Progress

This is from a prompt in Queer Vocal Voices, which can be found here:

Progress

prog·ress

noun

/ˈpräɡrəs/

1. forward or onward movement toward a destination.

"the darkness did not stop my progress"

Similar:

forward movement

onward movement

progression

advance

With each new year comes the pressure to set resolutions. I myself do not name any resolutions because there is a feeling of defeat when those resolutions aren’t met or kept up with. Instead, this year I have set a number of goals for the new year. There is one word that inspires my goals for the new year. Progress.

I love the definition of progress- forward or onward movement toward a destination. It says nothing about reaching the destination, just forward or onward motion toward it. That really resonates with me, especially when setting my goals this year. Progress is much easier to accomplish. These goals are listed in no particular order.

My first goal is to continue growing my soap business. We had a successful first six months, and I want to continue making progress toward my ultimate goal, which is to have my soaps and other items in little shops, motels, and bed and breakfasts throughout the central New York and Finger Lakes region. I will continue making progress towards growing our customer base by doing vendor shows and festivals throughout the spring, summer and fall. I will also be adding new products such as beard care products, among others.

Another goal I have is to continue managing my bipolar swings and my anxiety. I do well managing them now, but there is always room for improvement. Progress towards that goal will include therapy, balancing my medications, and practicing mindfulness more than I do. That will help most with the anxiety piece. I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.

A goal that is very important to me is to continue to support a healthy marriage between my husband and me. This takes progress, but there isn’t a destination in my mind. It is something that takes progress over time. I found an app called “Paired” that we are trying out. (I may do an update piece once we have used it for a length of time.)

An ongoing goal is to get to a healthy weight. Making progress with this is ongoing. I have already changed how I cook for the family. We eat more balanced meals and have just about cut out red meat. We do not drink soda, and we have cut back on sweet snacks. The progress I want to make is more physical activity. That will be easier if we ever get out of this relentless winter we are having.

My last goal for this new year is to write more. With that, I have decided to self-publish a compilation of some of my short stories. Progress in this area involves many things. To get better at time management is progress. I have the time, I just use it poorly and fill it with distractions. Progress also means reading an author whose writing style is something that I can emulate, creating my own style. Progress also means entering Vocal challenges. In short, I need to write more.

If I looked at those goals together, it seems daunting to carry out them all at once. A bit overwhelming. Making steady progress towards the realization of my goals however is an accomplishment. As they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day.

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