New Year's Resolutions

I've started working on my New Year's Resolutions and a statement of my life's purpose.

Many people I know don't make resolutions because they believe they won't keep them.

But I make them because they give me goals that will enhance my life, relationships and work, and I make plans to follow through so I can make certain they materialize.

The list isn't final or finessed, but so far, here they are:

1. Be a better friend.

I'm not letting work or the "busy bug" overwhelm my schedule; I'm taking more (quality) time with friends.

I've already scheduled "friend dates!" Interestingly, the friends with whom I've shared this, tell me it's their resolution as well! Awright!

2. Maintain a strong nutrition plan and continue my exercise program with Anita after recuperating from my reconstruction/reduction surgery Jan. 4.

Anita and I started working out a couple months ago at a nearby gym, so this resolution is already underway!

3. Volunteer to teach using my camera/teaching/coaching skills at First Place (a school for homeless kids in Seattle).

I've already made contact with First Place to get this ball rolling.

4. Get a new kitten from the animal shelter!

I'm checking out a new kitten today or tomorrow! She should be home by Jan. 1!

5. Create a top quality production company with a committed, devoted, professional kick-ass business partner!

I'm taking meetings in January to get strong recommendations and get together with people who are interested in hooking up to make great films - shorts and features, documentaries and TV shows!

6. Make the most of opportunities presented to me and that I create - writing, directing, voice work, acting and filmmaking!

The actors' reading of my new feature script is being held in a couple weeks; after the rewrite, the script is presented to potential backers. Meetings are being scheduled for planning the production of STOP - a documentary devoted to showing how to *stop* domestic violence. An Academy Award® winning director recommended that my short film script "Freedom," be done as a feature film without "bothering" to do the short. Based on his recommendation, I'm writing the feature script and pursuing its production.

7. Create and maintain a budget to become debt-free!

I've created a simple plan for myself based on lots of suggestions and programs I've found online; it will be up and running Jan. 1.

8. Create three audio CD's - a Christmas vocal collection, a novelty "self-esteem program," and a children's audio book (I've already done one, The Great Adventures of Brockaramadingdong; this will be the second).

My life purpose statement is still a work in progress, but here's what I've come up with so far:

I live consciously, courageously and in good faith; my incentives are love and compassion; I awaken greatness in myself and others; I am tenacious, happy, fulfilled and well loved; I am at peace.

I should have these finalized by January 1, 2007!

If you have any resolutions or life purpose statements you wish to share, feel free!

Meanwhile, tonight I'm spending the evening with a friend walking around downtown Seattle, looking at all the lights and displays. It will be fun catching up with all his adventures and enjoying the holiday vibe while it lasts!