New Years Eve Eve

Pretty much the whole last week of December I began reflecting; Asking did I really stick to my guns? Do what I set out to do? First let me say, not completely. Secondly, let me say that this year was still really big for me:

I graduated with a master's degree
got a $600 grant to edit Volume Two of Our Voices
 went down 1 1/2 pants sizes
published my memoir
put on the most successful Diva pageant ever
 started co-habitation for the first time since I was 21
 got certified as a Zumba instructor and actually made money 
 got close to some new wonderful females (which I wasn't really open to)
 spoke at colleges
met Susan Taylor
 discovered meditation
 read several self-improvement books
 traveled with my books
 went to Cali for the first time
 has an awesome tarot card reading
 performed in front of my biggest audience ever...
the list could probably go on longer.

This year I've truly grown, which is essential!
Now let's keep it real, I fell off the wagon. Yeah, I had a few occasions where I drank and over drank alcohol. I honestly allowed the stress of my life to become an excuse for having one too many when it was time to celebrate. At least twice I've done this.
Most people joke about not following through with resolutions, but I take it seriously. Towards the end some aspects got tough!
The last two months of my life have been hectic between running diva pageant rehearsals, promoting, teaching Zumba four times a week, being a mom, being a live-in girlfriend, a good friend, a mentor, and a full-time teacher, I allowed myself to fall back into some not so good eating habits. I slowly integrated fried food, take -out, and white carbs back into my diet. If it weren't for Zumba, I'm sure I would have gained back my weight; instead, I've maintained where I could have released. So in 2011, it's back to business, and learning strategies to cope with stress that doesn't lead to binge drinking and eating. I'll say it, that's what it is; no need to sugar-coat it. I know I haven't done what I am capable of in that department. It's not about weight either. I'm actually loving my body these days. It's about my commitment to myself and my health. But it's the end of a DECADE, and the start of a new one, so it's all good.
As a matter of fact, it's all the more reason to make some major changes happen. I'm taking the last ten years, all that I've learned, and soaring to the next level.
First on my list, get a literary agent. It's hard damn work trying to get people to notice your work alone. So this is my MAJOR goal for 2011; at least the first quarter. After that, national exposure!
Pretty much after that my goals haven't change much; or at least the essence of them.
I still want to take my career to the next level, beside just financially.
I've come to realize that I don't have to force myself to tell my family I love them as long as I show them in my own way. If I prefer to write it in a letter or card, that's just who I am, ( see I'm growing, accepting me. )
I will still challenge myself physically.
This year I do want to try new things, like water skiing or something; I want to get all I can out of life. I think that's what's most important. And I just want other people I care about to do the same. Happy New Year to Me, and have New Year to you!

P.S. I am also proud that I kept a planner all year. What a life saver!