New Years Resolutions 2018

So it is 2018 and time for resolutions. I will do my usual January diet, commitment to more exercise (in the shape of walking three times a week…in preparation for getting a new dog in the future…..). You know…the usual stuff.

Last year my resolutions focused on expanding my business, focusing on better health, doing more publicly available writing, posting to my blog and finding a new challenge.

I can say that I have ended the year 10 pounds over my target weight. (those dastardly 10 lbs. I have lost them a million times now, I am sure). I have met and exceeded all my business goals. Thank you to the Liberal government for legalizing marijuana. That certainly added clients and work to my year. I have done more public writing and YES posted to my blog. Jury is still out on how I feel about that.

And I found a new challenge…. So far so good.

2017 also had heartbreak. We lost both dogs this year. I said goodbye to friends and grieved the loss of significant people in my life. I have struggled with depression and anxiety and I am still so angry about the bastardization of a religion that I once held dear. I still hate Trump and everything he stands for. I have fallen for some fake news and probably shared some, much to my chagrin. I have not handled it well or been kind in my comments. I have been impatient, grumpy and harsh. I have been called a “negative, angry person” and a “liar”. Hard to take but worth self-examination. Prefer to see this as a growth opportunity.

So as I say goodbye to 2017, both the good and the bad I can say that it has been beyond my expectations regarding career opportunities and I am so grateful to all my clients. They unleash my creative energy and allow me to speak into their lives and that is such a privilege. I have been challenged, inspired and frazzled by the volume, type and scope of the work I have been tasked with.. My commitment to focus on my business over my volunteerism last year has really paid up.

This year I will ramp it up even further. Here come the new trade show incorporation clients, women’s business empowerment, the commitment to taking every opportunity to the next level and a dedication to further education and continuing to focus on where I fit in the grand scheme of things.

I am going to try to be kinder…..try….no promises.

I commit to fact checking before posting on the internet. Fool me once…. Please hold me accountable for anything I post that you can challenge with facts. Not your opinion, which I will gladly debate but if you can show me facts that prove that what I posted is incorrect or you can challenge me to prove what I posted – do it.

2018 will be my year of gratitude and positivity. I am committing to two positive posts for every angry rant. God help me.

I am committing to starting each day with a statement of gratitude.

I am committing to accountability in my thoughts and actions and fulfilling promises made. This year I will attempt to leave bitterness behind me. Life is simply too short.

I am committing to working in paid labour three hours for every hour of volunteer time. I can’t change the world if I can’t take care of myself first.

I am committed to Flamingo Arts Society and the challenge it represents. 2018 will continue to be the stepping-stone to a whole new Historical Whalley District. Thank you for being my 2017 challenge.

I am committed to CN Pharma and NW Supplements in their pursuit of pain relief via cannabis. I will continue to work with them, Health Canada and industry players to bring quality, tested, proven products to the retail market. Thank you for stretching my abilities to the breaking point. You know how we love those challenges.

I am committed to my other clients in our mutual pursuit of business excellence. Together we will approach business with creative, blue ocean strategy thinking. Congratulations to Leslie Jones at Econowise Sunrooms in their well deserved Consumer Choice awards. Thank you Charan Sethi and Tien Sher for all the opportunities and challenges. You make me strong.

To my other clients, let’s keep working together and pushing forward. The business climate is excellent and you are well positioned to make your mark. Thank you for allowed me to be a small part of it.

I commit to continue to write. Thank you Surrey604 for giving me the opportunities and courage to continue to put myself out there. Judgment can be harsh but learning to stand with your own integrity and not needing anything else is a lesson in true strength. Thank you for helping me learn that.

To my friends, acquaintances, Facebook friends and enemies, thank you for being in my life. Regardless of your position – trusted friend or annoying asshat, you provide me with fodder for growth. I will continue to work hard, write sharp and allow my thinking to be challenged by your pokes and prods and loving and not so loving observations.

2018 be the year my renovation gets completed. Thank you to my patient contractor and those busy trades who find the time to fit my tiny little job into their busy schedule. I dream of a day without drywall dust.

2018 is going to be the year that I take more time to focus on the charities and organizations that I support. The world changers, the ones who work like dogs for nothing but the privilege of knowing that what they do counts for eternity.

To my board at Royal Canadian Theatre Company, and all the volunteers that do all the hard lifting so we can laugh and enjoy live theatre. Thank you for giving so many kids opportunities to find success on stage. You hand them self-confidence and who knows where that will lead. ☺ You are all deeply appreciated.

To my board at DIVERSEcity and Neelam Sahota, CEO and all the staff that work so hard to make sure that immigrants, refugees and new Canadians get a solid start in their lives in Canada. You set the foundation for their years of future success. I love being part of world changers like yourselves. Thank you for allowing me a small seat at the table.

To my board at Flamingo Square Arts Society and the various committees that have formed or are being formed to work on the arts project in the Historical Whalley District. Thank you for your enthusiasm and the time you generously donate to make the impossible possible. You inspire me, challenge me and push me to be the best I can be. Thank you for letting me be a small part of this miracle of creative, innovative, can-do, why-not, thinking. You make me smile every single time.

To world changers at NEVR – Network to Eliminate Violence. Never grow weary of doing good. We will win this fight. Maybe not in our generation but we are building an army. Women are gaining ground all over the world. Hmmmm maybe my analogies aren’t quite appropriate for an anti-violence organization but you know what I mean. “We’re not Gonna Take it”, everybody sing along. ☺

To you. My darling friends and family. You are deeply loved. There are to many to name but you know who you are. I hope I have told you personally how much I appreciate and rely on you. Thank you…always.

May 2018 be your year. Time to drop the negative and embrace the positive. Not that we ignore the things that need to be changed but we can approach them with a different energy and intent. This is my goal.

I wish you health, happiness and peace. Here’s to another year of struggle, growth, impatience, laughter, frustration, satisfaction, love, friendship, loyalty, health, stubbed toes and sticky fingers, giggles and sweets, apples and Melba toast. Here’s to you and the indelible hand print you have left on my heart.

Thank you for being in my life.