Manifesto for Thirty-Three

In this next year of my life I am committing to being the change I wish to see in this world.  I am an instrument of love and peace.

1. I will start a self-study in a Course In Miracles.
2. I will honor my 20 minute daily mediation practice.
3. I will visit three places I have never been to.
4. I will hug one of my heroes.
5. I will release an album of original music.
6. I will write at least one blog a month.
7. I will learn a martial art.
8. I will love as big as I can.
9. I will practice a healthy morning routine.
10. I will be kind to myself.

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Let's be honest, I did not do all that well in following through on last year's manifesto.  I wrote four blogs instead of twelve, my EP is still not released, I did not see the Foo Fighters in concert, and though I did donate money I don't think this happened every month.  Clearly, I need to hold myself more accountable for things.  I am not happy about this. However, I am letting myself off the hook, taking responsibility, rolling some things over to this year, and now I will focus on the things I did do rather than the things I didn't.  

I traveled and saw new sights: Yosemite, Santa Fe, and Taos.  I regularly worked on recording and even wrote a few new songs.  I asked for help when I needed it, and worked on becoming more radically genuine.  I challenged my athletic abilities and can now run three miles.  I grew through relationship, loss, and business.  Above all I think my greatest accomplishment of 32 was learning how to grieve in a healthy way.  It took a lot of courage and strength. I'm still learning, and this is my first birthday without getting a phone call from my grandma singing happy birthday to me.  I miss her, and I think she would be very excited for me to turn 33 since she liked the number 3 so much. It was one of more difficult years that I have lived through, but I come out of it with a heart full of hope and a new respect for myself and my life.  In this next year I wish for more balance, peace, joy, and love.