The Muses Have Spoken ::

I have officially showcased my list to my motivational muses, Alicia and Katie. Their responses were so classic, I felt compelled to share them with anyone who will listen.

Alicia immediately printed the list off, took me to get coffee and proceeded to lead a strategy meeting about every single item on my list. She plans to do as many tasks as she can with me. That's refreshing. There is solidarity and encouragement in numbers... and above all, accountability. I will definitely need that in order to stay in the game. In addition to addressing approach, Alicia also volunteered Brooke's talents to assist me with several of my tasks. Brooke, being Brooke, acquiesced with ease. With about ten months to go, I feel confident that I am going to rock this list and that it can be accomplished.

... Despite Katie Langner's response. Oh, my beautiful Katie, you are ever the optimist and I would have you be no other way. Her response was so wonderful that I gleefully cackled aloud at my desk. Yesterday, in my freshly blogged bliss, I emailed Katie the link thinking, "She will be so touched by my words of affection for her and so impressed with my list." Silly, Hannah; expectations are for kids. Katie sent me a one line response: "Your list is insane." I laughed so loud my chair shook. Then I responded how any overzealous woman would: "Bring it. Insane as my list is, I am undeterred." Katie then replied with words of wisdom (which often happens with Katie, post controversial statement): "It is a good list. However insane it is. Don't be afraid to "fail." I know I wasn't. I merely changed my list at the end to reflect reality (HA)." Katie, no one knows how to make me smile quite like you and no one knows how to challenge me either. Again, I thank you.

However, I have decided to not change my list no matter the circumstances at the end. I am going to do this. And if I "fail", at least I "fail" while fighting and trying. And then the next challenge comes: to accept reality. For me, in reality there is no failing when one tries. I've learned that to attempt is better than to resent and to increase in activity is healthier than resigning in passivity. No, I will fight. I will try. And then in the end, I will accept and bravely face all that acceptance holds for me. Acceptance is the road less traveled and that's simply just the kind of girl I am.

I like to pretend as though I am not an abundantly cheesy person, but that is a lie. I love cliches and quotes. I am sappy and sentimental; I love to gush; I love to love. Thus, when I recently emailed my family with the link to this blog, I told them that I plan to shoot for the stars and if I miss, I'll still land among the clouds... and that can't be too bad. ;) At least I will be cozy and warm with a few accomplishments under my belt. But in addition, along the way I will have grown. I will have changed and created a few really good memories. And if I am really fortunate, I will have inspired a few others too. Are our goals and dreams merely for ourselves? I think not. There is always someone else who can benefit.

Here's to aiming high!