As we end 2013, let’s remember all we’ve accomplished. Maybe you paid a bill off, or saved thousands by using coupons. Maybe you managed to get to work, slog through the grind and complete a massive project. Or maybe you got out of bed and managed a shower while battling wicked depression. 

For the first time in 19 years, the new year starts with a new moon. Make 2014 magical. Do something new every day. Run or walk a 5k. Adopt a pet. Serve meals to the homeless. Thank a soldier. But remember to be nice to yourself, too.

We talk about resolutions. Screw that. Make a few goals you know you can tackle. My big one: the Tar Heel 10-Miler. The most I’ve run is a 10k (6.2 miles). I don’t aim to win this — just finish it. It’s in April (4.26.14) and I’ll post progress updates for the voyeurs out there. Other goals:

• Be nice to myself (and my dog, cat, kid and hubs).
• Find an agent for a completed novel.
• Continue to edit for Kindle (and NYT best-selling) author Terry Mancour (he writes fantasy fiction).
• Keep on writing.
• Figure out coding (I took a class at UNC, but it’s still gobbly-gook in my noggin). 
• Grow a garden. (And remember to water it, smh).
• Do more yoga (hip flexors don’t age well, ya know).
• Target a doctoral program.

OK. I know these might not be realistic, but they can be goals. Why? Because goals and resolutions aren’t the same thing. Resolutions, to me, are things I won’t do anymore — “I resolve to torture myself by not eating chocolate goodness to drop 10 pounds” sounds a lot less fun that “I will run today so I can eat a piece of Ghirardelli.” 

Goals are a long-term deal, a commitment. So this coming year, I commit to creating an action plan toward the completion of my goals. How about you?

Anyway — happy New Year’s Eve-Eve.

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