One of my most favorite songs from Oasis is “Don’t Look Back in Anger“. While 2018 was certainly a tough year that I could be reasonably angry or upset about, a lot of great things were afforded to me from my Father in Heaven. Improved health. A stable job (passed probation!) with great opportunities to grow, a wonderful trip with my wife, children and extended family, a fantastic opportunity to explore Saint John and Eastern Canada are some of the many blessings that highlighted the year. Much of these blessings were unexpected – brought about with a little bit of my own effort, but mostly through the tender mercies of the Lord, to coin a phrase that David A. Bednar beautifully stated during 2005 General conference.
While I have a few ideas on what I would like to happen in 2019, I truly don’t know what lies ahead for me and my family this year. Here are my goals:
- Health. Lose another 30 pounds. Last year, I had a goal of reducing my weight from 260 lbs to 180. Currently I’m at 227 lbs (a loss of 30). While I am still aiming for that target, I think it’s reasonable to achieve another 30 pounds minimum for the year with the goal of 180 in 2020.
- Health. Run the Amazing Thailand 2019 half marathon. This one is already set up, but the temptation to skip it entirely on my trip to Thailand in 3 weeks is strong. I need to stay focussed and keep my running habits up right to the end.
- Health. Run a full marathon in Fall 2019. I need to choose one. The fact that I did not finish my marathon in Niagara Falls a few years back really bothers me – only 8 more miles left and I bonked out. I need to do it while my knees are still functional.
- Spirit. Consistent scripture study with Family in 2019. There have been so many changes at Church that put the onus on us as a family to build our faith and testimony. I need to give my children a fighting chance at strengthening their testimony by studying with them daily. Following the manual with them daily will help.
- Spirit. Worthiness. Be worthy. Enough said.
- Spirit. Be more open to service. Make more time to be available to help someone in need. Minister. Magnify calling. Last year, I really dropped the ball on that one.
- Career – OSSU. Complete the CS50 Introduction to Computer Science and CS50 Introduction to Python courses. My overall goal is to complete an open source (read: free) degree in computer science on the side.
- Career – Read 3 new books. Leadership Presence is one of them. Need to choose 2 more
- Career – Become more social again. In the past few years I’ve allowed myself to retreat to my office/home/room/car. It has really affected my ability to relate to people and support them the way I used to in the past. Getting out there, chatting with people and looking for ways to help and assist will be key in establishing myself as a leader in my new job.
- Family. Continue to date and adore my wife the way I should.
- Family. Do not hide in my room. Stay in the living room more.
- Family. At least once a month take one of my children out for breakfast.
- Family. Prepare for Evelyn and Mom’s kidney transplant should that come up this year
It’s a tall order of little things. But if I can do the majority of these things (preferably all), it will be a successful year. The Goals may change. Things may go off course as the year progresses. But hopefully I can endure things well and carry on in 2019.