By the time this is published, we will have kissed 2018 goodbye. As I look back, it felt like a year of extremes.  In politics, what we once imagined unthinkable no longer seems remarkable. As for the natural world, I think Mother Nature is some kind of pissed at us. Consider the monster hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, insatiable infernos, and record-breaking rainfall.

Many of us had more than a couple of crises that came from within. Others were visited upon us, and we had to deal with those as best we could.

Yes, 2018 was in many ways unusual, but not just for what appeared to be or go wrong. In my case, 2018 has been what I am now calling The Year of the Turnaround.

You see, rather than go through the motions of making New Year’s Resolutions and creating four-page lists about what I was going to do differently in 2018 and all the things I wanted to accomplish, I did something radically different. Yes, Me! The one who is so addicted to the high that a scratched-up, scratched-off two-page completed to-do list invokes. I said no to New Year’s resolutions. Instead, I set the following intentions:

1. That I would only accept work that involved teaching, performing, or freelancing as a production assistant for performing arts shows or concerts.
2. That I would only take on projects or work that either excited or stretched me, preferably both.
3. That I would be open to all kinds of vacations…short ones, longer ones, working ones, lazy ones, and that somehow, someway, I would make it to the beach.
4. That I would not allow the contents of my bank account (or lack thereof) determine how much fun I was going to have. I affirmed that many of the desires of my heart would be fulfilled.
5. That somehow, someway I would begin to stabilize myself financially.

All of the above came true. Everything I did professionally was related either to teaching or the performing arts. I was surprised with offers of wonderful projects that indeed excited and stretched me. I made it to Canada and the beaches of Lake Ontario, as well as Rehoboth Beach in Delaware. I traveled by train to Massachusetts, and by bus to New York several times and performed in an off-Broadway showcase. I performed at a club in Canada with a dear friend. I went home as well, traveling to Tulsa to say goodbye to a beloved Uncle. I was so honored when I was asked to sing at his funeral.

I was invited to speak at a half dozen meetings and conferences. In a moment of frustration, I went online and applied for an arts administration job. Four months later I was offered that job, which allows me to provide gigs and jobs for my fellow musicians, entertainers, and technicians. I left something I loved to do (teaching) to do something else I loved and in the process, put myself on the road to financial stability.

And, speaking of money, an outstanding debt was miraculously paid. The checks that I sent to pay the debt were sent back to me uncashed. I worked to clear my home of clutter (it’s a work in progress), and even bought myself a new couch which, surprisingly, lifted my spirits in a way I’d never expected! My spiritual practices have taken on new meanings and are leading to new areas of exploration.

I have no doubt that all these things manifested because I decided to change…to do some things differently. I decided that 2018 would be the year where I would have fun again.  For once, I wouldn’t try to orchestrate how and when things were going to happen and get upset if they didn’t. I decided to rest in the truth that my highest good was always up around the corner, as long as I didn’t try to rush things along. All I had to do was prepare, and once the doors opened, walk through them. In summary, 2018 was the year I decided that I would stay true to myself, no matter what.

No doubt there have been moments of tears, uncertainty, fear, doubt, anger, confusion, of grief and sadness. But as 2018 fades into the sunset, I have no regrets. Despite the wobbles, I stayed the course, and The Big Turnaround indeed happened.

Since setting intentions worked so well in 2018, I’m going to repeat this practice again in 2019. I will stay open to new experiences and more fun. I will step up the nurturing of my physical self, continue to grow my side businesses, and be more open to love and the myriad of ways it shows up in my life. I will dictate nothing and detach from every outcome. I will prepare, trust, and give thanks in advance. Then, I will stand back and marvel at the miracles that invite themselves to dinner.

I invite to you join me and set a few intentions of your own.

Happy New Year!