1/16/25

 I was talking to a wise coworker of mine. I was scoffing at the idea of setting time aside to really think about my goals personally and professionally this year. Ick! Who wants to do this? I have to set up a goal and then actually WORK to try to have that happen? It’s one more thing on my plate. What a negative Nellie!

STOP! Reframe that. (I am really loving this as it helps me regain my focus). This was given to me by a psychiatrist in NYC when Ethan was unconscious. It has been a valuable gift.

I get caught up in annoyances and it can start to have a negative impact on my mood…and according to Avery, my face too.

So I reframed it. I would like to be a better person. What do I want to accomplish this year? Professionally, I would love to measure if I am placing vet med workers in an environment they thrive in. Retention. I have already implemented ways for me to improve my work process and they are definitely helping. I feel good about some of the work goals I set for myself.

Personally….I spent way more time on this. I want to continue with my PT and get my back stronger to be in less pain. I want to be more active. I want to donate more blood and get on a more regular schedule. That reminds me….I need to go take an iron pill.

I said the words out load that I really want to be a living liver donor. But I am not at the correct weight range for that last time I looked at the requirements. I told her that I didn’t want to list that as a goal because I don’t think I will achieve it.

“Do you only make goals you can easily achieve?” She said. I paused. “No!” What a great and thoughtful question from her. And crap! Why did I say that?

No I don’t only make goals I know I will be able to achieve. But I also don’t want to fail, so if I don’t set the goal, I can’t fail if I don’t achieve it. Is there such a thing as quiet goals? That way if I don’t achieve it, I don’t have to admit that I failed? Is it even failing if you are trying?It seems like a stupid and annoying thing to even think about. 

I am proud of myself for keeping up with my previous year goal of traveling more. I also set a goal a few years back to drink more water. Both have made a positive difference.

Paul doesn’t really enjoy the idea of me being a living liver donor. I don’t think he understands the “why” behind the decision. I don’t really understand the “why” either. But I feel very strongly pulled towards it. I want to at least explore it as an option. Who knows, maybe I will change my mind after talking to the professionals about it.

I am curious what goals everyone else is setting for themselves. It could help me get ideas for next year.

My bright spot today. I was in our living room and something told me to go look at my bird feeder. I had to walk into the other room to see it.  Big snowflakes were floating all around. The birds were hustling and bustling eating seeds. I stumbled across this nosey guy peaking at me!