The Bearded Goose

I woke up this morning with a rather odd feeling that something was different. I couldn’t have told you then nor can I tell you now exactly what it was that wended its way through my heart and mind. Was it simply that I didn’t get much sleep, due to a slamming night of games and friends that lasted until 3 am? Was it the kids sleeping in or that some were off at a friend’s house, having an impromptu sleep over after said slamming festivities?

I think perhaps that it is simply the feeling of a fresh start. A new year begun.¹

My lovely wife and I had been having conversations here and there, discussing things we’d really like to change for the better. Things involving our marriage, our parenting skills and dealings with the Gaggle, ourselves and self-improvement. And, oddly perhaps, I wasn’t rolling my eyes.

At the beginning of 2010, I wrote how I felt that 2009 was a waste. I hadn’t improved myself. I hadn’t done many things I wanted to do. I had been on a plateau and wasn’t progressing in anything in my life.

Was 2010 much better? Yes and no. I think the self-discovery at the beginning of the year helped me to be more aware of my decisions and plans. But, I don’t think I took advantage of anything along the way, either. I recognized opportunities, but didn’t necessarily take them. There were many things I still wanted to do, but didn’t.² And did I make goals for the year? No, not really. I had ideas. I had thoughts. But I didn’t write anything down. I didn’t share the ways I wanted to grow and stretch. And that, folks, is the key to making things work.

So, 2011 has arrived. A new year has begun. My goal is to make it a year of progress and improvement. A year I can look back on in 2012 and be happy with the decisions I made. A year that I accomplish something.

What are you going to do with 2011?

1. Not to mention that the weather is unseasonably warm during this time, hitting the high 50s and even a 60 somewhere in there. Yes, all the snow is gone. First time since Dec 1. AAaaaaahhhh. It’s rather nice. [↩]
2. Including a regular blogging schedule. Ce la vie. [↩]