At the Beginning, Again

As I sit here, it's about midway through the first day of the new year. And here I am, dusting off the old blog for the first time in months. Traditionally, most people mark the occasion by making a grand promise, a resolution. Unfortunately, these are hardly ever kept. The truth is, if you needed to wait for the calendar change to for you to make adjustments in your life, you've most likely already failed. I don't mean you've cheated on your diet, or you already dipped into your savings, the fact is your probably still recovering from last night. What I mean is the fact that you waited until January 1 to begin whatever life alterations you've aspired to accomplish has already set you up for defeat. It is not the day that brings power, but our own will, and that should be more than enough no matter the date.
I don't mean to sound judgmental, and I don't pretend to have all the answers. I do believe that resolutions come from a very genuine place; they derive from a very real desire we all share to better ourselves. What could be more noble? Unfortunately, I also believe that resolutions are born from regret, fear and shame. Age is one of the great status indicators in our society, and unfortunately, it is to our detriment. And with each passing year, we can't help but reflect on all we did and didn't do in the past twelve months. December 31 may be the most dangerous day of the year, because it is on that day that we sell ourselves short. We forget the achievements and accomplishments and dwell on the missteps and shortcomings. We then, foolishly, make proclamations. Promises to ourselves and others that we can't possibly hope to keep. People don't change overnight. Personal betterment is not the result of the passing of the year and aspirations, but in the continual practice and test of our own will and spirit.
Which brings me to this blog.
When I started this CooleyChi.com, it was in an attempt to exercise my writing muscles. One of my ultimate goals is to finish a script/novel I am currently working on. It is one thing to call myself a writer, it is and entirely different thing to be one. I've recently embraced concept of appointment writing; setting a definitive time to write in order to increase discipline. Therefore, I've made a commitment to post something on this blog every day this year.
I know. I know. I know. Sounds like a resolution, right?
Just give me a second to explain.
I am not resolving to become a better writer. I am not promising to finish my script this year. I am making the small, and reasonable goal to write a post today. And look, I'm nearly done. I'm also making a commitment to writing a post tomorrow. That doesn't seem to outlandish, does it? It is my hope, and my sincere belief, that completing this one daily goal will make me a more well-rounded and disciplined writer. I've now taken the overwhelming task of becoming a better writer, and turned it into the manageable duty of writing something, anything, everyday.
It is my hope that my post on December 31 is 366 times better than this one.
Good luck on your 2012.