Possibilities and Goodness

So I have been thinking this week about the new year and all that goes with that train of thought. I am pretty excited for 2009. I tell you what, the older I get, the more I like change. Having openly said that, I also admit to liking the sameness of things that comes over time too. I think I am one of the ten people in the world who like "New Years' Resolutions". I do. I like the challenge that comes with them and the idea of bettering one's self. That doesn't mean that I accomplish everything I set out to do or that my resolutions don't morph into something else altogether by years' end, rather that I like the idea of change and progress in myself and NYR's provide me that opportunity. So why do we make such a big deal out of NYR's? 

My friend Rach and I recently discovered a quirk that we both shared. I told her how much I liked finishing things like a tube of toothpaste or a bottle of lotion. There's a certain something that comes with finishing and starting fresh. Weird huh? Any of you who know me well, know that I am as anti-clutter as they come and this is no exception. Funny thing, she said she felt the same way. Rach is not nearly as anti-clutter as I am and yet we both share the same affinity for the finishing of the thing.  Thinking further on this line, I realized that this "quirk" flows into many other areas of my life. For the sake of this post, I'll focus on the NYR-link it has. I like setting goals and progressing towards their ultimate completion. But really I just like finishing things. I have run races over the years and in thinking back on them, I recognize how much I love finishing the journey. That is what I am addicted to - the metaphorical finish line. 

So, as I look at this year and the goals I have set I am also setting another and that is to enjoy not only the finishing of the thing, but also the journey. I am going to pause a little longer to take in the scenery and appreciate the task at hand instead of only looking to the end. I am going to better see the possibilities and the goodness in the world around me while still being me and running with all my might to that glorious finish line.