Goodbye, 2017. Hello, 2018.

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Every December, I think about how I want to do something better the next year. 2017 was no different. Like I told my friend, Jamie, on Twitter, I feel like I’ve wasted so much time this year – being angry, zoning out, being frustrated, doing too little of consequence and too much of nothing.

So I’ve decided for 2018 to focus on the word CREATE. I want to create a better life for Riley and me and that starts with these three things: Home, Health, Hustle.

Home — Create a good home life for Riley and me. Improvement projects. More dinners in. A better, less expensive place.

Health — Create the body, mind and soul I want. Workout. Devotionals. Journal. Meditate.

Hustle — Create the career I want. Writing. Designing. Editing. Consulting/mentoring related to hearing loss, cochlear implants and IEPs and therapy and teaching kids to advocate for themselves. What else?

Writing and blog ideas: I’ve read and enjoyed books related to music, both fiction and nonfiction, and I want to share my thoughts here. I don’t know if that would be something anyone would read, but it’s something I’ve been thinking of doing for a while. I’ve read bios of Rod Stewart and Rick Springfield, and Elvis, Guns ‘n’ Roses’ Duff McKagan are on my To Be Read shelf. I’m also interested in Slash and Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye and Keith Richards and Loretta Lynn.

Then there are the Rob Sheffield books about how music has shaped his life. And the fictional “Grace & The Fever,” inspired by author Zan Romanoff’s affinity for Hanson and One Direction, and revolving around internet fandom and what happens when you meet the object of your desire.

And I just started “Good Booty” by Ann K. Powers– a look at how music shapes fundamental American ideas and beliefs about social issues, especially sex and race.

I have essays that I’d like to sell. I haven’t finished (or started really) any of them–they are mostly just outlines.

Anyway, it’s a new year and I want to create. Instead of making resolutions, I’m going to use the following from The Universe as a guide:

  1. Give thanks that your life is exactly as it is.
  2. Decide that 2018 will be the happiest year of your life yet.
  3. Every day, follow your heart and instincts down new paths.

Happy 2018! Now, let’s get a good night’s sleep and wake up ready to create the world we want to live in.