Tuesday's Thoughts: Reclaim and Engage

It's a new year. A chance at a new start. Who doesn't like getting a chance to start over? I know I do. But before Sunday, I thought, "Hey, each day is a new beginning so why make a resolution or plan a yearly goal? I try and do that every single day." 

Then I had a huge eye opener on Sunday.

But before I tell of my revelation, I'd like to add a disclaimer. If you don't hold the same spiritual beliefs as I do, that's completley okay. This has nothing to do with God, although on a personal note I do thank him every day. I did, however, realize this truth in church and realized it could be applied to my daily life.

Now, back to my eye opening experience Sunday. Looking back on a year ago, I thought the same thing as I thought this year. I don't need a resolution. I have my goals. And while I still believe that, I also realized I was robbed of my life goal. So now, I've set a life resolution to make sure I never rob myself again. 

What about you? Did you rob yourself? Look back to the beginning of last year. Okay, now look back to the year before. Now, look to the end of 2016. Did life get in the way of your goals? Maybe the election got you riled up. Maybe a medical illness got the best of you or someone you love. Maybe the year slipped by, while each day you said 'tomorrow'. I'll be the first to admit I did. My depression and anxiety kept getting the best of me. My grandfather passed away. More hours at work. Family. I kept putting off the goals I wanted for myself. 

Now is the time to reclaim and engage. 

If you still want to reach those goals and get back to where you were a year ago, or where you planned to be by now, it's time. Reclaim it. Set aside time each and every day for you. You may be thinking, "Yeah, right. My schedule." I thought the same thing, but if we can make time for football or shopping or social media, we can make time for ourselves.

Here are 3 steps I'm taking to ensure this for myself:

1. Take away something. 
What I mean by this, take away something you enjoy or that is a "time suck" until you reach your goal for the day. For me, I do not get on social media until I have reached my hour of writing time a day. If I can get more, of course I give myself that time. But if it's the end of the day and I haven't wrote a single word, no social media for me until I at least try and give it my best effort for an hour. No word count. I don't do that. Sometimes the words flow, sometimes they don't.

2. Ask myself every day "How are you doing?"
It's okay to check on yourself. You are the one who knows what you want, no one else. So stop and take a minute to ask yourself, "Is this what I want?" "How's my progress?" "Don't worry, we've got this." May sound a little crazy to some, but we are our own best cheerleaders. 

3. If you can, keep what you need handy. 
I keep my writing journal with me at all times. Writing is my goal and the best thing I can do for myself is keep the journal handy so I can write when given the chance. I'm always on the go during the day, like most, but I also have waiting time during the day here or there. Maybe while waiting for a meeting, or in the school line, etc. Keep what you need accessible if possible. 

Now that you've seen what you need to reclaim, never forget to engage your time in the goal. Engage with those in the writing community, readers, reading, writing, social media. Engage with your goals and keep it alive. Don't let another year rob you of your dreams. Set a resolution to check on yourself and your goals. We are the ones who allow life to rob us, but we are also the ones who can put our foot down and reclaim, then engage to keep it alive.

Wishes for the best in 2017!