I love the beginning of the year. It always feels like a clean slate to me. A time to think about a whole new year ahead, and what do I want to do with it? (Read.) Where do I want to go? (Mexico. Again.) Who do I want to see? (Metal bands.) What do I want more of in my life this year? (Pizza. It’s pizza. And coffee.)

What do you want to do?

What’s in front of me to do that I’d love to get done? What’s inspiring to me? And what really fires me up?

These are all things to think about.

I’m still getting over the flu. Even with an entire week off from work, sleep wasn’t my friend and this dang cough wants to come and go and flare up and make my chest feel tight from time to time (as flu coughs are wont to do). There’s more than a lil fatigue going on.

Maybe it’s a gift in disguise?

Melody Beattie has a great approach to goals in her landmark book on codependency, Codependent No More.

Her enthusiasm regarding goals is contagious. She describes goals as being fun. Like, something to get excited about! For some reason, I always thought of goals as being tedious, painful things. Sort of like New Year’s Resolutions (which I don’t make, and haven’t in years as they just don’t work for me). But Melody taught me otherwise regarding goals. In her book, she recommends turning all those things we want to do, little and big, into goals. Write it all down! Even things like making a decision about something that’s been nagging you for a while. Turn making that decision into a goal for the year. She offers more steps in the process of making goals in her book, which I highly recommend to anyone struggling with self-care or codependency in general.

I also like going back to my goals from last year, and see where I’ve done well, and where I’ve fallen short. There were some big goals that I hit this past year, like obtaining my OCN (Oncology Certified Nurse). Traveling with my boyfriend and family both near and far. Spending regular time in prayer and meditation. Bumping up my retirement contributions. Helping others, getting out of myself.

And now… a brand new year.

I’ll spend some time journaling, and make a new page or two of goals for this coming year. I like stickers, so I’ll use a bunch of those, decorating my journal pages and having some fun with that.

It’s about that time. Time to do a bit of journaling, get out some fun craft supplies, and use some imagination to think of goals for the year. I love the idea of playing around with goals though, too. Being playful with goals sort of takes the boundaries down. Play lets me reach a little bit further. Think a little bigger.

So. It’s time to play, I think!

Do you make New Year’s goals or resolutions?