Hello friends, welcome to 2014. I wish I could say that 2013 was a good year, but from where I’m sitting, it was merely a connection between my old life and my new one. Things were muddled there for awhile; I was mired in self-doubt and communication difficulties. I felt like a cat, waiting to pounce, perched on counter, butt wiggling, but not quite finding the right moment to make my leap. But all of a sudden, things are feeling ripe for that change in position. We’re not quite there yet, but it’s almost time.

Like so many others, I always find myself creating a long list of well-intentioned resolutions at the turning of the new year. When I don’t meet these goals, I then feel ashamed of myself. Each year that layer of shame and sadness is a little deeper, and it makes me doubt my worth. This, of course, isn’t anything new to many of you. I’m sure we all have our areas where we mean to improve but just never seem to do enough. For me, it’s always been my weight. I’ve been meaning to get back to my high school weight for years, and each year that goal is a few more pounds away.

I’ve decided I’m done with beating myself up. So this year I’m not making any far-fetched resolutions. Instead, I’m going to make myself a few promises:

1. If it makes me happy, do more of it.
2. If it makes me unhappy, stop doing it.
3. Don’t be afraid of telling the truth if it’s something that needs to be said.
4. Don’t stop dancing because there’s no one to dance with. Dance until people feel compelled to join in.
5. Write daily.
6. Read daily.
7. Breathe.
8. Listen.
9. Practice loving – that includes loving me.
10. Spend more time creating.
11. Take care of relationships.
12. Take care of my body.
13. Go. Experience. Live while the living’s good.
14. Spend more time with people who appreciate me.
15. Believe in myself, and let that power my choices.
16. Find my tribe.
17. Do good.