Sometimes, in order to know where you’re going, you need to take a look back at where you’ve been. By the same token, it’s not good to dwell too much on the past — it’ll bite you hard, if you let it. The trick is, to take stock and the lessons learned, and hopefully apply them in the challenging times ahead.

This week between Christmas and New Year’s is a strange one, for me. My brain feels like it’s floating in limbo, I can’t remember what day it is, and it feels like free-fall. Maybe my choice of reading material (“World War Z – An Oral History of the Zombie War” by Max Brooks) or my movie viewing (“Children of the Corn”) has something to do with it – heh!

At any rate, I think I’ll use this time between years to take inventory and get a little more organized. Rest up, because the coming year will present a lot of challenges for all of us. The publishing business is changing rapidly; the economy is in the toilet and in spite of the Hope of Obama, it’s likely to get worse before it gets better. Job markets are shifting, and one of the most valuable skills to have right now is the ability to adapt.

I preach all the time — Put not all ye eggs in one basket, and keep thy basket full…and that holds more true in the days to come than anything else. I plan on thinking outside the box, keeping my options open, and working as hard as I can. Providing a quality product; meeting all deadlines; keeping up with egg-hunting and basket-filling.

I have learned in the last year I am stronger than I thought. I am better than I believed. I have learned that all the worry in the world does nothing more than make you sick — it definitely doesn’t change the inevitable. (Doesn’t mean I won’t worry, just hopefully I won’t worry as much. What can I say, sometimes I’m a slow learner. Heh.)

I don’t make resolutions because…well, I was never good at that kind of thing. But, I can look forward, and I can hope. Believe me, friends and neighbors, that’s a major accomplishment after the beating of last year.

I’m going to work smarter and harder.

I’m going to read more and become more educated.

I’m going to share what I know with as many people that want to hear it.

I’m going to become more organized. (Suggestions welcome.)

I’m going to eat more cookies.

What are YOU going to do?