I lied to you, my dear readers. Instead of using an already published post as the basis for my last post of 2015, I am creating a brand new post, which I wrote last night.
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| West side of Binghamton, New York |
I am blowing off the dust from my blog, which hasn't been refreshed in a while. I updated my blogging template, as my regular readers (thank you for coming!) will note.
I joined a blogging challenge for the first time in several months. I read several older posts for inspiration. I went to a sparkling wine tasting, and tasted, for the first time, Dom Perignon, Cristal, and even the Pol Roger Champagne served at William and Kate's wedding reception.
DETERMINATION
DETERMINATION will be my word for 2016. (My word for 2015 - DIFFERENT - well, 2015 was different, all right). I'm being more careful with my word for 2016. I am:
DETERMINED that I will attain certain goals, which I will not reveal to my blog readers. (Why? It is said you are more likely to succeed if you don't announce them.)
DETERMINED that the essential "me" will not be swallowed up by the need to help with the needs of my elderly mother in law and my developmentally disabled brother in law.
DETERMINED that I will grow my writing, and my photography, no matter what my personal challenges are this year. Even if it only grows a little, it will be a victory. Even if, at some point, I decide to no longer blog daily, the fact that I have for nearly five years is a victory.
This past year, I learned once again just how precious life can be. The 39 year old son of someone I went to high school with died in a freak accident, leaving a young child and a pregnant wife. My best friend from childhood died from cancer. A former co worker is gravely ill as I write this, and probably will not survive her illness. It would be a terrible thing to waste the opportunities I have been given.
Of course, it could be just the Champagne talking, but I don't think so. I was buoyed by a couple of recent comments on my blog, one by a reader who said she would miss me if I stopped blogging, and another one who extended an invitation. (That second person has no idea how introverted I am in real life but...hey, one can grow in ways other than blogging, too.).
I know I have something of value to share with the world. I am determined to make a difference, small or large.
So....please join me tomorrow as I start a new year of blogging, and a year of determination.
Will you be choosing a word for the coming year? If you are, come link with Laurel at Alphabet Salad
Nice word! May you be determined to fulfill all your dreams :) Happy New Year :)
ReplyDeleteHugs, Alana.
ReplyDeleteDetermination, my favorite word. I lived by this word when I had tough times in my life, and it helped really well. :) I haven't chosen my word of the year yet. Will come up with one soon. :) Have a fabulous new year dear. And keep blogging. :)
I'm with you on revealing goals. That's why I don't put mine out there--too often in the past anything I put out there becomes more of an anchor than anything else.
ReplyDeleteI am also not purposely not revealing my goals either. We probably listened to the same Ted Talk that making your goals known is a bad idea. Love the word determined. I am determined as well - although I didn't pick it as my word for 2016. Good luck with your goals in 2016!
DeleteI'm inclined to blather about my goals but then I tend to be an open book. Five years of blogging is a big deal. Mazel tov! HOpe you reach all your goals and then some in 2016.
ReplyDeleteFor heavens sake, Alana....I'd miss you more than you know if 'Ramblin with AM' did not appear on my Blogland Friends. It doesn't have to be everyday, but what 'Determination' and 'Dedication' it takes to pull that off year after year. The posts you have already shared are of great value and have made a difference. I look forward to your Ramblin in 2016.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great word! You're right...life is short. We need to make the most of it. I like how determined you are to reach your goals and be the person you want to be. I hope 2016 is a wonderful year for you! Happy New Year! {P.S. Found you from Laurel's page}
ReplyDeleteWhat a great word, and great outlook going into 2016. Happy New year to you and best of luck!!
ReplyDeleteDetermination is a great, strong word - all the very best to you in 2016!
ReplyDeleteGreat start to a brand new year. We have to be determined to live our life to the fullest.
ReplyDeleteLove your determination to make 2016 an awesome year. Wishing you success in achieving your goals and oh yes, keep writing. This year I chose Creative as my word.
ReplyDeleteYeah! Determination. Be Determined to be determined.
ReplyDelete