Thanks Thought Catalog for providing another must-read list. As we move closer to 2014 most of us are starting to think about what we’re going to do differently this time around the block. The post “24 Rules for Being A Human Being in 2014” just might provide some desired guidance.

I decided to do a little self assessment to see which of these areas I want to concentrate on for the year 2014. I think I’d totally set myself up for failure if I vowed to work on all 24 items.

Here are my 6 Focus Rules:
1. Learn to be okay with not being okay.
5. Realize that perspective determines everything.
9. Be radically, sincerely honest. Be shocked at how deeply you can connect with people when you are.
17. Understand that letting go and moving on means very humbly and slowly gesturing in the direction of which you’d like to reach.
22. Stop shaming yourself for doing things that are perfectly, normally human, but happen to be deemed imperfect in society.
24. Reach out to people, open your heart, and watch how eagerly they jump in and do the same.

My true test for a few of these will be my trip home to VA tomorrow. Living away from home often leads me to not share the reality of my life until I absolutely have to do so. I just don’t want my family to worry. Usually, my life isn’t this topsy turvy. I promise, I’m pretty steady, but the last 6 months have really thrown me for a loop.

All of these rules involve getting in touch with my feelings. I haven’t always been a “feeler” or at least that’s what I’ve tricked myself into believing BUT let’s be honest, I have a big heart that I’ve constructed a wall around and the “older” I get the weaker the wall becomes. Ick! I guess I could rebuild the wall but then I might as well purchase that cat and get a hysterectomy while I’m at it.

2014 can only be better if I decide I want it to be better. Decisions need to be made and I’m the only one that can make them. Exhale!

Later Y’all. Merry Christmas. Happy Holidays.