It is 2013. Traditionally on this holiday people sing 'Auld Lang Syne'. 'Auld Lang Syne' is a Scottish poem that when translated means 'for the sake of old times'. Some have even said you could use 'In the days of auld lang syne' as the equivalent for 'once upon a time'. So, I thought I would use that here.
Both for me are an encouragement to look upon the past, both good and bad, and take something from it. 2012 included turning 30, graduating some of the most remarkable people in the world, traveling with my dear Katie, and becoming an auntie 5 times. It came with funerals, regrets, and some arguments.
Most of all it came with a lot of thinking. Thinking about the past, the future, my job, my family, my heart, my education, my friends and family, and most of all my faith.
So when it came time to set goals, it came from lots of thoughts:
1. Be healthier. Love myself enough to change habits and embrace life.
2. Write more. I love it, and don't care if no one reads it or cares... it is something I want to do more.
3. Read and learn more. Pick a next step and embrace it and make time to read- even when there are many papers to grade.
4. Be a good friend. One who remembers birthdays and makes more plans.
5. Be a better teacher. Be more innovative and resourceful. Reach more kids and make a difference.
6. Be better to my family. Make sure they know that despite all the crap, we are family and we can make it through anything.
7. Appreciate what I have, not dwell on what I don't. Enough said.
8. Smile more, laugh more and don't sweat the small stuff.
9. Make a t-shirt quilt, organize my photos, and go through my moms things.
10. Keep exploring faith. I don't know exactly what that entails but I will keep trying to figure it out.
I want to look back a year from now and think that I was better than I was before. Not perfect, just a little better.
If you are reading this, I hope you take time to reflect, to make goals, and to smile. Odds are also good that if you are reading this, I love and appreciate you very much.
Take a cup of kindness yet,
Karen
