The Joy of a New Year

I know some people have traditions and superstitions on how to usher in and start a New Year.  For some its who they kiss when the clock strikes twelve.  For others it’s what they do (or not do), eat or give to others on the first day of the year.  Regardless New Year’s is something which is steeped in tradition in old, new and revamped customs. 

What I chose to do this year was a mixture of both new and old; I think it worked for how I wanted to celebrate in bringing in 2012.  It made me realize that as much as I respect all things steeped in tradition, that I have my own to cultivate and cement.  Much like what is and isn’t acceptable in my life, the rules for being an adult are ones which are subjective (save what is deemed legal and illegal by the law) and I prefer it this way.

I have been enjoying the promise of what this year will hopefully hold, one full of adventure, success, excitement which I hope will work out to make positive memories.  Although I will not make any resolutions what I will do is hope to become a better person as I move forward in my life and away from all that doesn’t work and is negative.  I know I won’t please everyone, but for those who matter won’t care and those who care won’t matter!

I will end this brief post in saying this, I am a woman who strives to be successful with authenticity and integrity, and although I will strive I will more than likely stumble along the way.  Those stumbles will make me a better person (I hope) and ultimately I aspire to at the very least, learn some things during my journey.  For those who are intimidated, angry or resentful or what I am striving to do, I will say this:  I make no apologies for where I am going in my life and how I am getting there.  Much like self-esteem, it is esteem of yourself and if you are resentful of mine then you need to take a really hard look at yourself and work on you….that is all.

So for those who take the time to read my thoughts, I truly thank you and value you.  I want to wish all a successful 2012 and I encourage you to get what you want in a classy, authentic and respectful way as it will come back to you in spades!

Reminders...What do you do to give yourself a reality check?

I was reminded today that I need to celebrate what I have accomplished and continue to do so and to keep focused on what I am doing  while not trying to concentrate on what I am not doing. I was also reminded of how extremely hard I am on myself. I push myself because I want to see how far I can go, not to mention I am fearful of complacency. I had a bit of a moment today when I realized that a goal I set for myself was not entirely realistic to my situation. However, it still is a little disappointing that the very advantageous goal I wanted to achieve is beyond my current situation.


Nevertheless I was reminded that I have decided to pursue a difficult goal which most people are not capable to do. During my first year back in university, I took on more responsibility at my full-time job, despite carrying a 40% course load. In and of itself, what I have done and will continue to do this fall, and for the next few years is something which is both extremely challenging and rewarding, as it gets me closer to the aspiration of attaining my Honours BA Soci.  What I should be doing now and every time I pass a course, is reward myself by celebrating each milestone I set for myself.  During this fall and winter semesters, I will have a 50% course load, on top of re-defining my role and studying to get my PMP.  A lot to take on; however it is something that whets my appetite, a challenge to push myself and see where all of this will take me. 

So here’s to my current and continued success of being that person who needs to learn, grow and attain each challenge I set out for myself.  Complacency is a word that does not exist in my world of challenge!

Do you believe you are your own worst critic?  How do you remind yourself that you are human and it is okay to push yourself but not over-do it? What do you do to celebrate, and recognize your achievements?  What do you think I should do to celebrate my first successful year back to school?

A big step for me, and even bigger step for my ego...

Earlier this year I decided to submit my application to attend university as a mature student to finish my BA. I knew in taking this step I would have to face some facts about myself and also make some changes, all while facing the prospect of judgment and opposition. I was accepted into University in early June and I now face the last couple of weeks before this adventure begins. Talk about it being scary and exciting all at the same time!!! Today, I thought I'd share a bit of my thoughts on starting this journey.


I had to acknowledge that no matter what, if I was accepted or rejected (yet again) I would be determined to find another way to continue learning, be it in a traditional or non-traditional sense. While I was awaiting the acceptance/rejection letter I could not help but daydream at the possibilities. This almost felt like a choose your own adventure scenario;

o What would happen if I did get accepted?
o What would I do if I didn’t?
o Would I move or stay where I am at?
o How was I going to pay for all of this?
o Do I even have enough to be self sufficient?

The questions much like the possibilities were abundant, and I had to figure out the real answers to them, and fast! In trying to figure out the best possible outcome, I realized that this was a big change and one that I was almost scared to do. To be a student and while working full-time was something foreign to me. My fear was (and still is) that I would not be successful and even worse fail at one, or even both. However to acknowledge the possibility of failure meant that I had to acknowledge the even better possibility of succeeding, so I am doing my best to stick with that. I would not have been able to do this without some great sounding boards and the motivation of making a better me from this whole situation no matter what the letter would say! The wheels were put in motion and I was determined to learn at least one thing from this whole encounter.

The feared opposition and judgment of this new choice in my life I knew would come no matter what, the amount well is still to be determined. I erred on the side of optimistic caution in the hope that my workplace would work with me to accommodate my school schedule while being able to meet the business needs. In proposing it to my manager I was a nervous wreck as this represented a change that could easily be denied as it could be accepted. I was very fortunate that she was very excited for me and wanted to do what she could to make this a reality. I was and am very fortunate to have such champions in my corner! Needless to say the rest of senior management were a little freaked out at first hearing what I wanted to do, but they warmed to the idea and wanted to support and encourage me. As far as my fear of being judged and pushback, it is most like how you are not able to make everyone happy in whatever you do. My applying and ultimately being accepted, is something I worked hard for and despite anyone who did not feel happy or supportive, IMHO, they have a right to feel how they want to, however I have a right to not let it affect me and my goals.

That being written, I now count down the final days to my starting school and working while doing it! I have heard this: When you are scared at something you have set out to do, you know it is the right course of action. Here is (hopefully) to my impending success to the challenge I have set out for myself!!!