"Goodbye Grandpa"

There’s a time for every purpose under heaven

The day we are born, the years we live, and our time to die.

But no matter the length or the years in a life,

It's still hard to say "Goodbye".

Grandpa was a humble and soft-hearted man,

Hard working, honorable and sweet.

He set an example that I won't soon forget

Of the person that I aim to be.

He served his country, he farmed his land,

He raised his family with pride.

He lived a full life of hard work and love

With Grandma, devotedly at his side.

The years, though many, they went by fast

Until he neared the end

When his knees grew weak and his body grew frail

And on others he had to depend.

At last he is free, to run and to dance

With loved ones he’s not seen in years,

While those of us, still here on earth

Are left to dry our tears.

Surrounded by family, grandson's Adam and Rik,

He wants us to know, he is fine.

He will see us each again some day

But only when it's time.

"Goodbye now, Grandpa," we salute you with pride,

Your purpose and work here are done.

Rest now, in peace, you've earned your wings,

Content your legacy lives on ...

Written and read at the funeral of my Grandpa Einck (died on February 28th at the age of 100)

2020 Resolutions

One week ago today, we ushered in a new month, a new year and a new decade.  On January 1^st the majority of people pledged to start the year strong with new year's resolutions and big goals for 2020 and the coming decade. Did you start your list?  Are you still struggling to find focus and looking for direction?  Do you have the exact same list as last year?  Did you already get overwhelmed, lose motivation and let your resolutions fizzle out before they really even got starteed?   

I created this blog almost a decade ago as part of one of my new year’s resolutions.  My original focus was on goal setting and achieving bucket list adventures.  Today I decided to revisit some similar concepts in making new year’s resolutions that are obtainable.  Read on and join me in making 2020 the best year yet! 

Step #1.  START NOW ... TODAY!  As they say, "don't put off until tomorrow, the things you can do today!"  NO EXCUSES!  Even if you are reading this blog in March, July or even November …. You don’t have to wait for January 1 – today is your day to make a change!  

Step #2.  Take time to think and reflect about your priorities and your values, the types of things that are important to you, the things that make you happy, and all the ways you want to continue to grow and evolve in the coming years.  Envision your best self and your best life.  What words would you use to describe that person?  Make a list of ten or more words/values/priorities.  This is the time to think big … aim for the stars … envision all that you want to be, to do, achieve and become.  Perhaps you wrote down words such as family, faith, health, peace, gratitude, courage, education, career, etc. … you name it.  The list is yours – make it your own.  Now try to narrow down these words, combine and categorize them into a smaller list (3-4 words if possible).  Consider these your core values.  You can sort your resolutions and goals into these areas.  “Health” is a common value and area of focus.  Don't forget that this category can include the health of your mind and your spirit as well as your physical body.  Perhaps Family is a priority for you … or maybe your spouse or friendships … perhaps combine them and focus on “Connections".  You decide on the categories – again, make it your own!   

Step #3.  Be S.M.A.R.T.  Now is the time to make a list of your goals.  You can make a large, exhaustive list or just pick a few to start.  Look at the list you compiled last year.  Did you achieve these goals?  Make progress?  Are these things still important to you?  As you create your list of 2020 goals, remember that they should be “S.M.A.R.T” -- in other words:

·         Specific

·         Measurable

·         Attainable

·         Relevant

·         Time Bound

  

Do you want to lose ten pounds or get in shape?  Learn a new skill, get a certification, license or degree?  How will you know if you reached your goal?  Be specific.  When and how will (and can) you accomplish it?  Remember - you don’t have to change the world – just find ways to make small changes so that today is better than yesterday and so you have a vision for an even brighter tomorrow. 

Step #4.  Plan of Attack.  Look at your list of S.M.A.R.T goals and now make a list of action plans or things you can do this month, this week, or even TODAY!  Think of action plans that can span across categories ... in other words, if you want to spend quality time with your family and you want to see the ocean .... add "take a family cruise" to your list of goals for this year.  Then decide what you can do today.  Make action items of researching places to go, discussing schedules, booking your flights.  If you want to exercise for your health and you want to spend more time with a friend, make it a task to go for a walk with that friend.  Break larger items into smaller tasks.  If you dream of being a writer, make it a task to write a journal or a poem, take a writing class or start a blog. 

Step #5.  Take Action.  Now go ahead and do a task or two on your list today ... then continue on until you have tackled a few more items for the week, the month, the year and so on ... continue to add more items to your list as you cross tasks off.   Of course, if you think of a new goal you want to achieve or area you need to improve ... go ahead and add it, do it ... and then write it down and check it off!  You can add new goals in February, July or September if you want.  No matter what, just get started TODAY – your best self awaits!