This week is traditionally the week I pause to review how I did with my goals, reassess my five-year plan, and look forward into the new year.  This is the time to be like two-faced Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, gates, transitions, time, duality, doorways, passages, and endings. 

In the review mirror:

[icon name=”check-square-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  Last year, I attended at least one book signing a month, expanded my twitter followers to more than 2500 (goal was 3,000, so falling a little short, and got A Ship of Pearl nominated by a librarian for “2017 Soon to be Famous Illinois Authors.”  And I started my next Read-to-Me-Book and a follow-up novel with a working title, May His Tribe Increase.

[icon name=”check-square-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  I never in my life thought I’d get as comfortable as I have with speaking to total strangers, and  doing Facebook Live videos (still feel like a fool, but oh well.)

[icon name=”check-square-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  I took on a new job that was supposed to last a month and stretched to nine months.  And I kept my photo-journalist job going.  That was fun! (Whoa, that sounds exhausting just writing that down.)

[icon name=”check-square-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] CoCo successfully passed her one year, living-on-her-own  anniversary.  I am incredible proud of her and her independence.

[icon name=”check-square-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  Two grandchildren graduated from high school. That’s certainly not my accomplishment, but I delight in theirs.

[icon name=”check-square-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  Loved-One confidence in his business is growing.

[icon name=”check-square-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  We failed to meet any travel goals.  Drat it all!

[icon name=”check-square-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  I almost made it to see Mom once a month, all but three months accomplished.

[icon name=”check-square-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  Everyone is healthy, happy, and wise.  For the most part, anyways. Certainly no major catastrophes of the body, mind, or soul. That alone is worth celebrating and giving thanks.

[icon name=”check-square-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Got health insurance for both myself and Loved-One.

In the New Year:

[icon name=”car” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Travel Route 66 with Loved-One. (Plan some book signings along the way?)

[icon name=”book” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Get my second and third book written, edited, and ready for publishing.

[icon name=”birthday-cake” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Celebrate Mom’s 90th birthday.

[icon name=”camera” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Take an on-line photography class.

[icon name=”bicycle” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Bicycle the KalHaven Trail. Hopefully, with enthusiastic family members along.

[icon name=”question” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Be open to whatever the moment offers.

 

[tweetthis]What are your plans for next year?  Do you make resolutions or set goals? [/tweetthis]