Make sure you have life resources

By Carol Daniel

ST. LOUIS -- It's a new year, and I'm about to go into a meeting with my news director about my professional and personal goals. Management at the "Mighty Mox" has quarterly meetings that include goal setting for department heads, and contract time usually includes a conversation about where one has been and where one needs or wants to go. Goal setting for employees is rather new. Even so, I'm looking forward to my one-on-one.

It's perfect timing when you think about it. After all, it's a new year and time to look backward and forward and plan accordingly. Studies show that most people don't make those things called resolutions, and I have to admit I'm one of them. Resolution making seems to be something most do not take seriously. It's just another media-driven catch phrase. So why do it? Here's why:

Who among you doesn't want to see a change in your life? I know I do. But making that change, whether it be to stop smoking or to stop spending without regard takes serious thought, planning and time. That's a scary combination. I mean, what if you fail? What if you say you're going to eat less and you wind up gaining 10 pounds instead? Doesn't that make you a failure? And failures never get anywhere in life.

That's harsh talk, isn't it? But that's what we say to ourselves when we fail even those simple goals. We are a hard bunch on ourselves.

However, this year I am going to leave the talk of failure behind and embrace the possibility that I just might be able to live up to a promise I make to myself.

And, yes, dear readers. Like the majority of Americans, I do want to lose weight. So here's to Equal sweetener, more water and regular trips to the YMCA. In addition to getting in physical shape, I want to get my soul in shape.

A wise woman once told me to make sure my life had resources. What did she mean? She meant church, friends and family -- the things we really need to satisfy ourselves when new shoes, jobs and dining out won't really do it.

In St. Louis, I am blessed to know some dynamic folks. I plan to let them know how much they mean to me by communicating a message of faith, hope and love to them.

You see, it's not enough to just go to work every day and go home. We have to enrich our lives and the lives of those around us. Sharon Stevens, Adella Jones and Valerie Patton are three friends whom I consider mentors. They are also women I don't talk to enough. That's going to change. It has to change if I'm going to live the life I envision for myself.

So what life do you envision for yourself? Are you working out, reading more, losing weight, settling into a new job, starting a business, buying your first home, getting married, having children or just forgiving someone who hurt you long ago? Whatever that vision includes, I'm right behind you trying to achieve mine.

You are not alone.

This column is dedicated to the memory of Greg Freeman, who always saw the glass half full.

Carol (Keeler) Daniel, formerly of KZIM radio in Cape Girardeau, is an award-winning broadcaster at KMOX radio in St. Louis and a columnist for the St. Louis American.