Looking Forward to An Amazing 2013

I’m a few days earlier than what would be considered “normal,” I suppose, but I have been giving a lot of thought to what I’m hoping to accomplish in 2013 over the last few weeks, and tonight, Christmas night, seems like as good a time as any to put my plans out there and see who wants to take a ride with me. When you get the jazz, you must dance, yes? 🙂

Truth be told, I have a few big initiatives I want to get going in 2013, and with a week left in 2012, I figure now is actually the time to start revving my engines. So what ARE these big plans I have? I’m so glad you asked!

The Online Safehouse

A couple of years ago I tried to start something called The Online Safehouse. I created a website, then a Twitter chat, and I think I also may have tried a Facebook page. I didn’t have a very big following yet and I expected everything to catch fire immediately (I was still pretty new to this online space at that point). Now I’m older and slightly wiser with more realistic expectations.

What I am going to start with is a group blog dedicated to a mixture of content. Some will treat difficult topics that are hard to talk about – abuse, eating disorders, all of the fears people are experiencing during these trying times. There will also be content intended to cheer and inspire. I have started a closed group on Facebook with some folks who are interested in helping out, and I will be putting together a rough editorial calendar over the next few days to get us started. I’m hoping to have a launch as close to the first as possible!

If you are interested in being a contributor to this project, let me know!

Homespun Helpers

Back in 2007, a friend and I cofounded a group that at the time was called Crafting for 3000 (I think). The group existed only on Livejournal, and the idea was pretty simple. We would make items for charity, donate and ship them, and we would tally all items made by the group. Our goal that first year was 3,000 as a way to honor how many US soldiers had fallen in Iraq up to that point. We actually exceeded 3,000 items for that year and the year after, which was extremely exciting. However, after trying to move the group to more popular platforms like MySpace, Blogger, and then Facebook, we became thinned out and eventually sort of melted away.

I’d really like to bring Homespun Helpers back in 2013. It is extremely empowering to see your homemade items tallied as part of a group effort to bring sunshine to the world. There are no obligations – you make whatever you can – candles, soap, knitted items, sewn items, whatever you want, and you can donate to whomever you want. All you have to do is take a photo explaining what your items are and where they are going and the items will be counted.

I’ve started a Facebook page for this effort and that will be the core location for the effort. You can find and join that group here.

Hecklers’ Hangout

You are probably already somewhat familiar with this idea. Brian Vickery and I started Hecklers’ Hangout this year in the fall and we have already booked several guests for 2013. We’re really hoping that our platform can become a destination for people who are introducing a new idea, a new book, a new idea, or new technology. We are also loving our growing community and would like to see that continue to grow throughout next year. If you would like to sign up to be a guest or if you would like to just play along, the best place is our Facebook page. We hope to see you there!

Clayman Marketing Communications

My family’s full-service marketing firm, of which I am now Vice President, will of course continue to be the primary focus for me going into 2013. We started a blog and reinvigorated our Facebook page this year, and we are seeing the beginnings of what could be a growing community in both places. Our new name and office location have really given us a shot in the arm, and I think 2013 is going to be an awesome year. To put it another way, I’m psyched!

The magical weight goal

This year I came 19 pounds away from my dream weight. Then I got plantar fasciits, and while I haven’t been weighed lately, I have a feeling I have gotten some of those pounds back. My goal is once again to hit that magic number in 2013. If I can stay uninjured for the whole year (which is a major sub-goal) I am hoping this is one I can cross off my list.

Cooking!

Ever notice that you tend to fall into major cooking ruts? I know I do. I get ingredients I can pick up quickly at the store, I mix ’em up, and boom! Dinner! Well, I’m hoping to make one new recipe (at least) a week in 2013. That should be enough to shake things up a little. Who knows, I might even share my experiments with you!

That’s what I’m going to be up to. Have you thought about 2013 yet? What are you going to be working on, and how can I help?

And hey, if I don’t see you again, Happy New Year!

Image Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mdconnell/5310707803/ via Creative Commons