Ok, so another year has come and gone. This year, I’m not going to reflect on my previous goals, nor am I going to produce a new set of goals that really don’t mean much in the long run. Seriously, who cares how many books I’ve read? I’m reading again when I have spare time. I spend plenty of time in the gym. I’m watching what I eat and drink. I’m not watching television. Well, not too much television, anyway.

No, this year I’m shifting my focus. I have one goal. I want to be happy. Ok, so I’m not unhappy... but I could be so much happier.

What will that take? A new job? Finishing school? A new girlfriend? Two, perhaps?

If I’ve learned anything since the “dark time,” it’s that happiness really doesn’t depend on anything external. It starts inside. It starts with having a passion and pursuing it. Happiness is present when I live in the moment, have fun, enjoy myself and the excitement that is always there. Happiness is there when boredom is not.

I suppose it is true money doesn’t buy happiness, but to that statement, I would have to counter with the fact that money does create options, which in turn create happiness. This is why I believe having enough to be able to spend a worry-free week on the beach of a Greek island would contribute to my well being. Comfortable living is part of the goal... as opposed to living paycheck-to-paycheck and worrying about things like job security and satisfaction.

Does the job matter? I suppose. However, something better is out there... and I’m closer to it than I realize. This much I am sure of.

Everything is so much better now. I may not know exactly what I want (other than the beach lifestyle), but the battle is half won... for I’m figuring out what I do not want.

Which makes each year, each month, each day something to look forward to.

What i'm listening to:

Don't Get It Twisted
Gwen Stefani
The Sweet Escape