My Goals for 2020

Nudged by Hive account@derangedvisions prompt to share my goals for the new year I've tried to make a short list of what I hope to work on, purposefully.

From past New Year's Resolutions, I know that if I get too specific or ambitious, I tend to lose steam, shorty after, and then end up feeling defeated and overwhelmed.

So, this year, I'm trying to keep my goals loose and broad. Below, are 3 categories that I hope to work on:

1 Work

I know what I don't want to—-a 9-5 soul-sapping desk job; I've already done that. What I want to remain open to is a remote job in a new field that I'm interested in: crypto/blockchain.

Here’s my CV

So, if any of you, Steemians, know of a good job out there for a seasoned writer--communications, pr, social media-- please, let me know (because, this man cannot live by poetry, alone)!

2 Steem

After a brief hiatus, I’m back to blogging here, regularly, and looking to try something new. In 2020, I hope to launch a video series of conversations on the Steem blockchain,
using Hive account@threespeak. (Hive account@theycallmedan & Hive account@clixmoney both are an inspiration on how to effectively use that platform).

I've begun to ask myself what makes for a good conversation, what’s the central criteria for an engaging exchange? Is it being heard, learning something new, human connection, or something else, altogether?

With most of us living behind screens, in an increasingly polarized world, I'm afraid that we might be getting rusty at the vital art (and sport) of face-to face, civilized exchange.

3 Books

Writing is who I am. Even though I've published 7 books to date, I feel restless if I'm not working on a literary project, or two. Fortunately, I have a publisher that is willing to consider a new book of essays (some of which where first posted on Steem) the beginning of the new year.

Also, I'm compiling a poetry collection, tentatively titled Prayer Poems that another book publisher told me they are willing to consider for publication in a few months or so.

4 Personal

We all have our stubborn bad habits that we recognize are holding us back, and preventing us from becoming the best version of ourselves.

I recognize that I am a work in progress and, after a difficult year, I hope to have learned a lesson or two and not repeat destructive patterns, in relationships (with others as well as myself).

I realize this sounds ambiguous, but I find that when I talk about private matters, I dishonor them. So, I hope to deepen my faith--in self, life and the Divine-- and live more honorably.

Below, is a new poem of mine (first posted on Steemit) that spells out this Ideal: