Cheers to a New Year!

"Cheers to a New Year and another chance to get it right." ~ Oprah

Most of us have done our share of "reflecting" over the last several days...and I join the throngs of people who have resolved not to make a New Year's resolution.  I've listened to people in the media talk about how many people fail to keep their resolutions.  In fact, they say most resolutions are forgotten by June...and a lot disappear within several weeks! (Just check out the parking lot of your local gym now versus the middle to end of the year...that says it all!)

Needless to say, I'm not one to make resolutions because I'm the type of person who, when faced with a need for change, wants to do it then...not wait for a new year to begin on January 1st.  If I need to change my diet, a habit, an attitude, or find the need to exercise...why wait?  There's just no time like the present!

However, I do like to reflect on the previous year and decide what and where I want to go in the next year.  It gives me an opportunity to recognize my achievements and failures, and make sure I am continuing to look for new opportunities to grow and not "settling" or becoming stagnant.

As I balanced the books for C J Collection for 2011 (inventory and sales), I reflected...a lot!  I recalled every piece created, and every piece sold!  (I just love spreadsheets!)  I analyzed the data and tried to guess what 2012 might bring.  I was stumped...not because I don't have some thoughts and dreams for my business.  I was amazed at what 2011 brought my way...some good, some not-so-good...but through it all, I reflected on the blessings that were showered on me.  The year was bittersweet...the bitter was my early retirement...the sweet was the overwhelming response to my designs and creations...and the time I now have to serve my family whenever there is a need!

I do want to "get it right" in 2012, and with a lot of prayer, I hope to smile really big as I reflect again a year from now!  Bring it, 2012...I'm ready...I think!

Happy New Year to all of my family and friends!
Carole