Goals are dreams with deadlines. ~Diana Scharf Hunt

Yesterday morning, I spent the day after Christmas sitting on the sofa with a book, my coffee, and the dog. There is something special about having an entire day devoted to doing nothing except relaxing and nourishing the soul.

As I sat in the family room, tucked under a blanket, I thought back to January when I traveled down to my friend’s beach house for the weekend. During that weekend of solitude, I made a list of 50 goals that covered all areas of my life: family, health, financial, relationships, personal growth, spiritual, career, and recreation. I set 3, 6, and 9-month goals. I set 1, 3, 5, 10, and 20-year goals as well as a timeline around each goal. My desire was to create harmony in all areas of my life.

Curious about what I had accomplished in 2018, I pulled out my planner. I had made great progress with many of my goals: I made new friends, I hiked Half Dome again, I spent more time with my Dad, I started the process of finishing the fireplace in our Master bedroom, and I started my blog.

I looked at some of my dream goals: write a book, landscaping the front yard, and getting more sleep – all at various stages of progress. I noticed something odd: I hadn’t listed any goals around Lyme, yet in 2018, much of my time was spent learning, treating, and supporting our family in the area of Lyme.

My core value is communication; my passion is speaking and inspiring others. Fulfillment is when my core value and passion come together. Lyme is significant as it affects all areas of my life: family, health, financial, relationships, personal growth, spiritual, career, and recreation – yet I hadn’t set up one goal around Lyme.

My Inner Critic voice spoke softly in my ear: “You’re not good enough to do a TED talk. You’re not experienced enough to be a Key Note speaker. Who would want to listen to you talk about your journey with Lyme?”

I closed my eyes. I could hear my Inner Champion, I could conjure up the words of support my husband had bestowed upon me months ago. I could feel the presence of my Mom’s spirit. All were telling me “You are speaking. You are sharing your story. You are educating others. You are advocating for yourself and your children. You are doing it.” And I am.

As I get ready to update my goals for 2019, I will include Lyme. I will speak in front of an audience. I will write a book. I will dream big. And: I won’t give up.