So long 2018, don’t let the door hit you on the way out. It’s a New Year! There are 12 new chapters and 365 new chances. I am going to do my absolute best to write a great book.
2018 was a roller coaster year. Personally, a lot of great things happened. We went to our first Brewers On-Deck and my son got an autograph and a picture taken with his favorite Brewers baseball player, Orlando Arcia. He was in heaven, and it was such a great experience to enjoy as a family. We went to Disney World as a family. It was my wife’s and sons’ first trip there. I was last there when I was a kid. It was such a magical time. There were so many memories that were made during that one week trip. We witnessed our son grow academically in his first full day school year, which was incredible to see. We also got really involved in the school which made the experience that much better.
Our son tried new things such as soccer and his favorite sport, baseball. I got the opportunity to volunteer as an assistant coach on his pee wee little league team. Boy did he take us on a wild ride. He was right at home on the baseball diamond. He set goals for himself on the first day of practice and learned that he had to work hard every day to achieve those goals. He made the pee wee little league all-star game in his first year of ever playing. He played baseball every day, practicing, and continued to improve. His team played in the pee wee little league championship game, falling short and finishing in second place. It was an incredible experience to be part of with him.
Even with all personal happiness, I got away from my foundation. The things that made me happy. So 2019, is all about doing what is best for me, my wife and son. Because at the end of the day, that is what matters the most.
Here is what I will be trying to accomplish to make 2019 a great year.
Exercise – A few years ago, I was running constantly and in the best shape of my life. I ran a half-marathon and numerous 5Ks. Not only that, I was eating healthier. I plan to get back to exercising and run a 5K again this year. I have always wanted to run the Fort 2 Base run at the Great Lakes Naval Station. Maybe I will sign up for it and do it this year. I will put one foot in front of the other and get started. Exercising gets the blood flowing, makes your body feel better and keeps in you a positive mood.
Stay Positive – This is something that contributed to my demons and I was battling in 2018. Each morning I am going to wake up and be grateful for the things that I have, including and most importantly my wife and son. No matter the situation, it can always be worse. When I was a kid, I was bullied and picked on, but I was always happy because I was living my best life. The goal is to get back to being that person.
Read – I started reading in 2018, but did not complete it. I would like to get back to reading. I plan on reading 2 books this year; You are a BADASS and UNFU*K YOURSELF. They both have good reviews and will definitely help to keep moving forward.
Blog Regularly – Last January I joined Packerstalk.com as a contributor and wrote weekly posts. I neglected my own personal blog and branding. So in 2019, I plan to write here on my personal site at least once a week. Writing will help me not only get thoughts out of my head but also improve my confidence. Here is to more blogging.
Live in the Moment – I have always been an extremely hard worker. I have always put work over everything else. I have had to earn everything that I have and that is not going to change. I will continue to work hard, but what I will change is being in the moment when I am home with my wife and son. Be present and not consumed by work and worrying about what I can’t control.
Be Grateful – I have always wanted more. I would get a promotion or I would get something of significant value but I wanted more. It is good to have goals and also be striving for better, but I am going to try and wake up grateful for what I have. There is always someone else who wants what you have. I need to be grateful for what I have and know that I have a good life.
Time for self – I will do this through exercise, playing softball, basketball, and golf. In February, my wife and I will have been together for 20 years. We do a lot for our son. Recently, I was inspired by the article in the Chicago Tribune about Justin Breen and his wife who made a resolution in 2018 to have one date night every week of the year. My wife and I are going to try and have one date every month. Whether it is a date night or day or lunch, we are going to try and take some time for ourselves. We have done this a few times a year but this year, we would like to stretch it to once a month.
So, come on 2019, hit me with your best shot. No matter what you have in store for me, I will succeed and I know everything will work out.
Everybody loves a comeback and 2019 is my comeback story!
Yes! Get it, man! Get it!