Each year, I make it my responsibility to write a column describing what my New Year’s Resolution will be. Annually, I ensure that a documented record of my goals and aspirations for the upcoming 365 days is completed – and I promise myself that I will follow through with what I transcribed in my column – and this year – I mean it more than ever.

Over the last few years, I have made many resolutions, from getting some “Worry Wart Remover” to re-establishing contacts with my “ex-whatevers,” whether they be friends, family or otherwise – to “A Peaceful World” following the atrocities of September 11, 2001 – I have made many promises to myself and everyone else – and I think that this year – it is time I keep one.

In 18 days, I turn 33, and for the first time in my life – I feel my age. Not in an aging sense – but in a responsibility one. As each of my past 32 birthdays approached, I have always looked toward them as accomplishments, milestones – even landmarks in the road of life. Now, as I look toward January 24, 2005, I see that more than ever – the time to take the reigns of my life is now.

As it stands at this moment, there are a number of aspects of my existence that need to be completely re-tooled, re-worked – and re-moved. There are some people in my life that either need more attention, a good talking to – or a one way ticket away from me. And there are many things that are missing in my life that need to finally be attained, recovered – and achieved. And if I stick to my guns – I know that I will accomplish all of this and more in 2005.

Among the many things I need to “fix” would be my financial situation, my level of self-confidence – and my lack of certain necessary items that one should not be without at my age – like a car and a savings account. Too long have I lived day by day, week by week – and paycheck to paycheck. For enough years have I allowed drama, negativity and fear to steal my happiness, sleep and attention – and no more will I sit in the back seat of my own vehicle on the road of life while others drive me full speed in the wrong direction.

Now is the time to take control – and that is precisely what I will do – starting today.

Effective immediately, I will regain the control and peace that I once had in my life. I will strive for a return to the time when my days were happy and my nights were peaceful. I will once again enjoy life and all it has to offer, while living life to the fullest. And above all – I will concentrate on the blessings of my life and the positive people in it – rather than the parts of my life that I cannot control and the people that make me lose control. Those positive aspects of my life include new friends I have made, like Pierre, who not only let me stay at his house tonight in order to “reboot” in unfamiliar surroundings – but fed Beavis and personally saw to it that he had enough food and water to last the night while his daddy was away. In addition to new friends, I also have new financial opportunities that have been offered to me, a $266 credit on a now less expensive Delta Airlines that I vowed will take me only somewhere I have never been – like Vegas, California or London. And to my surprise – a lady that I recently met, who in a very short time – has me thinking that this is the year that I may finally find the one thing I have been searching for that has constantly eluded me – true love.

With 2005 already six days behind me, I plan to do all I can to make the next 359 days a springboard toward the remaining days of my life, the start of a long road to happy days and restful nights – and the first good year of the rest of my life.

I can hardly wait.