Starting 2017 Off Write!

Well....It's New Year's Day! Made those resolutions yet? Started your new diet? Forgotten those old acquaintances? Out with the old; in with the new!

Wait a minute. Not so fast... While I'm all about moving forward, setting goals, etc. in the new year before us, I started thinking about some of the things I used to do that maybe I should revisit. So, here I am. And what better day for a new beginning. Or a second beginning. Rebeginning? Is there a word for it...? Ah, the rebirth of the blog.

I know choosing this day to resume the blog is a bit cliche, but you can put cliches right there with puns, analogies, idioms, and obscure movie/television show quotes. Right there. In the box labeled "I Love 'Em!" Even if it is cliche, I say bring on the resolutions! I'm all about this new beginnings stuff.

I have several goals and plans for 2017. Admittedly though, I felt a little silly every time I've thought or said, "Okay, next year I'm gonna..." or "I'm starting (filling in the blank) as soon as the holidays are over." I've even seen some social media posts taking jabs at others for their "new chapters" or what have you. But seriously, just like Thanksgiving is a day set aside to formally express gratitude and Valentine's Day is a chance to join the masses is celebrating the people we love, New Year's Day gives us a chance to reflect on the past year, take stock of what's working and what could use some improvement, and start fresh. Cliche, maybe. Awesome? I think so.

Here's why: I've come to realize something over the past year or so. Something most of you probably knew this already. I do not claim to have some profound and rare form of wisdom. I've just been thinking...if things aren't how you want them to be, fix them. That may seem like an oversimplification, but I think it's applicable to so many of the "problems" we all face. Of course, I don't have complete control over every single thing that happens to me. But, I'm not a helpless victim of my own life. I make choices every day. Some bigger and more significant than others. But they are my choices. I have more control over how things are going in my life than I've been taking responsibility for. It's time to do something about that. And what better time to start? There's something rather ceremonial about starting something first day of the new year. Feels more official that way.

I have big plans for the upcoming year, and I'm inviting you along for the ride. Not because I think my story is going to be the most incredible thing ever (although...), but just in case I learn something along the way that might be of interest or helpful somehow. There's another reason too. I know some of my goals for the year will be difficult to achieve. Some of my plans require me doing things that take me out of my comfort zone, even scare me a little. So I need you in my corner cheering me on and praying for me. Share your goals and resolutions with me, and I'll do the same for you.

Happy New Year! I hope 2017 is everything you want it to be!