@ Lili – Thank you so much. =) And yes, worry less is one I’m actually surprised to have accomplished, although that’s an ongoing process. it will definitely continue into the next year . . .

@ Sinestetici – Aw, thank you. And it’s great to see you here. Welcome!

@ Kate from SB – Lady, I think that is a damn good resolution. Here’s to hoping I can be a part of it. =)

@ Janine – Embracing my atheism was a huge step for me, and SO empowering and liberating. It was a critical component in the process of really ‘living my truth’.

I *do* have work that brings in income (it’s relalted to my biology degree), though I wish wish wish I could be a full time blogger. I suppose everybody would define ‘real job’ a bit differently. To me, a real job is something that would require me to
a) leave the house
b) take off the pajamas
So in that way, although I do real work, I do not have a real job. I am very thankful for that!

@ Kelly – I really loved reading this comment and I totally agree with you. And good luck to you too! I think 2010 is going to turn everything on its head (in a good way)!!!

@ Sarah B – Sarah! I’ve been meaning to email you, I’ve just been very introverted the past few weeks with all this pregnancy-health stuff going on. I hope you understand.

Your intentions are, not surprisingly, very similar to mine this year. And quite a load! Good luck with everything, I know what you mean about writing out ‘learn to be a good mother’ (WHAT!?) – I look forward to emailing with you soon!

@ Valerie – Hello, fellow list-maker. =) It’s a great habit. In 2010, I’m wishing you luck in finding lucrative and meaningful employment (if that’s what you’re seeking). I know unemployment can be scary, especially n this economy, but it can also be such an amazing opportunity. You begin the new year with a completely blank canvas. Think of the beautiful picture you can paint!!!

@ Samantha – I’m so happy for you lady. Dream big, don’t flog yourself for coming up short, and keep moving forward – that’s what I say! I now you’ve wanted to quit for a while, so I’m wishing you all all all my hippy-love-long-distance-vibes-of-good-luck!

@ Melisa – I’m so glad you have found something helpful here. I do believe in prayer (another word for ‘intention’, right?) I *have* been there and although I’m sorry to hear that you are there now, I also know that growing out of a place like that can only lead to a stronger, better you. You will learn so much and I truly believe you’ll be able to create a better place for yourself. You have all my support – email me if you ever want to chat.

@ Katie – It sounds like a lot of people are going through a similar trial. Perhaps it’s just a natural part of the ‘blossoming’ process (I don’t like the term ‘growing up’). But I’m thinking I need to write another article on my experiences with practicing positivity. In the meantime, here are a few thoughts:

Banishing negative thoughts was one of the most difficult, but most rewarding, practices I undertook. Try to become aware of every negative thought that flits through your mind (for me this was A LOT more than I realized), and then catch it, and then throw it away. Either replace it with a positive thought, or simple relax your entire body and smile (you’ll notice that when you have a negative thought, you tense up). Don’t try to make ‘no negative thoughts’ the goal, because that’s impossible. It’s how you manage them that’s the trick, and if you can do that you’ll see them greatly decrease in number.

I hope that’s the kind of thing you were looking for. I believe that we can change our thought patterns and by doing so, we change the way that we experience the world around us. Good luck! And feel free to email me any time.

@ Allison – Those are great goals. And the same to you – a joyful 2010 for everyone! =)

@ Dylan – Thank you so much for sharing so much of yourself. The line “We are scientifically unique and spiritually equal” is so beautiful to me.

I think the problem that we can run into when trying to ‘live our dream’, is that dreams change, and we change. And of course, there is always ‘reality’. I have had trouble reconciling these two poles and it sounds like that is what you are experiencing as well. How to stay true to oneself while still remaining ‘viable’ in this society. It’s a delicate balance, and different for everyone. Is this the sort of thing that you’re writing about?

It makes me sad to hear that you’re going through a difficult time, but I’m glad that you have support in your journey. It’s also great to see you back here – I was afraid you’d disappear with the garden weather! It’s always so good to hear from you. =)

Wishing you all the best in 2010. Take care, and good luck with everything.

Regarding your thoughts on depression, uniqueness and going for it in life: very inspiring, esp. since we all know how far you have come in line with your intentions. I feel (Have felt for some time and even more so now that you have shared more personally some of your past and your vision/philosophy for life)much resonance with you. My response is that I don’t believe that the spiritual truth that we all matter, we all are special, and that we all are deserving is not contradictory to the scientific fact that we all have our own unique DNA, fingerprints, name and address, SSN, DL#, and size, shape and color of our various body parts (the smallness of one’s cervix e.g.). We are scientifically unique and spiritually equal (or part of the same One). I think what you were talking about is the untrue and non-factual idea that we are more special, more deserving and matter more than others.

I also want to say that living your dream is not the only piece of making your life work. I have lived my dream several times in my life, living according to my own values, my own vision, and my own philosophy. This has meant some extremely happy, rewarding and fulfilling times for me and I wouldn’t trade that in for anything. However, recently I have reached the darkest hour of my life. I have had my share of dark times in the past but this one very nearly obliterated all of it, the bright and the dark. I do not think that that makes living your dream meaningless or ineffectual but I do think that in my case at least some sense of reality was also needed. I now am trying to put my life back together again with lots of support, but I see my biggest challenge as being getting real on a very fundamental level.

So for what it’s worth I put that out there. And thank you for sharing yourself so nakedly and for being such a profound inspiration. Go Sayward! <3

I’m still so sad I didn’t get to see you while I was in Portland!

I typically don’t make resolutions, but I like your number 3 above, and I will try and think about that every day. The other ones I will work on are learning how to be a good mother (it is super scary to write that one out, even), and making slow and steady progress on the renovation of our 1915 American Foursquare. Oh, and starting a garden plot in the backyard, with tomatoes, basil, and lettuce, at least. And maintaining my scientific life, and a good balance with family responsibilities. Phew, I think that’s enough.

So glad to see you are feeling well enough to post again — you’ve been in my thoughts frequently over the holidays.

2009 was challenging for me on many levels, so I look forward to a happier and very different new year. I haven’t set my resolutions yet, but I will probably type them up for good measure.

Good luck to you in 2010!!