Whew!

Well, Christmas and the whirlwind has passed. I finished the semester teaching two classes, (remind me not to do that again, EVER). New Year's looms and the dreaded resolutions await. I want to make some reasonable ones this time, in hopes of actually being able to keep them. Here is what I've come up with so far:

1. Take time to experience my life instead of just letting it whiz on by
2. Make better decisions about taking care of myself physically (sleeping, eating, exercising, and
not doing counterproductive things)

3. Pay attention to the energy I am cultivating in myself through my thoughts, words, actions, decisions, and interactions with others and to the energy I get from others.

4. Move negative people in my life to the balcony (see this interesting post, quite thought provoking: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/romi-lassally/make-new-friends-but-kee_b_37203.html) I don't need to be put down, criticized, belittled, punished, or otherwise emotionally battered by anyone.

P.S. you can find many more inspiring posts on Ariana Huffington's blogsite section titled Fearless Voices: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/becoming-fearless/

5. Focus more on what can be done than on what isn't going right.

6. Make sure to make time for the people in my life who care about me- my priorities need some re-aligning.

Yes, those are a little more vague than "lose twenty pounds", but the represent changes I want to cultivate in myself. Another thing I want to explore this year is a meditation practice called Naikan, you can check it out here: http://www.todoinstitute.org/naikan.html.

I'll keep you all posted on my progress. I'd love to hear your thoughts, resolutions, etc. I think New Year's Eve this year Leigh and I may just stay home, maybe a couple of friends and/or Jason and Sara may join us but maybe not. Sounds kinda nice to me, does this mean I'm officially middle aged? :-) Hope yours is safe and happy.