At the end of every year, I get anxious and reflective. I look back over the last twelve months and judge how well I’ve accomplished the things that were important to me, how well I’ve treated the people in my life and how well I’ve taken care of myself. No matter how broad my shoulders or how big the “S” is that I think I wear on my chest, that’s a lot of stuff.

Some years, I’m happier with my analysis than others. When I look back at 2018, I’m content with how I handled myself this year. Of course, I could have done some things better and a few items died. I couldn’t resurrect them with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. But 2018 had its successes too. I celebrated another wedding anniversary, which was a joy. I signed a publishing contract for a book it took me over a year to write and I self-published two romantic suspense’s novels which were a new venture for me.

As I prepare for 2019, I’m anxious — wondering if I’m doing enough to make myself a better person, to accomplish more. I want to take another step. What can I do better? How can I continue to grow? This year has taught me, that I underestimate how much I can accomplish in 24 hours. In my busy schedule of checking off my to-do list, life gets hectic and can take on a momentum I hadn’t planned. I need to allow time for when things may go amiss and, I need to allow time to cherish what I have and all that I’ve received.

But I’ve learned not to stress out too much about the things I don’t get to check off as having completed. It’s part of the journey. I’ve also learned that the time I spend with family and friends brings me the most joy. When I’m with people who love me, there is no judgment, no reviews to worry about and no cues I have to hit. I need to put more visits like that on my list.
As we close out another year, I wish you and yours peace and happiness.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAY AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!