new year, new intentions

As difficult as it is for me to believe, I find myself typing this quick message on the third day of the beginning of the second decade of the twenty-first century. I think what is telling for me is that for only the second time in probably the last decade, I am starting out the new year with actually feeling good about my life. Rather than looking forward to the year to come with hopes that life will get better, I instead am grateful that life has been as good as it has and pray that it only gets better.

Continuing with a trend I started last year, I haven't made any resolutions, though I do have certain "intentions" that I will look to guide me in the year ahead. As seems to be a habit at the outset of every new year, whatever I call it, I want to continue to get better in the area of fiscal responsibility. I have improved in that area, but I still have further to go, and am hoping 2010 will be my real breakthrough year.

For my next intention, after about 14 months of single life, I am contemplating whether or not to enter the dating pool. Having no clue as to how to go about it, I am thinking of using one of those online matching services (and strangely enough, an advertisement for the very service I'm thinking of using just came on the telly; a sign perhaps?). To do so though, I need to overcome the fatalistic perspective I still seem to have about relationships in general. I want to believe that there is someone out there for everyone, that love conquers all, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera, but the reality is that my last experience in love has left me a bit jaded. Still, I know that using my last and sole experience in relationship as a guide to what all relationships are like would be a big mistake. Hopefully, I've learned a few things that can make the next committed relationship a better, lasting one.

My last intention is to really ramp up my performance at work. I've had a successful first year but really want to have my work be more "impactful" in the next year. With a new staff member on the way, a more consistent work ethic, and greater focus, I believe it's possible.

Here's to 2010 and new intentions becoming new realities.