For most people, there is a time of every year when we get to reset to new and start over. Traditionally around January 1st, America goes on a collective diet with the intention of getting healthy and looking fabulous. Some people do succeed and some people lose all sense of motivation before the valentine cupcakes and redhot candies bounce off food production lines in early February.

Or maybe some work on their relationships with their loved ones and perhaps others intend to work harder to get ahead.

Regardless of intention, I think that introspection is a wonderful thing and the new year is quite conducive to personal, spiritual and professional growth.

And while all those items are on my to-do list, the one thing that I’m planning on accomplishing right off the bat is changing my avatar. Woo, big deal, huh? Well, it kinda is. I chose the one green eye I have used thus far because I needed to spend these past seven months on Xomba observing and learning from the veteran writers. Not that I’ve learned everything I need to know to be successful, but I’ve had the opportunity to read some fantastic work from Xomba writers and to be inspired by their creativity.

So now starts my personal phase two. I searched and searched for an avatar and almost gave up. I was about to resign myself to the Xomba default question mark when I finally found a picture that represented what I wanted to accomplish this year. I’ll let you figure out what I’m trying to say, but it’s a purposeful message to be sure.

And finally, leaving behind my green eye also keeps irvingl2001 off my back. Irving, dude, you can stop sending me those cease and desist letters now. You get to have the eye to yourself, but not until January 1st.

Best wishes to all for a happy, healthy, creative new year!