Dec. 27: From 2010 to 2011

Ah, reflecting. ‘Tis good, right? Well, sometimes. Here are seven questions to ask yourself as you say goodbye to 2010 and head forth into 2011. Why? Because, silly! These are from Dumb Little Man Tips for Life, which is a pretty cool little site.

On a scale of 1-10, how satisfied are you with 2010?

Wow. This is a difficult one, because there were a lot of things that really sucked about 2010, but just as many (or more) amazing things happened too. I’d have to say, for me, that 2010 was an 8/10. 

Why did you score that way?

What stands out most when I look back on this year is the devotion of my friends. They encouraged me, held me up, made me laugh, and helped me fight for my life. Many of them had no idea they were doing it, or how much their small deeds meant to me. What they say about women being like tea—their true strength comes out when they’re in hot water—applies to human beings in general, I believe.

If I scored the year on my friends alone, it’d be a 15/10. But then there was all the chemo and its side effects, Loveliest Lori’s health scare, my very high anxiety levels, and the mystery behind my sister’s unwillingness to be in my life. That takes my satisfaction with 2010 waaay down.

But the way the year ended—with a clean-ish bill of health—inches it back up. And really, I don’t think an 8/10 is too bad for a year, especially in a year that started with such a dire outlook. I think I’m just fine with 8/10.

What are your biggest accomplishments this year? Include business achievements, relationships, health and fitness, etc.

Um… well, I kicked cancer’s ass. I think that’s pretty huge. Besides that? With other moms, we got good things done at school, making a lot of kids and teachers happy. I’m proud of that. I met Val (Val rocks). I graduated from day-glo adult beverages to those typically served without umbrellas. My friends are proud of me for that. (Whatev.)

What are the biggest lessons you learned this year? We can let the things that happen pass us by, or we can stop to understand and draw lessons from them; this can make us wiser than we were before.

I learned that even when it’s easier to hide under the covers, if I really have to, I can summon up the courage to face difficulties head-on. I learned that most of us are stronger than we know. I learned that sometimes I need to step back from a situation and let it work itself out. I learned that it’s okay to ask for help. I learned that certain drugs are necessary and taking them doesn’t mean I’m a failure at life. I learned that I can find joy amidst some of the suckiest parts of life. I learned that while laughter may not be the best medicine, it’s pretty friggin’ awesome.

What are your biggest goals that you want to achieve next year? How can you make next year your best year ever? In other words, if it’s December 31 of next year, what do you want to see in your life? What will it take to feel a 10/10 satisfaction level at the end of next year? Make these things your goals for 2011.

I want to stay healthy, to recognize and listen to my limitations but push myself when I really know I should. I want to be the kind of friend that others have been to me. I want to put my experience with cancer into book form, even if it’s just for my own fulfillment. I want to make it through my reading list, or at least get further down it than I did this year. I want to stop cursing—well, not completely, just less.

What new habits do you want to cultivate?

Some of the typical new years’ resolutions need to be mine this year: eat better, exercise more, be nicer, blah blah blah. But I gotta do it for realsies, because I know how important it is for me to stay healthy. “Healthy” doesn’t rule out fondue completely, though, does it? Because if it does, I’m going to have to redefine “healthy.” This girl neeeeeds her fondue. (Or maybe this girl neeeeeds to find a new girlfriends’ get-together restaurant.)

What are your immediate next steps to achieve them? What do you have to do to get the ball rolling? Writing down specific dates for these actions can help motivate you.

I suppose I should assign dates to weight goals in order to create milestones along the way… maybe attend some of those pool exercise classes, even though they totally do NOT work with my schedule… create and follow weekly menus so I (and my family) eat better… read more… watch more TV… wait. Scratch that last one.

ok, i’m done.

Where are you as we go forward into the new year? Please share your answers in a comment or your own blog. So says I.