Like you, I often wonder if it is worth the time and trouble to make any New Years’ Resolutions. There are lots of things I would like to do but as the years slip by it is pretty obvious that I am going to run out of time before I run out of cool things to do. I’m not getting any younger and hiking the Appalachian Trail ain’t getting any easier either! I suppose I could try and lose a few pounds, run another 5K, eat healthier, (I probably won’t try another let-my-hair-grow-long stunt), vow to be more patient and nicer to those around me, and such things. Recently though, I have been thinking about maybe combining a few resolutions with a few of my B.H.A.G.’s (Big Hairy Audacious Goals) and see what happens. Who knows, maybe a few of them will get some traction and a year from now I may be able to look back and realize that things around me are a bit better for everyone. I would like to share a few of them with you and see what you think. Keep in mind, there is a big difference between a B.H.A.G. and a STTD (Simple Thing To Do).

Just think…
What if…Mt Juliet became known as the first 100% Handicap Accessible City in America?
What if…Mt Juliet led the way in preparing for totally electric cars and got out in front of the pack by being prepared to put in car chargers at local meeting places, public areas, and even began removing barriers for those who want a charger in their garage?
What if…We could someday walk or bike on a nice trail all along both Cedar Creek and Stoner Creek?
What if…We found a way to secure the services of a “Chamber Trolley” to take visitors who arrived by train to various shopping locations in Mt Juliet? (I realize they aren’t here yet…but if we had a way for them to get around once they got here then maybe they WOULD come?)

What if…Everyone traveling on MJ Road during the construction slowed down just a little to let the person pulling out into traffic enter the road without fearing for their safety?
What if we all agreed that a new High School for our neighbors in Lebanon really is a benefit to all of Wilson County and we all worked together to make it a reality in 2010?
What if…we all crossed our fingers and wished for 78 Degrees and Sunshine with a gentle breeze blowing in from the lake at Nashville Shores on May 15th for our 7th Annual “A Toast to Tennessee” Wine Festival? (BTW…Tickets are already available online).
What if…We had our very own BIG Red Fire
Truck with a tall ladder and some fire hoses?

Obviously, with only 365 days to get it all done it is going to be a very daunting task. Will it all be done a year from now; most likely not.

What it they are only three-fourths or even halfway done though? What if we at least got started? I happen to think that some of these are pretty important and are worth our time, energy, and resources. Too much to try and accomplish…I don’t think so. The citizens of our community recently had a chance to meet and hear him speak, we had a chance to see him in the parade, and read about him in the Newspaper. That’s right, a local boy who dreamed big just returned from outer space as Commander of the Space Shuttle. Try telling him you can’t reach the stars…he’ll tell you very differently; talk about a B.H.A.G! Come on…Handicap Accessibility, Car Chargers, Walking Trails, A Trolley, A little kindness to other drivers, A New School House, A Nice Sunny Day in May, and New Ladder Truck…after all, they sure aren’t Rocket Science.  
   
Happy New Year, Mark