Chapter One of 2014
Molly Hooper (BBC Sherlock, The Empty Hearse)
Beginnings never truly start at the beginning, but when the story has already started. We’re all works in progress hopeful that the next chapter will bring something worthwhile. At the same time, we forget to live in the moment, and enjoy what we have. It’s not quite our fault though. We’re ingrained to plan ahead to help us decide what choices we make. Some times the choices are small, and other times difficult, and each one changes where our plot turns. Just like a writer on its first draft, we don’t really know how everything will go, but we’re determine to do what ever we can to make the best of it. Many goals don’t really need a deadline, but we choose to put one, because we’re afraid that we won’t complete that goal without it. Goals are different from resolutions, because you can never truly fail. If something doesn’t work out, you can change or rework the goal to become something doable. A goal can be possible any day, any year, and any time in your lifetime, it’s just up to you to decide when it will be. At the same time, a lot of things in life are out of our control. They are in God’s hands, at least that’s what I believe. He can see the full picture, while we only see parts. It’s the unexpected that makes life bittersweet. It can either be amazing, okay, or painfully difficult. We need all the parts of what makes a story to live life to its full potential.
Here are some of my goals for this year book:
Grad School: Just because I’ve finished my first semester, doesn’t mean that everything else will be easy. I’m determined to work just as hard this year to do my best in all my classes.
Moving On: Last year, I had to let certain things go (people, situations, memories, emotions) in the process of working on the next chapter of my life, which is grad school. It was difficult, but I felt there was no other option left. I trusted God would get me through, and he did. There are still moments, that make me feel like I’ll never move on, but some things take time. I just have to keep going, and not let it bring me down. Even though, those who meant something are very hard to forget, no matter what I do. It’s important to focus on the good that came from it.
Less Stress: I must take everything one step at a time. Freaking out about a final paper, in the beginning of the semester even though it’s due at the end, doesn’t help. Complete what needs to be done first, and then plan and work on the rest. It’s easier said then done. Some times it helps to just have some one to talk to, and to remember to reach out for help when I need it.
Pray More: No matter what, unless I’m really ill, I go to Mass every Sunday, and when I’m not traveling, I sing in the church choir. As it’s been said before, singing is like praying twice. Even with that, I still feel like I need to pray more each day. I pray before meals, and when ever I feel drawn to doing so. I want to continue to pray for my family, my friends, my teachers/professors (past, present and future), and all those who need him, no matter where they are in life. I also want to continue to thank God always for everything that I have, and that he has given to me. I just don’t want it to be something quick, but actually reflective.
Write & Read More: As an English scholar, this should be an easy goal to accomplish, but it’s still difficult. When it comes to classes, it’s all about being prepared as best as you can, with the time that you have. So there is a lot of scheduling, and planning when to get everything done. At the same time, since there is so much to do, it doesn’t give much time to write and read for pleasure. By the end of the day, I’m usually so tired, all I want to do is watch an episode of one of my favorite shows, though I don’t do that every day, but I still try to because it’s a reward. Some times I read for enjoyment, when I can as well. I tried writing poems when I could in November, during NaNoWriMo. So when the semester was over, I was ready to read the list of books, that I’ve been wanting to read lately. I’ve gotten some of them read. After going to a writers meeting, this past weekend, and visiting family in Mexico, I was reminded how much I was slacking on writing my own stories. I want to keep writing, especially stories and poems. As well as continue to write on this blog. I might not write often, but I’ll try my best to write when I can.
Better balance: Even though there are things out of my control, I want to make sure that I still make time for my family and friends this year. There were times last year that I felt so over whelmed with my classes, that it made me decide to stay home more to get things done. It helped when it came to grad school, but it pained me to put school first over the people I cared about. Many understood, and I’m thankful for that. I still want to try my best to make time whenever possible. Thankfully some of the break time in between has given me a chance to enjoy that time with them, as well as relax. I’m so thankful that I got a chance to visit my family in Mexico during the Christmas holiday. It’s not often I see my mom’s side of the family, so when I do, I treasure every moment of it. I think I treasure the time I have with those who I care about now more than ever before as the years have gone by.
Carpe Diem: I want to make sure every day is another opportunity to live life to the fullest.
What are your goals for 2014? You don’t have to write them out, but sometimes it helps to see them written out. You can always go back and look at them, but most of all, it helps to understand where your headed. They are like maps to help guide you where you want to go.
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