Reflection..…Focusing

It’s that time of year again when many people reflect on what they have or haven’t done and plan for what they want to do in the coming months.

It’s NEW YEAR’S EVE!! At midnight we ring out 2012 and ring in 2013. It’s the day many make their resolutions for the coming year and take stock of what they have accomplished in 2012.

I would wager the number one resolution most make will have something to do with losing weight. It won’t be eating smarter, exercising more or even cutting down on what we eat - it will just be to lose weight (without really giving thought as to how to make it happen).

We do that with a lot of things, or at least I tend to do that. For that reason, I’m not making any New Year’s resolutions this year. Resolutions are just wishes without a plan as to how to make them a reality. I chose instead to make a list of goals in steps that I can achieve one step at a time. Being realistic I won’t reach all my goals. But if I can get a good start on the path to realizing them, then I’ll see that as a positive element for the new year.

One of my goals for 2013 is to be a better blogger. I want to present informative and entertaining posts that will capture your attention. Authors have been great about guest blogging here and I do so appreciate that. I look forward this coming year to meeting new authors and revisiting with ones I’ve come to know. I also want to provide posts from me on books, writing and life in general. I want to improve my book reviews to be more enlightening for you. Most of all, I want to be a better blogger by visiting (and commenting) on the various wonderful blogs I follow.

Another goal is to seriously pursue freelance writing and editing. I dabbed briefly in the field last year and then life sidetracked me. I hope now to devote more time to the endeavor and see where it leads me. I’d especially like to explore the world of freelance writing. After putting in 30-plus years of article writing, it’s hard to quit. I’m hoping there’s a need for one more freelance writer out there somewhere.

Do you make New Year’s resolutions or do you prefer to set goals? How do you achieve your resolutions or goals? Did you reach a major goal this past year or do you have one in mind for 2013? What is the best advice you have for those making resolutions and setting goals for the coming year?

As this year draws to a close, I want to express a heartfelt ‘THANK YOU’ to each and everyone who has stopped by here at Thoughts throughout 2012. Your support and especially your friendship is very much appreciated and important to me.

I’d like to take a moment and reflect on those we have lost this past year. There have been many tragedies throughout the year that we have endured as a nation, as well as the private ones many families have faced. May those taken from us be a reminder that we should always live each day to the fullest and take time for the ones we love. Those taken from us, whether it was a personal loss or one felt as a nation, will remain with us in spirit and through their love. In addition, those who have lost their furry, four-legged friends this past year are also in our thoughts and prayers as their loss is a heavy burden as well. May the new year bring strength and guidance to all.

Now my wish for each of you is one of good health, happiness, success in your endeavors, peace with yourself, and an abundance of love throughout the coming year. As the clock strikes midnight wherever you are, I’m sending a joyous HAPPY NEW YEAR wish your way!!