What's your 2023 New Year's resolution?

I had to update my resolution at the last minute, but I will be successfully complete the treatment for colorectal cancer and be more present with my wife and children as we welcome a new addition to our family, while I simultaneously work to complete my master's degree!

Over the past couple of years I have spent a lot of time volunteering and working with our local American Legion Post. While I really enjoy helping other veterans, I realized that I have neglected my family and more importantly myself. This year, I aim to focus on my own health both physically and mentally. While my heart says, "you can do it" I have realized that I cannot solve all of the worlds (at least my small portion of it) problems. Spreading myself too thin between work and volunteer time left little time for my family and myself. Much of the same as when I was active duty and my family and myself had to come second to the Sailors I was responsible for. I'm not trying to be selfish but, if I want to continue to work and volunteer, I need to take some time to make sure I will be here for the long run.

I usually don't make New Year Resolutions, but I'm on a mission to find a new job in a new city preferably one with the VA or working with fellow veterans. I've been in my small town way to long and it is no longer looking like the town I grew up in and 120 plus degree weather in the summer is getting to be a little to much! I need to be somewhere cooler as I move closer to retirement age.

Make self-care a priority!

My new years resolution is to get comfortable with steady and predictable. As a recently transitioned service member, the adjustment to civilian life has been difficult. But it's been the unexpected and quiet ways that have been the most disconcerting. From having a whole echelon of people who care about your well-being, check in on you, ensure that your needs are met so you can be at your best to really fending for yourself and family. It's a change that isn't often articulated, but is life changing nonetheless. I'll have to adjust to not needing my phone next to the bed, predictable days, and a loss of common shared purpose with the humans I see on a daily basis. Wish me luck!

Be better and do better

Become more self-motivated thru courage, financial security, planning, trust in God, better health choices, self-confidence and less worry.

To do better than I did last year

To stop being homeless.

To deliver my baby successfully and finish my degree in computer science this 2023 year