The time has come to set some new goals. It’s quickly closing in on the New Year’s Eve countdown, so why not? Before starting my list, I have to note that my numerology number for next year represents Beginnings. How great is that? That may seem like a given, considering that’s pretty much everyone’s theme for starting every new year, but I really think that 2014 will be a year of astounding changes and new opportunities for me, in particular. I have noticed that many doors have closed this year, and people or things that were clinging to me have been noticeably slipping away—some sneaking quietly in the night, and some going out with a bang. All of them needed to go, whether I was truly ready to say goodbye or not. As they say, out with the old, in with the new! So, without further ado, here is the list!
1) Have my last first kiss
There are no guarantees in love or life, but I’d certainly love to have my last first kiss in 2014.

2) Trust my gut feeling – and always be proud of the decisions I make
Sometimes I let fear rule my decision-making. Sound familiar? If so, congratulations! You’re human. Let’s work on it together.
3) Take a vacation to somewhere completely new
My initial thoughts are New York City and Miami. Who’s coming with me?
4) Finish the novel I started
I wrote 33,000 words of this novel, tentatively titled “From Rich Soil,” in 2011, and now that I have figured out the ending, I’ve got to get the words out of my head and onto paper (or into Microsoft Word, as the case will surely be).
5) Run a new race
I’m all signed up for Cinco de Mayo Half Marathon and ready to set a new PR! Actually I’ll be running at least two new races next year. I’m running the Chocolate Run next year as well as participating in their ambassador program. This race and the ambassador concept is a first for me, and I’m very excited to see where it will take me, in my running and in my writing. Bonus – I will be running in a new racing city: Seattle!

6) Salsa dance in a new city
Speaking of Seattle, I’m thinking it’s time to take on their salsa scene!
7) Go wine tasting at a new winery
Taking fantastic winery suggestions and applications to be my partner in crime!
8) Take a new class
Nutrition? Samba? Archeology? What exciting things will I learn this year? I am a student of the world, and I love to learn continually.
9) Use my new tent as much as possible + rent a cabin or yurt on the coast
I bought a new Kelty and I’m eager to use it!
10) Go to Crater Lake!
One of the most amazing natural sights, and I’ve never seen it in person. How can this be that I’ve lived in Oregon for ten years and not seen this monolith??

11) Be gentle
This encompasses everything and everyone. I vow to be gentler with people who are different than me, and I vow to be gentle to myself when I am feeling critical of my own actions.
12) Be healthy
I’m not going to state a pound amount of weight loss I am shooting for (although I have one in mind), but I will tell you that I want to be more healthy and only eat when I am hungry.
13) Triple the love in my life
No, this does not necessarily mean get married and have a baby this year (Please don’t tell my parents…they will use this against me). I just want to surround myself in radiant, hugging, giggly, sometimes blush-inducing LOVE! That goes for familial, platonic, and romantic love. Help me share the glow!
14) Be grateful every day
It’s a pretty simple idea. Sometimes, it’s easy to forget how great I have it. Join me in remembering every day and treasuring the feeling.