Last week, as I stood with my mom by her sister’s hospital bed, I realized this frail, semi-conscious woman with tubes connected to every possible part of her body was only twenty-five years my senior. Twenty-five more years, and not all those years will be productive writing years, yet I have so much to write. 

In a hospital a few miles away, my cousin’s daughter-in-law gave birth to a baby girl. As I gazed at the newborn only hours after seeing my aunt, I thought of all the wasted time between birth and present day that I could have used to learn something new, to read, to help others, to write, to inspire, to have fun, to do anything I dreamed of doing. Now, as I meander through the youth of my old age, I’m doing less yet accomplishing more of my priorities and living at a less hectic pace. 

We have twelve days until Christmas, the magical time of year. Seven days later, 2010 will be only a memory. I gave up writing New Year’s resolutions years ago, but this week, I will begin planning new life goals just as I did twenty years ago when I wanted a divorce, an education, a career, a new home, new furniture, etc.  I put a goal on paper and made it happen—almost like magic. At this moment, I don’t know what my 2011 goals will be, but by the time I next write this blog on January 3, I will have them on paper. Perhaps I will share some with you; perhaps you can share some of yours with me. 

This is the last blog post of 2010 as I am taking time off to visit with family for the holidays and to complete yet another manuscript revision. One of my 2011 goals will be to submit it for publication. Each revision brings me one step closer to that goal. 

This week I encourage you to ponder how you will use the 12 months, 365 days, 8,760 hours of 2011 and set your goals for the new year. Life is short; make each day count. 

Take the challenge: put those goals on paper and make magic happen—Write Now!