They say that if you write your goals down and share them with others, you have a better chance of succeeding in achieving them, so here goes.

My lucky number has always been 4. When I got to the retreat center this past weekend, I noticed that I was in group #4 which meant only that I’d spend the first dinner mealtime with others in that same group.

Following that “4” theme, I set down 4 goals for myself that I arrived at, in part, because of all the feedback and sharing that I received during the Politics of the Broken Hearted retreat.

Here they are, and I’m sharing them with you:

1. Following this Joseph Campbell quote, I will take some time (hopefully, an hour) in a quiet place/space each day, removed from what’s in the news and media.

2. I will attend at least one public event in my community each month and look for ways in which I can contribute my service to DC (without over-committing myself, as I usually do).

3. I will learn and practice the principles and practices of the Circle of Trust with my friends, family and other people in my life and not try to “save” them when they come to me for a conversation.

4. I will incorporate “art” into at least 30 minutes of my day (sing songs, write a poem or journal entry, dance, listen to music, read a non-fiction book, paint/collage/doodle).

I’ve already given myself permission not to do these 4 things perfectly, but rather strive for progress, not perfection.

And my new yearly goal will be to find a fall retreat somewhere to attend to re-charge my batteries for the year ahead.