I’m not one for New Year resolutions, “not that there’s anything wrong with that;” taken straight from the lines of a Seinfeld episode. I’m sure my punctuation is atrocious in that last sentence, and that is precisely one of my points!

I do think the year-end is a great time to take stock. What was good last year, and what might be better next year. Always pushing myself to new heights and challenging myself to new expressions of creativity, I sometimes feel my footing has slipped out from under me a bit. My questing may become just activity at times, lacking focus and direction. I find myself being a human doing instead of a human being. That is another point.

Both professionally and personally, I meander down many detours, but never leave anything behind. I design- inside and out, I write- about this and about that, and I shoot (with the camera that is) everything that stays still, and lets not forget that which doesn’t. Possibly any day, my hands can also be found in the dirt. Alongside all of this, I am on a deep and sustained spiritual journey. Because of all these push-and-pull activities, it’s little wonder that at times I feel uncertain which way to go.

Back to this new year and taking stock:

• I challenge myself to new expressions of skills and talents, but also to deeper connections with others walking beside me.
• I challenge myself to ever-higher standards in my business and my personal life, and to greater sensitivity to those around me in every setting, and with those I work with and work for.

This year, I also embark on what may be my deepest quest into the mysteries of the human condition. I know with certainty, I am (we are) the thinker, not the thoughts. What is present in my life is the out-picturing of what is in my mind, my thoughts, my psyche, and my attitudes. If I am a victim, all of it is truly of my own creation. That is a hard pill to swallow.

The greatest news of all: I have the power of creative choice, and can change my mind and circumstances any time I choose. That is the ultimate test of personal responsibility, yet also the greatest gift. And one of the simplest gifts: I can change my mind and start my day over any time I choose!

Back to one of my initial points − punctuation. As a result of these personal and professional challenges, I am going back to college this spring semester. My professional design and writing projects will always take first priority, so class work may suffer at times, but photography and technical writing are on my agenda. I do this not for credit or toward a major, but for the sheer fun of it. Although I am a published author with many photographs in print, I love learning and honing myself, and hope I never feel it’s time to stop.

I meander even in this writing, so focusing is a skill to sharpen as well. My ultimate goal in all is my spiritual quest to have a deeper connection to my highest expression, to “hear” and be guided by my connection to spirit and the resulting intuition. I start most days with prayer and meditation, in so doing open a channel as soon as possible. I am human, so as soon as I have a cup of coffee in hand, I usually do a little journaling too. I know I am lucky to have the time and space to start my day this way.

Here’s a favorite daily reading. I have used it for a few years now, and many time the readings are familiar yet more profound. It is deeply spiritual with a little religion slipped in. There is wisdom in that big book too.

Enough about me! Do you have a quest? Whatever is in store for you this year, I wish you the best!

Do you plan to eat your black eyed peas and greens for luck? Why not I say, luck can always be on my side if I choose it! Happy New Year!