want to do with this beautiful life of mine, and there are times where I just want to skip the hard part. (Who doesn’t really?) I’ve got to stay the course and keep working toward my goals with real determination.
The best investment you can make is in yourself, which is what I’m doing. I’ve just got to keep moving in the right direction with maybe a twinge of stubborness. Lucky for me I’m an Aries — the ram — so I shouldn’t have too much trouble with this one.
Embody assertiveness. I’ve always been kinda passive and it’s gotten me into trouble over the years. This year I’d like to say what I mean and speak up about my needs, even when it makes me uncomfortable.
Travel. New Orleans in April. Istanbul in August. England in September. I’ll probably do some camping in there as well. Hooray for new passport stamps!
So there it is, my list of 2013 goals. It all seems so easy, so fresh when I start out. It’s the following through that makes it tough. But I’m confident I’ll do all right, especially since this blog provides a bit of accountability.
What about you? Have you lined up what you’d like to see for yourself this year?
