Badges of Life

Christmas is sneaking up on us with little pitter-patter feet. Before we know it we will be opening presents and then the New Year will come barging in. Another year is winding down while the new one waits in the wings.


Have you accomplished everything you wanted to when 2010 was just crossing the horizon? I put my goals out there in a post right after the first of the year. While I haven’t fully completed any of my goals, I have definitely moved in the right direction. And, I have accomplished things that weren’t on my list.

There is something about this time of year that gets me thinking about goals. I don’t like to make New Year’s resolutions because they seem so fleeting. I much prefer to think in terms of goals. So, I’ve been thinking about what I want to accomplish in 2011. The list is taking shape in my brain and I will share them with you soon.

One thing I have tried to do over the last few years was to force myself to step outside of my own little box. I have lived life much too safely and missed out on a lot of things because of my fears – fear of failure or looking stupid or being rejected. It hurts when these things happen. Unfortunately, hurt and pain are part of life as a human. I don’t think we can experience great joy and happiness if we haven’t also felt pain and sorrow.

Slowly I am coming to realize that if I really want to experience this world in a great way I have to take a chance. Sometimes taking those chances doesn’t lead to the things I planned, but I am always glad I have taken them. The failures and disappointments hurt, but they are symbols of my efforts. When I was a Girl Scout as a child I had a sash where my merit badges were sewn on to show my accomplishments. In life, each effort, whether successful or not, is figuratively sewn on the sash of my life; a reminder of a life fully lived.

I can’t imagine looking back and saying, “Dang, I was rejected; I wish I hadn’t tried that.” But, I can imagine (because I’ve done it) looking back and saying, “I really wish I had tried that.” It is the attempting that is important. So, in 2011 I will continue to step out and try new things; putting myself out there. I am sure there will be more failures and rejections, but who knows what great things will come as I pursue a life fully lived. When 2011 winds down my goal is to have filled my sash with many new badges.

What about you, what are your hopes and dreams for 2011? I would love to hear them.



And, don’t forget to check back in on Wednesday to see what happens to Marley next.