Last year, I had 6 goals for the school year. I achieved the first goal, of course, finishing the dissertation. The relief of not having that huge project over my head is just now sinking in. I also felt like I did pretty well with numbers 4 & 6. I could certainly do better. The rest kind of fell by the wayside as the realities of my workload hit. So, what does this year look like? Well, here’s what I’m aiming for? And you?

1. Relax. I’m putting this number one because my inability to relax and my anxiety over work, family, etc. has had a huge impact on my health. I’m going to stop obsessing over getting every little thing done. There’s only so much time in a day. I don’t work in a life and death environment. If someone has to wait overnight for something, no big deal. I will not worry about what other people think of me and speak my mind (politely and appropriately). I will focus on what is good, what is fun, and what I have control over.

2. Exercise. This is related to the first in my mind. Last year, in addition to doing yoga, I had hoped to go on some hikes with the family. Although we made an effort early on, our busy schedules quickly caused us to put family activities that didn’t involve soccer, lacrosse, etc. on the back burner. At the very least, I hope to start a better exercise program next week, focusing on activities that are healthy and destressing.

3. Publish something. I am working on a few things in this area. It may be an academic article or a poem or a newspaper article. Who knows.

I think I’m going to leave it at that. I usually revisit this list in January, which I think is the great thing about being in academe. Two new years. Two opportunities to reflect and dream.