Wonderful Wednesday & New Year Goals

Today is one of those days. A good day. And there is no particular reason I can pinpoint that makes it so. Just loving life. I'm finding myself busier than ever but loving every minute. Which brings me to a few goals I've set for myself this year. Last year was the year of learning to love myself. For the most part I was there but self-acceptance is something that can always use a little tweaking. This year is about facing fears, meeting challenges and attempting to try new things or revisit old loves.

I've already made major head way in facing one of my biggest fears. As hard as this may be to believe...in fact, I'm embarrassed to be admitting this...I can't really swim. While that is not totally true, I never learned the correct way. My mother is deathly afraid of water and swimming lessons were the last thing on her priority list. I did teach myself to tread water and do the basics. But for some reason, I never learned to swim with my face in the water. Maybe it is a carry over of my mother's fear. Part of me believes it is the loss of control I feel when unable to breathe. Whatever it is, I have an enormous fear and respect for water. But this year is my year to get my face wet. Sunday, my dear friend, Karen, met me at the gym and spent over 2 long and tedious hours helping me. The first 20 minutes were pure torture for me and most likely for her as well. I had a major panic attack. It was a combination of fear and self-reproach for being 44 years old and having never mastered these skills. Think about. How many women my age are unable to swim??? A few white-knuckle moments on the side of the pool and several unmentionable four-letter words later and I was fine. I dressed myself down, threw a little fit, took a deep breath and decided the water wouldn't get the best of me. I made more progress than expected that day. We are meeting again tonight and I can't wait! I'll keep you posted on this challenge. My goal is to learn and learn well in order to swim once a week for fitness.

Which brings me to my other goals. They center around becoming more physically fit and enjoying the great outdoors. I've increased the intensity and duration of my weight workouts and my cardio sessions have been amped up as well. But this is the year to add other things to the mix. As I mentioned, swimming is one. When the weather breaks I plan to add biking, running and hiking. I've found a possible biking partner and a running group. Biking is an old love. Running is something I've always wanted to do. And my area offers wonderful hiking trails.

Lots of other changes are on the horizon for me both personally and professionally. I'm strongly considering getting my masters in accounting and I'm currently researching schools and costs. The plan is to start in March if all goes well and I pass the GMAT. Wish me luck...it has been ages since I took a standardized test. Personally, big decisions need to be made regarding a possible move. Should I decide to stay where I am, many changes will be required to make it happen. Lots to ponder. Lots to decide. But I'm ready to face it all.

I know this is a very personal post. But I'm a firm believer in putting goals in writing. It makes me more accountable. So dear friends, feel free to hold my feet to the fire. How about you? Any specific goals or resolutions? Please share.

xoxo L