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. 'Jan Coad was the third 'Resolutionista' inducted into the I Resolve To . . . Hall Of Fame and the inspirational series continues in 2010!
JAN COAD REFLECTS
I don't make New Year's Resolutions. Instead I set goals and make baby steps to check off my progress toward goals. Here is 2009 - What A Year! Look Out 2010 . . .
January - MAJOR GOAL for 2009 to become published. I had participated in writers groups and shared success and rejection. I made a friend who enjoyed editing as her hobby - she agreed to edit my book and also shared that her publisher was now open for queries.
February - I queried my editor's publisher = my first publishing contract. ' Why Don't They Come With Directions' will be published in August of 2010. I also met a friend and we did a tour of New York City and Washington, D.C.
March - I worked on completing my book and on my many art forms (to sell). I also began planting seedlings indoors for hopes of a garden.
April - Completed my book, sent to editor and began working on IRS 501(c)3 status for my nonprofit, The Lavendar Door Foundation. Also, one of my contest entries paid off: I won.
May - One dream came true: I swam with dolphins in Florida. I kissed a dolphin and liked it!
June - I began writing my Memoir, DREAM, LAUGH, LIVE, LOVE. It is my experience being raised without a proper diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome. I began another dream, to eat better by growing my own food. We began enjoying the 'veggies of our labor'.
July - I wrote my lists: Things I am GREATFUL for and my Dream's List.
August - I began chronicling my garden story and resolved to eat out less and began visiting Farmers Markets. My new book idea began to form.
September - I put together an outline for my new book idea and completed all the research and photography. I resolved to do canning and preserve the fresh vegetables and fruits from the Farmers Markets. I resolved to, and canned, more than 200 dill pickles, six varieties of jams/jellies, syrups, ice cream toppings, peaches, pears, and cinnamon apple sauce.
October - My MAJOR GOAL changed to fighting for my son's rights; he was taken from class, questioned by the Principal and then the Sheriff before we were called. My mantra was "Sheriffs Police Officers, School Districts, Oh My!" We wrote a letter to the Superintendant, School Board Members, Principals, School Psychologists, etc. We also hired an advocate.
November - Still no resolution to the school nightmare, more baby steps: Fight for home education and tutoring, and a safety plan for when he returns to school. The MAJOR GOAL through the holidays became 'keeping the peace in the household'. I resolved to get away: We spent three nights in Las Vegas and got two more items off my 'Dreams List': Visit and drive across the Hoover Dam and visit the Grand Canyon. I received my second publishing contract for a series of books: Connecting Food, Farm And You: 40 Farmers Markets In 40 Days.
December - MAJOR GOAL - Write, Write, and Write!
2010 Plans:
- Final edits on memoir and query for publication.
- Market my book: Plan August Blog tours and book signings at Borders and Barnes & Noble.
- Create marketing materials, calendars, t-shirts, bookmarks, postcards . . .
- Blog: LavendarAlpaca.
- Complete writing first Farmers Market Book.
- Complete the research, visits and photographs for second book in series.
- Double the size of home garden.
- Continue to enjoy the canned-preserved fruits and vegetables through the winter.
- Get nonprofit up and running, along with youth art retreats.
- Collaborate with other Resolutionistas in my nonprofit.
- Speak at Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meetings and teacher in-services about Autism and Asperger's Syndrome.
- Spread the message that differences aren't bad, they are just different, and promote acceptance.
- Write, Write And Write!
- 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!
Need More Inspiration? Wear Your Resolution By Visiting The I Resolve To . . . Shop At CafePress: I Resolve To . . . Resolutionista Gear And By Joining The Official I Resolve To . . . Group At Gather.Com. Get going on your 2010 New Year Resolutions with the new I Resolve To . . . Worksheet & Promise: I Resolve To . . . Worksheet & Promise.
Kim M. Simpson - December 23, 2009
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