resolutions

i turn 26 today, and being yet another year older has made me think long and hard about what i hope to accomplish in the coming year. last year, i made 14 resolutions, and i think i accomplished maybe one quarter or one third of them. but, i will cut myself some slack because this past year was full of some huge hurdles, and i had to tackle them before focusing on my own personal growth goals. but despite the death of my grandmother, getting and losing a dream job, dealing with a painful break up, recovering from a painful injury and moving into a new apartment, i do believe that i have been able to take care of myself mentally. all things considered, i didn't have a nervous breakdown, so that deserves recognition

i attribute my current mental health and happiness to all the good things that i accomplished as a 25-year-old. although i did eventually lose my job due to the recession, i did get hired there in the first place, which was a huge personal and professional accomplishment. also, earlier in the year i had received a promotion at my previous job, which was pretty satisfying and looks good on a resume. i also spent more time with close friends, revived at least one long lost friendship and starting dating a guy whose positive attitude and boundless energy makes me want to be productive, successful and happy. the new roomie situation is also pretty awesome. i really like living with a close friend, and i'll be sad to see her go when she moves on to bigger and better things later this year.

that being said, i do have some goals for the coming year. i have divided them into personal and professional, you know, as you do when you get up in the years.

professional:

- launch personal website
- start work on a personal project that i can feel proud of (new blog, nonfiction book, short stories)
- reach a point of satisfaction in my career, whether that means finding a new job that fulfills me, launching my own project or website or working freelance
-learn to network

personal:

- find a meal plan/exercise regime that suits me, and stick to it
- train for and complete avon walk for breast cancer (finally)
- read more books
- make time to catch up with friends
- do yoga/meditate (similar to last year)
- stay positive
- believe in myself and my abilities

i truly believe that 26 and 2009 will be a good year for me. i'm pretty happy with where i am personally right now, although i think i could stand to lose a few pounds. once i get the professional side of my life under control, my life as a single, young professional should be pretty complete.