Life Happens

It's the third day of 2012 - January 3rd, in case you missed it.

How many resolutions have you already given up on?

It's amazing how a new year reinvigorates us. Once the clock strikes midnight on the 1st, we feel like superheroes; we can do anything!

And then it happens.

Your car won't start. Your laptop crashes. You lose your job.

Who saw that coming?

That's what we like to call life.

In 2011, I managed to accomplish 44 goals. When I originally wrote out my list of goals, though, I was sure I could accomplish more. However, I didn't envision my health declining so quickly as we found out I had the lungs of an 85 year old. Life happened.

And so, as 2012 begins, I want to share something with you. This is important, so listen up.

No, seriously. You should write this down.

What I want to share is this: regardless of how much we try, we cannot keep bad things from happening.

photo credit: dnabil - stock.xchng

Sometimes, life locks the door and refuses to let us in.

What we can do, though, is realize that life won't go "according to plan," and, well, plan accordingly.

How will you react when your best friend moves away? Or when your car is broken into? How about when a family member passes away unexpectedly?

Choose now, right here in this moment, to overcome. To rise above your circumstances and realize that they are just that: circumstances, which will inevitably change. Instead of fearing the curve balls life will throw you, choose to take a swing at them. Go down swinging instead of watching life pass you by.

You'll be surprised at how much you can accomplish.

You may be determined to live life to the fullest today, but when tomorrow comes and it happens, how will you choose to react?

Choose today to become something more.

Choose to react with courage and determination.

Choose to live life instead of simply letting life happen to you.

... ... ...

Questions: What unexpected obstacles did you face in 2011? What do you expect to face in 2012? What can you do today to give yourself a better chance to succeed tomorrow?

Don't forget to "Like" Life Before the Bucket on Facebook and to use those new buttons down there to share it with your friends and family!

111 for 2011

As the new year of 2011 comes into full swing, I have noticed a few things that have eluded me in years past.

First of all, the number of weight loss commercials is bordering on ridiculous. I understand that people want to be healthy and lose weight, and I am all about that. I love the idea of using the new year as a starting point in that journey. However, if I ever purposely lost weight, I'd probably have to be admitted to a psych ward because I would certainly be certifiable.

Secondly, I've noticed an increase in goal-setting from all of my friends. This is highly conducive to why I created this blog, so, once again, I'm all about using the new year as a platform to set some tangible goals for life.

I realize that what I've noticed isn't anything revolutionary and isn't even anything new. Apparently I've just been very ignorant over the last 20 years.

Anyway, in honor of the new year, and because I was inspired by my cousin-in-law (yes, we qualify as family), I have made a list of goals for 2011. I already have my Bucket List, which I have shared bits and pieces of on this blog. However, these goals are a little different. Many of the things I have done in the past and simply want to do again this year. Many of these things are ridiculous. Many of them are impossible. However, it has really helped me to focus on living intentionally as the new year has begun, so take it for what it's worth.

This, my friends, is my 111 for 2011. Mock me (it's good for my ego), encourage me, and make a list of your own after you look over mine...