What About 2008?

Well, today is the last day of 2008! Funny, I heard two people say earlier this week that they can't wait for this year to end and that 2009 has got to be better - hope that works for them. Personally, I think 2009 will be a good year. Before we watch the ball drop, its always good to appreciate what we have done and what we have been through.

Here's my simple list of things to think about today before the leap second is added and we step into 2009:

1. Appreciate the good things that happened in 2008 - no matter how bad a year someone has, there are good things that happen. Take time to remember those good things. For me, I got promoted, my income rose, my riding abilities improved, my running has improved, I didn't gain weight, I have a place to live, food to eat, a cat that I occassionally like, a brain, eyes, ears, legs that all function, I am healthy, I have friends, and the list could go on.

2. Recognize the opportunities that came out of the challenges in 2008 - on the flip side, no matter how good 2008 was, there were challenges. Challenges are good to look at from several different sides. First, how did you get there and how can you not do that again. Second, how did you respond and could you have responded better. Third, did that challenge point you on a different path and were you willing to take it? Fourth, sometimes challenges happen, deal with them the best you can, and keep moving forward. My 2008 challenges: falling off the horse several times, navigating through friendships, leading a group that is not required by law to do what I tell them, struggling at times to build a business, getting to know who I am (the good and the not so good), taking complete control of my destiny, and again, the list could go on.

3. Keep doing, in 2009 the things from 2008 that made you smile - Number 3 and 4 sound really simple, but in practice are not done enough. Keep doing the things that bring you joy, happiness, and a smile (as long as they are not continually destructive habits). This is a conscious decision. Things I will keep doing: riding, running, building my business, talking to new people, reconnecting with my friends, traveling, name a few.

4. Stop doing, in 2009, the things from 2008 that made you unhappy - Possibly more important than Number 3, stop doing what makes you unhappy. Sometimes, it just becomes a habit that we don't take the time to break. And, sometimes, we don't see the way out. Whatever the situation, take small steps to decrease the unhappiness in your life. What I plan to stop doing: ruminating over things I have no control over, saying yes to things I know I don't want to do, PMS (not sure how to stop doing that, though), going along with others because I am too lazy to make my own decision, and, ................

5. Make sure that your thinking is a reflection of you and not what others (or society) says it should be - The media and society bombards us everyday with words and images on how we should think and live. Not to mention, our friends and families have their own views. Don't get lost in all of this. Make your decisions based on your inner compass.

Congratulations on making it through 2008!