Fearless (T-Minus 442 Days)

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If you have realized one thing by now, it may be I like lists. Pre-30 bucket lists, Christmas appreciation lists, To-Do lists for life; I’ve done them all. Even when there is a distinct lack of forward progress, it at least makes me feel like I am organized and at least making an effort. So it should probably come as no surprise then that I also adore making lists of New Year’s Resolutions.

I try to keep it to a manageable number – fewer than five – and I try my darndest to avoid the cliché lose 20 pounds; though let’s face it, that’s always a goal. Now, as I look back on the promises I made to myself for 2010, I realize I actually did reasonably well at attaining all – or most – of my goals. I competed. I became a frequent visitor to the library. And I cleaned out (some of) the clutter from my life.

Those are all things I certainly hope to continue, but at the risk of being completely overwhelmed by lists, I have opted to make just one Resolution for 2011. There are several levels to it, but it all boils down to one idea (shamelessly stolen from page 24 of the January 2011 edition of Self magazine). 

BE FEARLESS.

If you make one resolution this year, let it be to live boldly.
You control this moment: rather than cautiously test the water, 
dive straight into life with freeing abandon.
Imagine the person you want to be and the life you want to live, 
and then simply commit to them.
Believe in yourself. Embrace your beauty. Discover a new passion.
And whatever you do, wherever you go, don’t be afraid to make a splash.

If I close my eyes and imagine the person I want to be, I see someone strong and independent that exudes style, grace and respect. I see an athlete. A lover. A better sister and friend. I see myself as a traveler, a wanderer and a beacon of hope.

I want to see true, unbridled happiness.

Who knows if that’s realistic, but I think it’s certainly something we all should strive for. I do not want to end this next year saying I wish I had done something different from what I did. I want to take advantage of every single opportunity, whether it is personal, professional, romantic, spiritual or physical, and I think if I can do that, then I can’t help but find my groove along the way.