It’s funny how the holiday season brings more than just family from out of town. It ushers in the allowed time for forward thinking. It’s the season of the “clean slate”, defined by resolve and dedication birthed out of weakness and lack of focus for the previous 12 months.

Keeping pace with this theme, I have taken a resolute stance on tackling some self imposed negative habits. Now don’t let my words mislead you. I haven’t picked up a drug habit or suddenly started keeping a flask in my desk. Instead, I have allowed routine and comfort to replace my hunger for achievement and creative outlets. In short, I’ve gotten away from things I know I should be doing and replaced them with sedentary activity that has been less than stimulating.

Thirty seconds would be all I would need to rattle off a list of excuses about why I have been less than driven lately. I could easily tell you that it’s starting to get cold outside, that it gets darker earlier, my work hours are ridiculous or that my wife is pregnant (the later I must admit I have used when it comes to my sudden desire to eat any time Felicia does). Excuses aside, I know what my theme for 2008 will have to be for me to achieve growth as a person and a member of nuclear family (side note: I love the obscure concept of the nuclear family. What on Earth is that?)

DISCIPLINE!

That’s right! A shot of self administered determination to remain disciplined in all aspects of my life. A patch on my arm or a pack of gum won’t help me break my addiction to normalcy. But what WILL it take?

It’s interesting that I’ve chosen discipline as a resolution for the new year because of all of the thoughts I have had lately about fatherhood.

TO BE CONTINUED…