Goals: Everyone Else is Doing It

So it's a new year and everyone seems to be in the same mindset. This year is the year we get organized, write that novel, get a new job, stay in touch with friends or family, lose weight, and get healthy. This is our year. Last year is over and "Thank goodness, no one wants to relive it." I like goals. I like setting them and I like measuring my progress along the way. Whether it's the start of a new year or merely a new day, I find the idea that the future is ahead exhilarating.

Last year, I was knocked down a few times. Plans were made to be broken....over and over and over. A year ago, I thought this year would find us still living in Mexico. My sons would be in school full time, or at least mostly. I had no idea I would be pregnant with our third child, even if I had hoped to be. I certainly had no idea that 2010 would hand me my butt more than a few times. There were abrupt moves from one country to another, twice. There was an emergency room visit. More than two months of separation from my husband and then the weeks spent living out of luggage. I found myself exhausted, too tired to stick to writing goals, with two little boys that needed their mommy more than I needed to write. On the positive side, we landed exactly where we've always wanted to be...back in New England, on the coast, only a minute's walk from the ocean, in our very own home. I have a beautiful office, set up perfectly for my writing habits, with loads of inspiration and comfort to feed my writer-ly soul.

Now 2010 is behind us but looking back on my goals for the year, I'll be honest and say that I didn't reach more than half of them. It wasn't from the lack of trying and it certainly wasn't because I had lost sight of my priorities. Instead it was from realizing my priorities and giving myself the grace and forgiveness to move on. So this year is a new year, full of promise and excitement. Goals will be made (like blogging more) but still there is time to reflect on the year that has past, with all of it's lessons and accomplishments, disappointments and surprises. I've been working out my goals for the year but still I know, being flexible and open to new lessons may be the biggest goals of all.