Here comes the New Year!

 
Once the wrapping paper mess from Christmas is cleaned up, the focus shifts from the birth of Christ to New Year's Day and the dreaded New Year's resolutions.  In the same breath as "Happy New Year!" you're bound to be asked if you have any plans for the New Year.  Do you make resolutions? What are they?

I could go on and on about how I want to lose 10 lbs, save money, get more organized, eat better.  There are even articles that tell you how to make realistic New Year's resolutions. Since when have I followed the norm?  Why should I make the typical resolution when I can do something more?  Something that not only helps me, but the whole diabetes community in general.


I have decided that 2012 is going to be my advocacy year.  A year where I get my hands dirty in the mess of what it means to be an advocate for a cause.  I have started on a small scale, but I want others to know where I stand.  I haven't decided yet what exact direction I will be headed, but I do know that I want to make a big splash. I want to educate others, raise awareness, raise funds, and help find a cure.  I want to help supply medical equipment and medications to those who can't afford it. I want to educate the newly diagnosed. I want to help prevent unnecessary complications. I want to make a difference!


Finding someone to join me on this journey is both easy and difficult at the same time. Asking someone for help is the hard part.  There are bound to be plenty of people willing to help, if someone would just ask. Over the next few days, I hope to start a plan of action. I need to figure out what I am called to do. I need to start off small, not to jump in too fast, as not to get overwhelmed and burn out. 


What's going to change in 2012? I'm not going to just sit back with a passive approach to diabetes advocacy and awareness. I am going to work harder to get the message out. I am going to work harder at raising funds. I am going to work harder at being a true advocate. What is going to be awesome about 2012? Everything!


This post is part of the blog carnival on expectations for 2012 at ChronicBabe.com