In 2009, I launched an inspirational series of interviews with ordinary folks who do extraordinary things. They breathe life into their dreams, resolutions and daily goals, one small step at a time, one day at a time over the long haul. Though they may be statistically in the minority of resolution-makers (the ones who succeed), I wanted to highlight 'what works', and give them credit for their accomplishments. Trish Ayers was the first 'Resolutionista' inducted into the I Resolve To . . . Hall Of Fame and the inspirational series continues in 2010!
TRISH AYERS REFLECTS
This year evaporated like water in a bowl sitting outside in the summer sun. One moment it was January and now it is December. As I reflect on this year I realize how blessed I am that it has been filled with abundance and joy.
I resolved to focus time and energy on my relationships with people. My husband and I began having monthly dates and watched some great movies together. I have been fortunate to see my grandson at least every three months. I wish it was more often, but I am blessed to see him this often since we live quite a ways from his home. Both of my daughters have filled my life with joy. I have re-connected with college friends, made appointments to be with fellow writers, and spent a lovely holiday with my parents this summer. I will wrap up the year with gatherings with family and friends, as we celebrate Christmas.
My writing career is moving along quite nicely. One of my essays was published in the anthology 'Christmas Traditions', edited by Helen Szymanski and a book review is slated to appear in the winter issue of the journal 'Now & Then': The Appalachian Magazine. I wrote a full-length play and already have begun to edit it. Two of my plays were selected as finalists in this year's Heartland Play Contests. The Kentucky Women Playwrights' Seminar, which I founded and lead, has had public readings of two collaborative plays 'Money Blue$' and 'Certain Choices'.
Our home has needed some major redecorating and we began the process this summer. We transformed a room into our dining room and only have to paint it and find homes for items in a few boxes. We were able to re-purpose furniture to create a buffet. My husband built a kitchen table we designed together and we are in the process of building a full closet in our bedroom. The infrastructure is in place, so it is usable now; we just have to finish with moldings and paint.
We have been working on being in control of our finances rather than our finances controlling us. By thinking outside the box and careful budgeting we are on target with our financial goals this year.
Self-care is another area I resolved to focus on this year. As a person with a chronic health condition, self-care is important. There have been a few set-backs, but thanks to understanding my condition, great doctors, a helpful husband, the right medicines, and a positive attitude, I have avoided a hospital admission!
What is life without adventure? This summer we were blessed to see the wild horses of Assateague and Chincoteague. It turned out to be a fun family vacation, which I won't forget.
I am working on my resolves for 2010. Now it is time to collage these resolves, as one means to put them inside my head and heart, so next year will be filled with as many, or more, celebrations.
- Happy 2010! -
Remember: I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year. It's your choice. Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps: Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good! Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey! Let's Go For It!
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Kim M. Simpson - December 21, 2009
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