A Life Review For Starting 2025

Vocal has asked us to write about any 2025 New Year’s resolutions on creative projects we plan to work on. I don’t make New Year's resolutions. I haven’t made one in over thirty years, so I won't lie and say I set any for myself this year. However, instead of resolutions, I look at what is happening in my life throughout the year and see what needs changing- taking stock now and then to see where I need to improve or in what direction I’d like to see myself headed.

I thought with this New Year, I’d do a personal Q&A to help center myself and give guidance for the upcoming year. Mother Combs

Q: What matters most to me in my life?

A: My relationship with Creator God. My recovery. Self-care. Family and friends.

Q: I feel my best when I am…?

A: Rested. Laughing with my husband. Spending time with our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Hanging out with friends. I feel my best when the sun is shining.

Q: The one thing I’d like to learn more about this year is…?

A: Because of the grant I am working on, it will be important to learn more about Publishing a book. Publishers, Publishing agents this year.

Q: Who has had the greatest impact on my life?

A: Giizhaymanido/Creator/God. Education. My mother, aunties, my friends and enemies.

Q: What relaxes me when I’m feeling stressed?

A: Breathing. Reiki. Art. Meditation. Writing. A cup of herbal tea.

Q: What makes me proud of my work?

A: Getting unexpected compliments, from sources I admire.

Q: I enjoy my own company because…?

A: I get re-energized when I have time alone with me. There is no chance of having anyone to argue with or defend against. Most of the time, I prefer to have someone to talk to and spend time laughing with.

I can read and write without interruptions. I can cook what I want to eat. Hubby and kids are fussy.

Q: What are my top five personal values?

A: Love, Truth, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility, and Wisdom - Anishinabe Seven Grandfathers. (In English this is closest to them in the Ojibwe language)

Q: Which is worse: failing or never trying?

A: Never trying things I am too old to try as I am out of shape to be trying young persons things is okay. Jumping out of an airplane - even if I'm strapped to the back of a hunky young guy. My heart may not take it.

Failing is okay - writing the book from the grant this year I can fail and that would be okay, as I will do my best to make it work, and I know that about me.

Q: When did I last step out of my comfort zone?

A: Every time I get up to speak for training. It is less so now, but there is still some jitters. I was told years ago in a speech class that I should think of that as excitement, rather than fear. That helps. Saying a prayer prior helps.

And then I have used picturing others in their underwear. This will have me laughing when I get up there and look around sometimes when I remember to do that, but it is not always appropriate. (That was suggested too in speech class)

Finally, there is admitting I am nervous. And having someone offer me a smudge or smudging prior is helpful too.

Bonus:

Q: What’s one thing I want to make happen for Vocal in the next year?

A: I said if I get 3 top stories in a month, I would write a book to publish. I did get 3 top stories in September 2024. I am writing a book this year. It helps to have a goal. That is mine. I'm not sure of one thing I can make happen for Vocal?? I will have to get back to you on this one.

Q: What’s one thing I want to make happen in the next year for myself?

A: Finish the book made possible by the grant I applied for and recieved.

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