Dear Me 2011

Dear Me,

Wow, 2010 was simply the best year! I met so many goals, more so than any other year. These Dear Me letters really do work! Once again, I’m writing a “Dear Me” letter and while I didn’t meet every goal for 2010, I met most of them. I moved to Texas, as I’d been dreaming of doing for more than two years and it proved to be the best thing I’ve ever done. Then in February I began a new business venture that has paid off better than expected. Best of all, I found the love of my life. He has brought joy, companionship, love, and security. Not to mention the icing on the cake, being published in November in an anthology. For the first time, I find myself dreaming of things I never imagined: family, contentment, success, and security. What a great year!

I can’t be resting on my laurels though, so now’s the time to plan for 2011. This year, the focus is to “Get It Done” – whether it be personal, business, or writing related. This is the year to conquer fear, overcome obstacles, and stop procrastinating!

Get it Done: Lose 30 Pounds

First and foremost, it’s time to lose and keep off 30 pounds. It’s been a struggle since giving birth to Libby in 2007 but enough is enough. I have a workout partner now and Ryan is definitely encouraging and supportive, not just for my health but his own as well. It’s a great way to spend time together. I need to make time to work out at least twice a week and eventually, add some outdoor activities this summer like biking and tennis. This will bring tons of energy which has been sorely lacking as well as improved health. As part of that, it’s also time to focus on eating healthier. Don’t let the eating and exercising go to an extreme but try to keep a balance and make good choices. I need to remember to be patient and kind to myself. It will take time to see results.

Get it Done: Emotional Control

Finishing therapy last year really helped but stress, tons of life changes, as well as a difficult 4 year old is making it difficult to manage the emotions. With help from those who love me as well as paying attention to the triggers, it’s time to regain control over these erratic emotions. I will try to remember to breathe through the anger and frustration. I need to count to ten or walk away if I’m going to explode verbally.

Get It Done: Trust

A new romantic relationship in 2010 has created some new opportunities to grow as well and to cast aside some old demons that still linger. Remember to focus on trusting in the relationship and the love it’s brought into my life. In the spring I’ll be moving into our own place together and while this will be stressful, it’s a positive step toward a bright and wonderful future together. It will all be worth it.

Get It Done: Grow the Business

For my business this year, I will focus on reaching an income goal of $3,000 a month or more. I can do this through networking, focusing on referrals, and maintaining a satisfied client base as well as increasing my rates for new clients. I also should focus on increasing efficiency and retaining a subcontractor to help with tasks I can’t or don’t wish to complete. I will attend three networking meetings a month in order to continue my business’s visibility in the community. I will focus on helping my business owner clients grow their businesses. Their success equals success for me as well.

Get It Done: Write, Revise and Get Published in 2011

In 2010 I accomplished my goal of being published when “Seeking Redemption” was chosen as part of the “Drastic Measures” anthology. After a two-year hiatus, this was quite a boost to my writing ambition, and as a result I have refocused on writing again. Good job! Now is the time to revise all of the short stories I wrote in 2008 and 2009, then focus on submitting them for publication. Remember to ask for help from the WDC community. In addition, I need to write at least 5 more short stories this year as well as finish at least one of the novels I have in progress. In December 2010 I started a new children’s novel, “Jason and Lizzy Save the Snowmen Village” which has a lot of potential. I also shouldn’t forget about my fantasy novel “Amulet of Zalia”. I need to write a minimum of 500 words a week, even if it’s only for 30 minutes. This equals 26,000 words in a year. Once I start, I’m sure I’ll write beyond that but I need to meet that minimum to maintain my writing momentum and build this positive habit. It’s easy to lose momentum but having that as a weekly goal will prevent me getting distracted by “real life” concerns with my business and family. I created a Twitter account where I can post a running tally of word counts each day in order to keep myself accountable. This is an excellent way to keep track of my progress.

All in all, 2011 is slated to be a great year full of love, laughter, and success. If I remember to keep my goals in mind I’ll do just fine!

Yours,

Me

Word Count: 911