An old post revisited and a year of reflection

I posted the post below on 1/4/2008. Back then I thought I had a stable job in Oregon and I whined and complaned. Now I am more grateful for what I have and my faith has been strengthened by the fact I landed on my feet and have a better life now than before. I am going to run down the list and see what I really did. Kind of like new years resolutions. Here goes


1) I am going to try to find something good in each day. Sounds like an AA slogan or a self help book but if I cant do that, why wake up each day

In some ways I did do this. I got into meditation and started living in the present moment. I really do that now in that I am thankful to be in a home with my wife and dog. Not just a home. A nicer home than I had in Oregon. Life is good. Now I just worry it will vaporize like Oregon did. So I did succeed at this. I see more good in each day than I did back in 1/08

2) I am going to try and get out of debt. No doubt it will take more than a year

This was starting to materialize but after the layoff went South. There is hope but the debt load is actually heavier. Though not for a lack of trying. My fear however is a lot less than it was.


3) Take better care of myself. That is lose some weight, Become less of a couch potato

This one too was short lived. I took off 30lbs and was working out. Then the layoff hit. I plan to join a health club sometime in early 09 and start again.

4) Take part in something of meaning. It used to be ministry back in Minnesota. Since moving to Oregon it has been less and less and now I am isolated. No more. I think it likely wont be ministry but maybe some political cause. I dont know. I just need to get out and talk to real people.

I think I made a good crack at this one with everything from Open Forum to a Church that is not a Church. Couldnt stick with it. Not sure why. Still looking for the right thing to get involved in. Again, new beginning in Washington. Lots of potential.

5) Be more authentic. Instead of complaining about the world, I want to really try and become what I am passionate about. First I need to figure out what that is.

All I can say here is I think the layoff made me get my head out of my ass and appreciate what I have. Still not sure where the passion is but I dont feel like whining as much


6) Make this blog into something worthwhile. I know I have a few dedicated friends out there who read this and I appreciate it. I know I am not talking to space. I would like to make it actually make a difference and mean something.

I have no idea on this one. I think the blog suffered from my busyness. I am not ready to give up blogging but I do want it to be worthwhile. Even if it shuts down, I have met people who will likely be friends for life here. That is a good thing. Where will it go, I have no idea

7) This is the hard one. I have to stop allowing people to push me around so much

I think I still let people push me around but I think I have grown a little stronger.

So what is my goal for 09. Whatever man. Live long and prosper. We will see where this wild ride goes. Will it be a slow scenic drive, a rollercoaster, or a train wreck. 2008 was all of the above. One goal I have is to make new friends and perhaps get to know some people I already know a bit better. I also plan to breathe every day and enjoy the moment.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Friday, January 04, 2008
New Year Plans

I saw a post on Ninjanuns blog that made me think about the new year and what I am gonna do.

The last two years have been a roller coaster at times seeming about as encouraging as Oregons weather in december. Well I am sick of it. So here goes

1) I am going to try to find something good in each day. Sounds like an AA slogan or a self help book but if I cant do that, why wake up each day

2) I am going to try and get out of debt. No doubt it will take more than a year

3) Take better care of myself. That is lose some weight, Become less of a couch potato

4) Take part in something of meaning. It used to be ministry back in Minnesota. Since moving to Oregon it has been less and less and now I am isolated. No more. I think it likely wont be ministry but maybe some political cause. I dont know. I just need to get out and talk to real people.

5) Be more authentic. Instead of complaining about the world, I want to really try and become what I am passionate about. First I need to figure out what that is.

6) Make this blog into something worthwhile. I know I have a few dedicated friends out there who read this and I appreciate it. I know I am not talking to space. I would like to make it actually make a difference and mean something.

7) This is the hard one. I have to stop allowing people to push me around so much

Most importantly. Spend more quality time with my wife.
Posted by Spiritbear at 12:57 PM