Jamie Hilao

Well, 2010 hasn’t exactly gotten off to a great start.

I got really sick after the holidays and had to take a few days off work. I don’t remember the last time I’d been that ill.

My back is healing slowly but my illness kept me in bed and away from starting the year feeling in tip-top shape.

Talk about layoffs at work has kept everyone pretty anxious, and circumstances are, at this time, less than ideal.

Then there’s this legal issue that’s come to a head but because it has not yet been resolved I’ll refrain from mentioning it here.

And tonight - as I was listening to Eckhart Tolle in my car on my way to yoga - I got sideswiped by a drunk driver. I tried to chase him, but he almost got into 2 accidents trying to lose me. Hit and run, I can’t believe it. I’m OK though, and the damage to my car was minimal, so it could have been a lot worse.

It’s been challenging to stay positive, but I sit here reminding myself of how lucky I am. My heart goes out to my friend who recently lost her father and to the families of the victims of the Haiti disaster.

In the meantime, I’ll plan for my upcoming trip to Japan. Spending QT traveling with my fam will definitely be one of this year’s highlights.

…”Burn brightly without burning out.”

And with that, my list of resolutions:
1. Practice mindfulness: meditate at least 3 times a week & be present. Slow down. Take deep breaths when stressed out.
Would also like to *finally* read ‘The Art of Happiness‘.

2. Develop/start executing professional strategic plan. Determine where, when, & how.
Have been putting this off for way too long.

3. Be patient until my back injury is fully healed. Get well enough to participate in a half-marathon.
Physical Therapy and Chiropractic services have helped but I still have a few more months to go before I am back to working out 6 times a week.

4. Practice visualization techniques daily to attain goals.
As presented by Marilyn King at the Women in Leadership conference.

5. Build relationship with my mentor.
We had a formal meeting in November and agreed to meet quarterly.

6. Learn how to say no. Make more time for myself instead of creating more obligations.
So I don’t burn out.

7. Take swimming lessons.
So I could do more than doggy paddle.

8. Take advanced class on public speaking.
Essential as I progress in my career.

9. Utilize Quicken’s budget feature to formally track incoming vs. outgoing funds.
I have been managing my money pretty well, but there’s room for improvement.

10. Refrain from using the words ‘like’ and ‘totally’ in conversations with friends.
Yes, this is a silly one, but the ‘Valley Girl’ jokes are getting a bit old.

After coming back from a wonderfully intense retreat in La Jolla, I feel energized & excited about what’s in store for this year.