Much of my quietness around here these past few weeks has to do with my being keenly aware that 2017 is drawing to a close. This year has been crazy exciting for me, in all the ways that "exciting" can be used: both with happy surprises (like unexpectedly being invited to the Super Bowl, and having my photograph taken by one of my heroes, the amazing Mario Testino), to decidedly unhappy ones (I'm looking at you, Harvey). While overall, I'd have to put 2017 in the "win" column -- there was far more that happened this year to be grateful for than ungrateful -- now looking back at the end of the year, I can't help but feel like so much of what happened was out of my control.

I don't like being out of control, friends. At the very least, I like to feel like I've got my hand on the rudder.

So for the last few weeks, I've been doing a ton of journaling, trying to map out what I'd like 2018 to look like for me and my family. And while I've never been a fan of new year's resolutions, I do love spending the time to reflect on lessons I've learned in the past year, dreaming of what I hope the coming year will hold, establishing a few goals to work toward, and coming up with a word or mantra to help guide me toward those goals.

As I write this, I'm feeling far more sure about 2018 -- in fact, I'm feeling almost excited about it. For the first time, I'm starting to hone in on goals that are related to my quiet activism. I've brainstormed what I want to create for myself for the new year, as well as how I can make light around me, and help make the world a better place. And because I want you to also feel as excited about the possibilities that 2018 might hold for you, I came up with a worksheet of 7 questions to think about, to help you along your way.

click here to download your free make light 2018 worksheet.

Simply grab your favourite warm beverage and a pen, and spend some time thinking about the gifts that 2017 gave you, as well as the gifts you'd like to give yourself for the coming year. Feel free to share any insights you have about the process in the comments, below. And incidentally, if you find this worksheet helpful, be sure to officially become a member of the Chookooloonks community -- I will likely be sharing more free worksheets like this in the coming months, to help keep you grounded and focused on what you're dreaming for yourself, but only in the newsletter. (I promise I won't spam you, and your email address will be safe with me.)

Here's to keeping our hands on the rudder, friends.

Soundtrack: Everybody got their something by Nikki Costa