“Love what you do, and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

I want to love what I do, I’ve been struggling lately on figuring out what my “purpose” in life is and how I need to get there.  I feel like I’ve been lazy recently and need to find a way to get back on track.

Looking back on my intentions for 2017, I didn’t really do a good job of doing all of the things I wanted.  What I do know, is I did spend a LOT of time watching documentaries, listening to podcasts and reading books about history and foreign affairs.

I suppose there are still a few weeks left to jam in some activities, but I think there are a few episodes left of Ken Burn’s “Dust Bowl” I haven’t watched yet.

Let’s review what things on my intention list that I did accomplish this year:

I am a runner and I will go on many run-cations.  This one wasn’t too shabby, I put together a team for the Colorado Ragnar Trail Relay in Snowmass, CO, I ran the Napa to Sonoma Half marathon with a few friends, and I had planned on running the wine country half marathon in Kelowna, BC.  This one I traveled to, but got so nervous that I didn’t actually run the race.  I find that I need people to force me to show up to these “timed events”, otherwise left to my own devices I will choose to hide rather than participate.  I know that signing up for an event is really the best way to keep myself running, so I’ve already planned on signing up for the Sea Wheeze half marathon in Vancouver BC.  We’re going to make it a fun girls weekend.

I will read several books.  I was a reading machine this year!  I read Condoleezza Rice’s No Higher Honor, Roar by Stacy Simms, Rescue at Los Baños, Lost City of the Monkey God, Elon Musk, We Should Hang Out Sometime, and I’m currently reading The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich. I’ve got several more books on the list and know I will continue this through next year and beyond.

I will spend more time with friends and family. This one I only did about half, I spent a lot of good times with close friends and reconnected with one friend from college, and I’m so glad I did.  I’ve not spent any time with family this year, mostly because I felt like I didn’t have the time or money to travel to visit family.  This one I will make happen and continue on with spending time with friends.  The days I’m with my friends are the best days without a doubt.

I will put myself out there.  You’ve seen what happened with this in my last post, I did make a small effort, however I do have to admit it was a half-hearted effort and I didn’t really give the online dating thing my best shot.  I guess I need to keep this one on my list, since I have the tendency to hibernate and find reasons to Netflix and chill.

All of the other items on my list were always at the back of my mind, but I didn’t actually get around to starting any of them (you know, seeing as I was so busy watching Netflix all year).  I’m going to forgive myself for this and make a new list for 2018.  I’m also going to write in my blog more.  I don’t much care that no one reads it, but it’s like having an old friend help you air out your thoughts.

For 2018, here are a few things I’d like to add in addition to the intentions above.  One of my favorite quotes is by Yogi Berra — “If you don’t know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else”.

I will meditate at least 10mins a day.  I didn’t realize until recently, that I get anxious quite often and tend to let things get bottled up — and we know what happens if we let things build up inside.  I don’t like the person I become when I’m anxious, stressed or doubting myself.  I’ve found that meditation is helpful and I like that it slows me down and lets me reflect on what is worth worrying about and what isn’t.

I will transition to a whole foods-plant based diet.  This doesn’t mean I’m going to be a “vegan”!  However, I am going to eat whole foods & plants for the majority of my meals.  I’m not sure I can give up cheese just yet, but I am going to give up meat for sure.

I will do something crafty at least once a month.  I do really enjoy making jewelry, knitting and I am going to start tying flies for my dad to use fly fishing.  I’m not going to stress about knitting a sweater…it may happen but if it doesn’t, the world isn’t going to end.

I will have a job that I love and my co-workers respect me and my contributions.  This one I’m leaving on here, like I said in the beginning, I’m not sure what my purpose is, but I am GOING to find it.  I’m going to have my dream job, that pays me enough and has great benefits.  If I get to go on more vacations and spend more time with friends and family, that will be a bonus.

I am going to keep active.  I will run, lift weights, do yoga and anything else that keeps me outside and my heart rate up.  I want to loose about 10 pounds, so I’m going to make that happen!

That’s it for now.  I’m going to enjoy the holidays (well, we’ll see how it goes…this is the first time in my whole life I will not spend Christmas with my family! I’m not sure how this is going to go)